jwadhwa

Has anyone had a similar problem or know how to fix a distinct high pitch whining noise when I turn on my SUV (80 K) in cold weather. I think it has something to do with the air compressor but not sure.

My research so far has indicated that I should apply WD-40 to the idler pulley, which I did, but the noise is still there.

The noise lasts for about 25 secs and then goes away. It is more high pitch if the AC button is on the 'on' setting, but doesn't completely go away if I turn off the AC.

Please help/advise if possible.

Thanks,

JJ

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

Honestly... I would not even worry about it...
Let's see here, my family has/used to have 4 cars with the 1MZ-FE:

1997 Avalon
2000 Avalon
2001 ES300
2002 Sienna

When parked outside in the winter, they all have that noise you are talking about.The colder it gets, the worse the sound got. Parking the car in the garage helps a lot and seems to cure the issue. Just warm it up, from my experience the noise is gone 10-20 seconds after startup, so I never paid any attention to it.

I know that's not being very helpful, but I never really considered it to be an issue? If there is a solution I'd like to know as well...

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

^^Coincidentally those all [less the Sienna] shared the same 1MZ powerplant.

I have the same sometimes with my 2001 ES300 [118k on it].

davidyal

I have a similar noise, and it seems to be the Accessory belt. I decided not to bother with it, since the noise usually means it is getting worn (but according to a Lexus tech not in danger of breaking)

defo

iTrader: (6)

I would agree that the belt needs to be replaced.....you can probably tighten the belt a little bit to get you by for a while....but you should replace it.

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

The Sienna's engine is the same.... maybe a different tranny idk but definitely same engine lol...

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

Check the accessory belts first - spray some water on them - if the noise goes away, it's probably the belts - tighten or replace them. If it doesn't, it's most likely the idler/tensioner pulleys on the timing belt.

Australian

The problem is definitely your belts your pulley's either need tightening or your alternator or your belts need replacing altogether. Many cars have this problem and when they warm up they stop slipping as the rubber heats up and gain friction but it is a sign they are wearing out after a while they slip all the time or break in many cars they effect the engine temperature because the fan doesn't keep up.

Gx470Rx300

i had the same problem, and it was bad when it got down into the single digits, but its fine now