I have a 2003 LS430. When I start the car, I hear a grinding sound. (Similar to the sound the starter makes when you accidently try to start it when it is already running). This happens intermittently and is usually worse when the car is cold. It happends both when you turn the ignition to the ACC position and then again when you release the key after the engine starts.

I've had the dealer look at it, but they say they can't get the same problem when they start the vehicle. They don't want to try and replace things until their sure what the problem is.

I'm going in for regular service in the next couple of days. Has anyone heard of something like this and can offer any advice for when I take the car in.

Thanks

 

Welcome to CL.
You may need to leave the car overnight at the dealership to duplicate the problem. You may need to tell them the condition when it happened, cold(over night parking), in the garage or outside, and the noise. The more details you can provide is the better for them.
Sometimes the little thing like, the car is park uphill, e-brake on, etc,...can help to determine the problem. When they trying to duplicate the problem of your car in the shop. It's may not in the same conditions as the car is in your garage.

 

Thanks for the help. I'm hoping to get it fixed soon.