After fastening the seat belt (so the seat belt warning chime won't sound) then starting the engine, there is a single subdued chime (ding sound) from the dash that I suppose is trying to tell me something. Does anybody know what that "something" is?

 

I've never really noticed it trying to tell me something, it's most probably just part of the design.

 

if it doesnt have a message on the dash, (ie sunroof open etc) then its probably nothing

 

Solved! A guy at the Lexus dealer said it sounded like an IPhone powering up. Sure enough, I had put my IPhone in the center console; the car was innocent.

 

well glad to hear that..

 

I bet he will never forget that experience! Glad you got a cheap solution!