SpamLite

Started hearing a wired vibrating noise in the middle engine area when the AC is on for a long time and accelerating. When the AC is off the noise can not be replicated.
Started hearing it now because it is hot now and we never ran the AC for a long time before.
Anyone else hearing this?
Going to take it in soon, wish me luck.

j4ydubs

Our 330 was just in for a simular problem. There's a TSR for it. They had to order parts, so I need to take it back to get it fixed.

John

SpamLite

I'll tell them there is a TSR on it (what ever that means)...
Can you find out what the TSR # is?

Thanks again.

SpamLite

Well, I finally took my RX330 into the shop.
There is a TSR on this issue.
-Low noise from AC around 1000 ~ 1400 rpm. Do to an vibrating AC return hose.

They were able to reproduce the issue and was willing to fix it but they received a notice from Lexus HQ that the current TSR did not fix the issue 100%. The service dept told me to call back in a few months to check on the updated TSR. They will fix it then.

ryca9799

I took my RX 330 in for the TSIB for the air conditioner vibration and as Lexus mentioned, it did not fix the problem. The head mechanic called their tech line and found out a better fix. They replaced the bolt at the bottom of the high pressure AC hose with a washer or a non conducting bolt (I'm not exactly sure). It totally fixed the problem. Although I can not give you the exact specifics, your Lexus service department should be able to call their tech line and find a fix before a TSIB is reissued. It is apparently a common problem. For me it was very annoying and I could not wait for several months for a revised TSIB

kevinclee

Can you please share how this can be reproduce? I want to check if my car has the same problem. What is the TSIB #?

ryca9799

The best way to reproduce the noise is to use the A/C for a short period of time. Put the car in neutral and gently rev the engine until the RPMs are between 1100 and 1400. You will hear a vibration noise. I heard it on the loaner car they gave me but it was not nearly as loud as my car. Once you go above that RPM you will not hear it anymore. I do not have the TSIB # with me but it really doesn't matter because as mentioned above the current Lexus fix does not work.

kevinclee

Thank you for the reproduced steps. I'll try it on my car to see if I can hear the vibration noise. So where are you when you hear the noise? From inside? Do you need to opent the engine hood?

ryca9799

You will hear a whining sound from inside the car. I never tried it with the hood up. Trust me, you will know it when you hear it. Let me know if your car has the problem.

rxdriver

The TSIB # referenced eariler is AC002-04, dated May 5, 2004.
Not surprised that it doesn't have much effect... all it says to do is replace a protective cover on one of the A/C hoses.