RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

Strange rattle. Cold Start. Changes with acceleration

Old 02-26-15, 01:25 PM
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TriniLex
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Default Strange rattle. Cold Start. Changes with acceleration

I have read a few posts about a rattling in our RX on cold start but I wanted some more clarification.

2005 LEXUS RX 330 5w/30 oil. Warm weather state

On first start up with acceleration I hear what seems to sound like a marble shaking around in my engine/transmission.. It is present when i accelerate and not when I am at a stop possition.

It goes away within 2-3 minutes of driving

TIming belt and water pump has already been done. the car has almost 100k
Old 02-26-15, 08:14 PM
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LSBen
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Have you ever had your fuel system cleaned? It may be clogged. Try some fuel system cleaner like Berryman Chemtool, Redline, or Techron. Also clean your mass air flow sensor with MAF cleaner. I had all major services done and my RX330 AWD at 190k miles and still had a rough start/idle in any weather condition. It wasn't until I cleaned the fuel injectors/system and MAF sensor that the cars starts smoothly and quietly. No more shakes upon startup
Old 02-26-15, 08:39 PM
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TriniLex
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I will give the fuel treatment a shot.
Just one dose?
Old 02-27-15, 11:39 AM
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I usually use the fuel treating every other oil change, which is 10K miles. Also use it when you take a longer trip with a fresh tank of gas.
Old 02-27-15, 02:03 PM
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LSBen
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If you never cleaned your fuel injectors/system before, I would use a bottle of cleaner in back to back gas tanks. Then add one before each oil change or twice a year for preventive maintenance. There is a difference between fuel injector cleaner and fuel system cleaner, besides cost. System cleaners cost more but clean more (combustion chamber and Injectors).

And don't forget to clean the mass air flow sensor. Ideally this should be done with each air filter change or 30k miles. This isn't called out in any service manual but others have mentioned this on the board, mostly from experience. My MAF was mostly covered in dirt at 190k miles so it was not sensing the proper air/fuel mixture. Makes sense to keep this sensitive part clean and operating at peak efficiency. MAF cleaner is $8 and a few turns of a Phillips screwdriver.

See video on fuel system cleaning. I haven't tried Gumout but I'm sure it works. I had good success with Berryman Chemtool products.


Last edited by LSBen; 02-27-15 at 02:12 PM.
Old 02-27-15, 06:13 PM
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cdnewton
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Originally Posted by TriniLex
I have read a few posts about a rattling in our RX on cold start but I wanted some more clarification.

2005 LEXUS RX 330 5w/30 oil. Warm weather state

On first start up with acceleration I hear what seems to sound like a marble shaking around in my engine/transmission.. It is present when i accelerate and not when I am at a stop possition.

It goes away within 2-3 minutes of driving
What brand of oil and oil filter are you using?
Old 02-28-15, 04:05 PM
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TriniLex
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MObile 1 synthetic and I think its a purolator synthetic filter.
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