Two specific issues
#1
Two specific issues
First off, I want to always thank everyone on this forum. Since joining, I have learned so much about my SC400 and cars in general.
I have a 96 SC400 with just over 60k miles. It has been dealer maintained since day one. I have been the second owner of the vehicle for the past three months. I love the car. It is amazing.
Two specific questions:
(1) After turning off and exiting my car, I have always noticed a metallic creaking or cracking noise coming from under the car. It is a slight noise, barely audible from 15 feet away from the car. It is by no means a shocking or alarming sound. After getting on my hands and knees in the garage yesterday, I noticed that the sound appeared to be coming from the exhaust system somewhere between the exhaust headers and the first pair of mufflers. It sounds to me as if the exhaust pipe is being cold shocked because of the temperature difference between the inside of the pipe and the outside air. However, I have heard this creaking noise in both 70- and 15-degree weather. Does anyone have any ideas as to what may be causing this sound? Is this type of sound common? Is this expected from a 10 year old exhaust system? Is there a fix for this?
(2) Since I was driving home tonight amidst our first ice storm of the year, I decided to test out the ABS once I made it into the housing edition and the roads were straight and clear. The ABS was amazing, but I noticed that the headlights dimmed once the ABS was engaged, returning to normal once disengaged. I assume this means there is not enough current flowing through my OEM battery (Dated Aug 2002) to supply sufficient power to both the ABS system and the headlights. Is this normal? Is this to be expected from a 4+ year old Lexus battery? Is there a quick fix? Are there other car batteries that capacitate better charge flow throughout the car's electrical system?
I appreciate any help that can be offered. Due to the nature of both items, I am not alarmed by either. However, I do not want to ignore something that may end up becoming a serious issue nor do I want to be uncertain as to what is involved with each problem.
Thanks-
Blizzy
I have a 96 SC400 with just over 60k miles. It has been dealer maintained since day one. I have been the second owner of the vehicle for the past three months. I love the car. It is amazing.
Two specific questions:
(1) After turning off and exiting my car, I have always noticed a metallic creaking or cracking noise coming from under the car. It is a slight noise, barely audible from 15 feet away from the car. It is by no means a shocking or alarming sound. After getting on my hands and knees in the garage yesterday, I noticed that the sound appeared to be coming from the exhaust system somewhere between the exhaust headers and the first pair of mufflers. It sounds to me as if the exhaust pipe is being cold shocked because of the temperature difference between the inside of the pipe and the outside air. However, I have heard this creaking noise in both 70- and 15-degree weather. Does anyone have any ideas as to what may be causing this sound? Is this type of sound common? Is this expected from a 10 year old exhaust system? Is there a fix for this?
(2) Since I was driving home tonight amidst our first ice storm of the year, I decided to test out the ABS once I made it into the housing edition and the roads were straight and clear. The ABS was amazing, but I noticed that the headlights dimmed once the ABS was engaged, returning to normal once disengaged. I assume this means there is not enough current flowing through my OEM battery (Dated Aug 2002) to supply sufficient power to both the ABS system and the headlights. Is this normal? Is this to be expected from a 4+ year old Lexus battery? Is there a quick fix? Are there other car batteries that capacitate better charge flow throughout the car's electrical system?
I appreciate any help that can be offered. Due to the nature of both items, I am not alarmed by either. However, I do not want to ignore something that may end up becoming a serious issue nor do I want to be uncertain as to what is involved with each problem.
Thanks-
Blizzy
#3
Zombie Slayer
The exhaust "popping" is normal and is even mentioned in the owners manual.
As for the headlights. I don't think it's normal to have the headlights dim. I don't recall ever seeing mine dim, but to be honest I haven't paid much attention to that. I'll have to check.
Bring your battery to a Pep Boys for a free test. Also, there could be a bad ground somewhere.
As for the headlights. I don't think it's normal to have the headlights dim. I don't recall ever seeing mine dim, but to be honest I haven't paid much attention to that. I'll have to check.
Bring your battery to a Pep Boys for a free test. Also, there could be a bad ground somewhere.
#5
The exhaust "popping" is normal and is even mentioned in the owners manual.
As for the headlights. I don't think it's normal to have the headlights dim. I don't recall ever seeing mine dim, but to be honest I haven't paid much attention to that. I'll have to check.
Bring your battery to a Pep Boys for a free test. Also, there could be a bad ground somewhere.
As for the headlights. I don't think it's normal to have the headlights dim. I don't recall ever seeing mine dim, but to be honest I haven't paid much attention to that. I'll have to check.
Bring your battery to a Pep Boys for a free test. Also, there could be a bad ground somewhere.
I will head to Pep Boys have them test me out. I am hopeful the lights dimming slightly was simply a product of the ABS needing so damn much power. But, I am much better safe than sorry with the temps in the teens by the time the sun goes down.
ps. I am planning the OLT Headlight DIY this weekend. I think that should help my lighting the road. I have condensation all over the place in there.
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