MKIV98TT

iTrader: (5)

http://youtu.be/miBWi-hmjFM

Does anybody have any idea what this loud interference noise is at startup?

In the video.....First startup you hear the loud noise, then I restart the car for you to hear normal start-up.

Conditions:

Problem occurs after the car has been driven then shut off, left to sit for 80 min, then restart with recorded noise.

The problem is intermittent, but i have been able to duplicate the problem two times in a row with the car parked at a slight incline with no parking brake on.

Since it's intermittent, of course the problem never occurred while the car was at the dealership for two days.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated! I have been told..."it's a lease, who cares??" Well, I do! I refuse to drive the car when it makes this noise.

gkcmilner

I couldn't hear it, or maybe I just don't know what I'm listening for.

jkeifer3

If you are talking about the loud metallic "slap" that you hear initially, I think it's just the way the starter gear engages the flywheel. Does this happen each and every time you initially start the car or just on occassion? Again, I think it's just the random way in which the starter gear hits the flywheel.

MKIV98TT

iTrader: (5)

It's intermittent. For example, if I start the car 10x's it might happen 2x's. It only occurs after the car has heat soaked after it has been driven. It's really frustrating, it's my 5th Lexus and I have never had an issue or heard this noise on any other car I've owned.

MKIV98TT

iTrader: (5)

Can this be fixed?

MKIV98TT

iTrader: (5)

That is what a few friends have said. However, if you listen right before that loud "slap" happens.....you quickly hear the starter engaging, one rotation, then "slap" / immediate startup.

jkeifer3

Hi, I am not sure it's much of a problem but I would get the dealer to listen to it and get it "on record" in case disaster strikes later. If it were mine, I would not be too concerned but I understand where you are coming from. I'll listen to mine over the next few days and see if I can hear it.

SC400slide

iTrader: (11)

If it is still under warranty, I'd take that thing in!! Not that anything is wrong of course...

Nexson

Why you coming here to trouble shoot it, just show that video to your service advisor =) The car is still brand new

MKIV98TT

iTrader: (5)

Well, I was hoping someone else had experienced the same issue and might be able to help. The dealer had it for two days, and was not able to duplicate. It's frustrating. I just want the damn thing fixed. I want to take it in and say "fix it, and call me when its ready to be picked up".

Nexson

I will listen for the sound on my car, and let you know if my car makes it as well.

Nexson

Hey bud, I heard the sound today on my car, I wouldnt worry about it.

gkcmilner

I see what your talking about now. I didn't notice it at first because it's a normal sound. I wouldn't worry about it, but if it concerns you I'd definitely let a Lexus tech be the one to tell you that.
You don't hear it all the time because it depends on where your started is engaging/disengaging the flywheel.

rjm

I could clearly hear the slapping sound on the 1st startup. I've never noticed it on my car. I will be curious to hear what Lexus tells you. "Could not duplicate" is not a satisfactory answer.