chenxingha

This is on my wife's 2000 RX300 at close to 100k miles. The turning and loud rapid-fire clicking noise that seems to be from the gear shift box right-hand lower-side is getting worth since into May. The loud clicking noise would start when the engine starts, with air condition and air circulation on or off (no effect). The noise would run non-stop until the engine is turned off.

I recall several years back when I was reading through this forum and there were discussions about this noise due to the air-condition/air-circulation control mechanism behind the plastic cover of the gear shift box. I did a "gear shift box noise" search on this forum and came out nothing, hence this post. I need advice on DIY repair. If there is a step-by-step instruction with photo illustration, please provide a link.

Thank you very much.

salimshah

I assume you mean the gear shifter and not the gear box.

Please search on Mode Servo.

You can take the system out of AUTO (A/C) and try the changing the 'Mode' and see if the clicking noise comes and the stops. You may or may not observe the change in the source of air coming out of different vents.

Salim

chenxingha

Dear Salim: Thank you for the feedback.

Yes, I meant the gear shifter compartment - the closure next to a driver's right leg.

In my case, the noise typically only came up during hot summer and only for several minutes, which were not a big issue for us in the pat many years. This round, however, the noise came up way early and in the first 2 weeks this May of warm weather (65F+). Also, the noise has evolved to non-stop.

This morning when I started the engine the noise was not present - the weather here this morning is at 50F.

Using the correct search keyword you provided I did locate the posts. I think I can handle this DIY following the directions. Thank you very much.