Loud buzzing sound from engine

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 23, 2003 | 06:02 PM

toyo

Thread Starter

Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 289

Likes: 9

From: Georgia

LOus buzzing sound from engine

Could someone please help me. I have an 01. Last night I was in my garage inputing an address into Gps . I had on just the ignition switch in the on position. Everything was off, even the lights. There was a very loud buzzing sound coming from the engine compartment. I popped the hood, it was coming from very low, down by the transmission. Could someone please confirm if this is normal or what. Thanks in advance.

Feb 23, 2003 | 06:33 PM

Daddy-O

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 2,441

Likes: 3

From: North Cackalacky

My 2002 buzzes from the same location with the key
in the on position, but I would not describe it as loud.
It's rather a low buzz that I barely notice, even when
crawling around under the car.

I don't know if it's normal, or why it happens.

Anyone else?

Feb 23, 2003 | 07:21 PM

MarvinCNG

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

From: CA

HID Lights ?

Since you mention 'GPS' - I assume you have the Nav system, and therefore the HID lights (part of the same package).

I have heard the same noise - I think its the high-voltage component of the HID lights. This is down below the headlights.

Feb 23, 2003 | 07:30 PM

Daddy-O

Lexus Champion

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 2,441

Likes: 3

From: North Cackalacky

I don't have NAV, but I do have aftermarket HID.

I'll listen to my ballasts and igniters.

Feb 23, 2003 | 09:59 PM

salimshah

CL Community Team

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 16,595

Likes: 1,400

From: Austin, TX

Very generalized answer ...

Once the ignition switch is in "ON" practically the vehicle is alive (other than the starter turning and engine driven mechanical parts). In this position all actuators, electrical pumps, motors etc become active and you can hear them.

If you hear a harsh sound have it checked.

Salim

Feb 25, 2003 | 10:23 AM

inthemix

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 27

Likes: 0

From: Florida

I don't have GPS or HID.

I also hear this sound (RX300 2001) if I turn my ignition swith to the "On" position to let my windows down but do not start the engine.

If I turn the engine on to start the vehicle, turn it off, and then turn the ignition switch to "On" to let the windows down, the sound does not occur.

It appear to have something to do some "engine component" being activated (the activated component makes the noise) the 1st time you turn the switch to the "On" position. There made be some type of firmware bug where the vehicle does not recognize that the engine has not been started.

It would be nice to know if this is damaging anything. It does not sound nice.

Feb 25, 2003 | 06:51 PM

Larry99

Driver School Candidate

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 46

Likes: 0

From: Texas

I don't know how to describe it, but sometimes when we turn the key off there is a higher pitched sound coming from somewhere underhood. Stops after a minute or so. Never found out what it is.