diverchris

Hello,
Today was the first time I was in my RX without the radio since I bought it. I have a 2011 RX CPO with 65000kms on the odometer.
When the vehicle is idling there is a tick-tick noise coming from the engine area that does not go away. I initially thought this noise was due to it being 0 Degree C but the noise continued for the duration of my 45 minute drive.
Later in the day the noise was consistent was did not silence.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated,
Chris

novaman

A small stone in the tire!!!!

novaman

Clutchless

Could just be normal engine noise that you noticed for the first time because the radio was off. Check the oil level, maybe get it changed and see what happens. These are hard to diagnose via the internet. A mechanic needs to hear it while placing his head close to the motor, possible with an automotive stethoscope. It could be a bad idler pulley bearing or sticky valve lifter, or perfectly normal!

diverchris

Clutches,
Thank you for your input. I have an appointment on Monday to have Winter tires installed
Chris

Clutchless

Is the noise only when moving or do you hear it when idling at a traffic signal? Some tires get a lot noisier as they wear out.

diverchris

Idling as when I hear it
Chris

MDames2

iTrader: (1)

It's normal to hear this while the engine is cold. But it should disappear once the engine warms up. This is my experience with these engines.

UCSB

Why not just open the hood and take off any of the decorative trim and look and see where the noise is located? You might notice it coming off one of the belts on the engine.

diverchris

Since I was at the dealership today I asked about the noise; I was told the noise was normal so i at inside of a RX and a highlander and I heard the same noise.
I guess I was accustomed to the louder RX330 with the dual exhaust.

Clutchless

It appears, although you did not state so explicitly, that this is a new vehicle to you. You always have to adjust to the new normal noises of a new vehicle. They sound strange because you are used to the old normal noises of your old vehicle. In a few weeks you will not notice them any longer.

diverchris

Clutches, you are correct its relatively new to me. I guess the quietness of the new RX without the radio on caused me a little concern.

diverchris

So I had the RX in or a scheduled oil change today, I supplied Mobile 1 0W20 oil, as I usually do at the dealership. Once the oil was changed the ticking noise I had previous has disappeared, the weather is much cooler now than before when the ticking noise started.
Now I'm wondering, my first oil change was complimentary from dealership, they supplied all of the oil and I'm assuming they used Toyota 0W20.

Any thoughts,
Chris

Clutchless

An engine is often quieter with fresh oil. It is more robust, less contaminated, has stronger viscosity and the additive pack is all present. Your old oil was worn out, protected less, had less viscosity due to wear and additive depletion, thus your engine was louder. FYI, Toyota 0w20 is made for them by Exxon/Mobil and is basically Mobil 1 on steroids to meet Toyota specifications. The folks at www.bobistheoilguy.com who get oil analyses done and examine the chemistry etc, think it is better than Mobil 1. Having said that, I still prefer to change mine at 7,000 mile or once a year, not the 10,000 mile Lexus/Toyota recommendation.

diverchris

Clutchless,
Thanks for getting back to me, I change my oil at 8000km/5000 mi per Lexus Canada. So based on the change interval for oil any other ideas?
Chris

Clutchless

Nope, but I am surprised Canada has a 5,000 oil change interval while the US has a 10,000 oil change interval. Are you sure that is what the owners manual states or are you basing it on the dash warning light which is still set to 5,000 miles by Lexus so you will take it to the dealer more often so they make more money.