Recently got a 2013 LS 460 AWD. A weird sound happens every cold start (leaving the engine off a night). It is very smooth to start the engine when the engine is warm.

The battery is checked before I bought it and shows some codes, and I think that's because the car is not be driven for a long time. Double checked the codes a week ago, but there was no any codes.

The video link is below:


Did anyone also encounter this, and thanks for your help!

Sky

 

For the first few seconds or so it sounds pretty deep like a rod or piston slap, I've never heard a chain tensioner have that tone.

I hope I'm wrong.

 

How many miles? What oil are you using?

 

Thanks for your reply Gerf. If so, is it a really serious problem with the engine? I just got this car 10 days, and I don't have much mechanic knowledge. The engine runs normally after the engine warms up, but it seems like the engine has less power when it is cold. Thank you.

 

It's about 114000 miles, and actually I have no idea what oil they used lol. The car had maintenance before I bought it, and next maintenance should be around 118000 miles. It is a very good condition one owner car, with the full service history at Lexus dealer.

 

That's an odd sound, doesn't sound like chain slap to me but it's hard to tell via video

 

Check oil level and its condition. If it smells burned, too dark or smells like gas, replace it.

 

Maybe you should just drive it for awhile and see if anything changes, shortly after most people buy a car they start noticing things that weren't noticed on the test drive.
Did you buy any warranty with the car? There are a few reasons it might seem to have more power after it warms up but you can always talk to the dealer about your concerns...if you bought it from a Lexus dealer.

 

I agree with this.

On occasion I've heard similar from my car. As others stated, just make sure your oil is good and up to level.

(The emoji is just for fun, no offense to Gerf, otherwise I'd be calling myself stupid )

 

What did the mechanic tell you when you got a prepurchase inspection? Did it make this sound from day one or when did it start? It's normal for this engine to be a bit noisy and idle higher the first 30-60 seconds after a cold start. Hard to tell from audio sound. Not time to panic yet.

 

Unfortunately no warranty... When I tested drive the car, the engine is warm and shows no problem... The engine started smoothly and no any problems. And I asked some guys and they said sometimes it's normal. But I am considering changing the oil, though the next maintenance mileage is 118000.

 

The inspector said the engine runs with no problems, and I guess probably the dealer warms up the engine before the inspector came... I've asked for some guys and they said no panic. I think you are right.

 

Good to know, thank you. I also asked some guys and they said no panic.

 

I wouldn't consider changing the oil without pulling the dipstick and checking level and appearance first. Not being rude, but it sounds like you're panicking prematurely. Take a deep breath. It's nice that you're here asking but you really should take it to an Indy shop that knows Japanese vehicles, Toyota or Lexus Service for an in person inspection on Monday. The $150 you spend will bring you an accurate opinion and likely peace of mind. If there's a serious issue, the car's computers will generator error codes that can be read by mechanic. But you said a mechanic already checked it before purchase. It's standard to check for codes at that time.

 

I hear a bottom end slight rod rumble and then mostly top end noise from the valve train and injectors.
Mine makes that rod rumble at cold start too, 108000 miles. I don't like it and that is not a normal sound by any means. I run 5w30 full synthetic all the time. It quieted it down from the 0w20 it had. With higher miles its often better to use an oil a bit more heavy. And 5w30 is not excessive by any means.
My old truck did that and it got progressively worse as the miles piled on. Eventually I convinced myself to replace the rod bearings and oil pump and drove it another hundred thousand miles with no noise. At some point I see myself doing the same on this engine as well.
With that going on I would not use 0W anything oil. Too thin and will make it worse. Stick with a 5W oil either 20 or 30 weight.
The manual says 5W20 or 0W20. Unless you live where the temps are commonly below zero, 0W20 is not necessary.
Its such a slight issue now I wouldn't worry about it. I'm in the same situation and not concerned right now.
Enjoy the new ride experience.