Bird chirping noise when engine is running
09-28-18 | 05:00 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 103
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From: NC
Bird chirping noise when engine is running
My wife's IS350 started making this bird chirping noise yesterday morning (Please see the attached video). This evening, I had her start the engine and didn't hear the noise but somehow when she put the gear to R, the noise came back again. Noise disappeared when in 'P'. I had a failing water pump on it replaced 4 years ago it was okay till recently (and remember the noise was not the same as this time - it was louder metallic noise). Somehow I decided to open the radiator cap and some coolant came out (was wearing a glove). Closed the cap, cleaned the mess a bit and had the wife start the car again after few mins. The noise is gone.. Cleaned the engine bay and let it dry for about an hour. Then I started it and didn't hear the noise. Took it for a short ride to a grocery store and came back and the noise is back again!! (the video was taken after the short trip at idle).
Did a quick research and looks like it might be coolant noise? Or alternator?
Any inputs would be helpful!
Did a quick research and looks like it might be coolant noise? Or alternator?
Any inputs would be helpful!
09-28-18 | 05:15 PM
#2
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 421
Likes: 36
From: Mass
Sounds like an idler or tensioner Pully squeak. With engine running put a long screw driver on the bolt to the Pully. Put your ear to the handle and listen. The louder of the 2 is the culprit. But be very careful with the screw driver not to hit any moving parts.
09-28-18 | 05:22 PM
#3
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From: NC
Thanks for the quick reply. Where is the 'bolt' to the pully?? I may try that but if either of the two parts will need to be replaced anyway, I might take it to my mechanic to take care of that tomorrow. How expensive is the part?
09-29-18 | 09:28 AM
#7
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From: NC
Update
So I went to my local mechanic and he was sure it was the belt (didn’t mention possibility of either pulley going bad). I had him order a replacement part from local part shop and replace it. Went back couple hours later to pick it up and the noise is much better, but not completely gone. 
. He did say tensioner pulley will need to be replaced as well. Not sure if the belt had to be replaced like he said... Drove it home and in a garage I couldn’t hear the noise against but will have to see.
By the way, when I arrived at the mechanic, the Lexus suddenly a red triangle warning popped up on the display with yellow low tire pressure light with message ‘check tire pressure system’. Was told by the mechanic one or more of sensors went bad.
Why are all these happening at once!!
can Lexus dealer tell which fire pressure sensor is bad??
. He did say tensioner pulley will need to be replaced as well. Not sure if the belt had to be replaced like he said... Drove it home and in a garage I couldn’t hear the noise against but will have to see. By the way, when I arrived at the mechanic, the Lexus suddenly a red triangle warning popped up on the display with yellow low tire pressure light with message ‘check tire pressure system’. Was told by the mechanic one or more of sensors went bad.
Why are all these happening at once!!
can Lexus dealer tell which fire pressure sensor is bad??Trending Topics
09-29-18 | 05:52 PM
#9
Before you pay for a tensioner and pulley, the noise happens when the belt hardens and slips over the pulleys.
A new belt on glazed pulleys can also slip. Spray it with household dish soap and water several times. When the glaze is gone the chirp will fade. Although humid days may make it slip and chirp.
A new belt on glazed pulleys can also slip. Spray it with household dish soap and water several times. When the glaze is gone the chirp will fade. Although humid days may make it slip and chirp.
09-30-18 | 11:04 AM
#12
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From: NC
Before you pay for a tensioner and pulley, the noise happens when the belt hardens and slips over the pulleys.
A new belt on glazed pulleys can also slip. Spray it with household dish soap and water several times. When the glaze is gone the chirp will fade. Although humid days may make it slip and chirp.
A new belt on glazed pulleys can also slip. Spray it with household dish soap and water several times. When the glaze is gone the chirp will fade. Although humid days may make it slip and chirp.
I've not heard chirps today so will see if the wife hears it again.
09-30-18 | 11:05 AM
#13
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From: NC
10-02-18 | 11:05 AM
#15
Had a similar, occasional chirp. Thought it was a pulley. Purchased a replacement pulley. But first installed a new OEM belt I had sitting around to see if that would fix it. The belt was the only issue!
Just gives your more time to wear-in.
About the low tire pressure warning light, more than likely it is of course a TPMS that has gone bad or the battery is no longer working. Time to replace the set of four.
Just gives your more time to wear-in.
About the low tire pressure warning light, more than likely it is of course a TPMS that has gone bad or the battery is no longer working. Time to replace the set of four.