Today I started my 2004 LS430 with 20,000 miles after it sat for about 4 days. Upon startup, there was a loud noise from the drivetrain. This lasted for as long as the car sat before moving....not just a momentary noise but extended and continuous. As I shifted into gear and the engine "got going", the noise went away.

This happened last month also after sitting for a few days without use. Kinda scary. But once the car got going, the noise went away (like it did last month) and did not come back, even after shut down and restart sometime later. It did seem that as soon as I shifted into "D", it started to abate right away and was fully gone quickly thereafter. Think this is related to the tranny recall (that I already had done)?

 

Could you describe the "loud noise"? I have had lots of noises but not sure which one may be like yours.

In my other 99 LS, I would occassionally, but rarely, start it up after a few days of sitting and get a loud "banging" noise that was rhythmic like it was coming from the cam/rocker area. It stopped once I started driving, just like you mention. My first guess is startup oil starvation, but Lexus won't agree with this. I caught it on video once. Lexus hated that becasue now I had proof. They were REALLY good about trying to get it to happen again so they could fix it. Kept the car for a MONTH! I got to drive a new RX the whole time. That is Sewell service for you- top notch!

Please provide details.

 

Yes, that is what it sounds like. Exactly. Your video thing is a good idea too. If this happens again, I will let the car sit for a few days then attempt to capture it on video as per your idea. The good news is that the vehicle is only 18 months old so there is plenty of time left on the powertrain warranty.

 

Don't bother waiting. Shut the car off immediately and go get your camera quick. It should do it again when you start it up. Once it's documented, they will cover it until the car falls apart. That's one of the things that impressed me about Lexus.

If you want to have LEXUS look up my vehicle record to see what they did or didn't find, or to prove that it is a TRUE problem with their vehicles- let me know and I will email you my VIN.

I would be VERY interested to hear about anyone else that has heard this problem?

 

Can you send me a private message and I can respond with my Email address?

 

I PM'ed you with my email.

Later-