03 RX300 "Gurgling Noise"

[J Golden]

Recently, a noise that I might best describe as a "gurgling noise" has
been coming from the center console of my RX300. The noise is
intermittent, however. When I had the RX serviced by my Toyota dealer,
the noise was present and they diagnosed it as air in the cooling
system or something like that. When they increased the temperature of
the climate control system, at one point a "thunk" came from the
center console and the noise went away. When the temperature was
lowered, the noise returned. But the noise occurs whether or not the
a/c compressor is one and even if the climate control system is "off"
completely. The Toyota dealer bled the air from the system, but the
noise has returned a couple of weeks since the service. Any ideas what
might be the cause? The a/c heat are working fine, however, and the
Toyota dealer has serviced and done maintenance on my RX on numerous
occasions.

[Ray O]

Post by J Golden
Recently, a noise that I might best describe as a "gurgling noise" has
been coming from the center console of my RX300. The noise is
intermittent, however. When I had the RX serviced by my Toyota dealer,
the noise was present and they diagnosed it as air in the cooling
system or something like that. When they increased the temperature of
the climate control system, at one point a "thunk" came from the
center console and the noise went away. When the temperature was
lowered, the noise returned. But the noise occurs whether or not the
a/c compressor is one and even if the climate control system is "off"
completely. The Toyota dealer bled the air from the system, but the
noise has returned a couple of weeks since the service. Any ideas what
might be the cause? The a/c heat are working fine, however, and the
Toyota dealer has serviced and done maintenance on my RX on numerous
occasions.

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing and experiencing them first
hand. If the noise sounds like sloshing from under the glove box, the drain
tube for the evaporator housing may be disconnected or plugged.

Air in the cooling system can result when the cooling system is serviced or
if there is a leak in the cooling system or if the radiator cap is bad.
Check the coolant level in the coolant overflow tank. If it is below the
"cold" mark when the engine is cold, add coolant, set the interior temp to
full hot, and let the engine warm up fully. As the coolant level in the
overflow tank drops, top it off.

[greg]

On Sep 11, 10:03 pm, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom>

Post by Ray O

Post by J Golden
Recently, a noise that I might best describe as a "gurgling noise" has
been coming from the center console of my RX300. The noise is
intermittent, however. When I had the RX serviced by my Toyota dealer,
the noise was present and they diagnosed it as air in the cooling
system or something like that. When they increased the temperature of
the climate control system, at one point a "thunk" came from the
center console and the noise went away. When the temperature was
lowered, the noise returned. But the noise occurs whether or not the
a/c compressor is one and even if the climate control system is "off"
completely. The Toyota dealer bled the air from the system, but the
noise has returned a couple of weeks since the service. Any ideas what
might be the cause? The a/c  heat are working fine, however, and the
Toyota dealer has serviced and done maintenance on my RX on numerous
occasions.

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing and experiencing them first
hand.  If the noise sounds like sloshing from under the glove box, the drain
tube for the evaporator housing may be disconnected or plugged.
Air in the cooling system can result when the cooling system is serviced or
if there is a leak in the cooling system or if the radiator cap is bad.
Check the coolant level in the coolant overflow tank.  If it is below the
"cold" mark when the engine is cold, add coolant, set the interior temp to
full hot, and let the engine warm up fully.  As the coolant level in the
overflow tank drops, top it off.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

This is difficult to describe, but if you're hearing a noise like air
and water percolating as opposed to gurgling, it's probably one of the
three hvac servo motors under the dash.

[J Golden]

The best comparison I could make to the noise would be a household
timer; the kind you might plug an appliance or lamp into. The timer
for my underground lawn sprinklers also makes a similar noise. The
noise is NOT coming from the dash. It seems to be coming from the area
between the drivers and front passenger's seat. That also is where
the "thunk" noise occurs when the climate control temperature is
raised to change the system from A/C to heat. The RX has two air
outlets at the rear of the center console to direct cool air to rear
seat passengers. I'm wondering if the gurgling noise has anything to
do with airflow to those two outlets, since it seems to be coming from
the area immediately in front of them.

Post by greg
On Sep 11, 10:03 pm, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom>

Post by Ray O

Post by J Golden
Recently, a noise that I might best describe as a "gurgling noise" has
been coming from the center console of my RX300. The noise is
intermittent, however. When I had the RX serviced by my Toyota dealer,
the noise was present and they diagnosed it as air in the cooling
system or something like that. When they increased the temperature of
the climate control system, at one point a "thunk" came from the
center console and the noise went away. When the temperature was
lowered, the noise returned. But the noise occurs whether or not the
a/c compressor is one and even if the climate control system is "off"
completely. The Toyota dealer bled the air from the system, but the
noise has returned a couple of weeks since the service. Any ideas what
might be the cause? The a/c  heat are working fine, however, and the
Toyota dealer has serviced and done maintenance on my RX on numerous
occasions.

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing and experiencing them first
hand.  If the noise sounds like sloshing from under the glove box, the drain
tube for the evaporator housing may be disconnected or plugged.
Air in the cooling system can result when the cooling system is serviced or
if there is a leak in the cooling system or if the radiator cap is bad.
Check the coolant level in the coolant overflow tank.  If it is below the
"cold" mark when the engine is cold, add coolant, set the interior temp to
full hot, and let the engine warm up fully.  As the coolant level in the
overflow tank drops, top it off.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

This is difficult to describe, but if you're hearing a noise like air
and water percolating as opposed to gurgling, it's probably one of the
three hvac servo motors under the dash.

[greg]

Post by J Golden
The best comparison I could make to the noise would be a household
timer; the kind you might plug an appliance or lamp into. The timer
for my underground lawn sprinklers also makes a similar noise. The
noise is NOT coming from the dash. It seems to be coming from the area
between the drivers and front passenger's seat.  That also is where
the "thunk" noise occurs when the climate control temperature is
raised to change the system from A/C to heat. The RX has two air
outlets at the rear of the center console to direct cool air to rear
seat passengers. I'm wondering if the gurgling noise has anything to
do with airflow to those two outlets, since it seems to be coming from
the area immediately in front of them.

I think that's the same noise as I tried to describe; kind've a
continuous gear-grinding type noise, or rocks tumbling in a rock
polishing machine type noise.

That said, there's nothing mechanical that could "thunk" in the area
you describe between the front seats and those rear air outlets that
have anything to do with climate or coolant flow; there's only vent
ducting from the hvac unit. I'd still place money on it being one of
the three servos under the dash because that's what directs the air to
the rear vents. Maybe the sound is echoing along the ducting so it
appears to be coming from between the front seats. Just my personal
experience having had those servos replaced...

[Ray O]

Post by J Golden
The best comparison I could make to the noise would be a household
timer; the kind you might plug an appliance or lamp into. The timer
for my underground lawn sprinklers also makes a similar noise. The
noise is NOT coming from the dash. It seems to be coming from the area
between the drivers and front passenger's seat. That also is where
the "thunk" noise occurs when the climate control temperature is
raised to change the system from A/C to heat. The RX has two air
outlets at the rear of the center console to direct cool air to rear
seat passengers. I'm wondering if the gurgling noise has anything to
do with airflow to those two outlets, since it seems to be coming from
the area immediately in front of them.

I think that there is a motor/servo that moves the center vents back and
forth. When you hear the noise, try turning the back and forth function off
or put your finger on the tab on the vent and see if the noise disappears.

Is the sound present when the vehicle is sitting still or only when it is in
motion?

[J Golden]

The sound is present when the vehicle is still and idling as well as
when it is moving. When the noise, occurs, it continues even if I turn
the climiate control system "Off".

On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:51:18 -0500, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by J Golden
The best comparison I could make to the noise would be a household
timer; the kind you might plug an appliance or lamp into. The timer
for my underground lawn sprinklers also makes a similar noise. The
noise is NOT coming from the dash. It seems to be coming from the area
between the drivers and front passenger's seat. That also is where
the "thunk" noise occurs when the climate control temperature is
raised to change the system from A/C to heat. The RX has two air
outlets at the rear of the center console to direct cool air to rear
seat passengers. I'm wondering if the gurgling noise has anything to
do with airflow to those two outlets, since it seems to be coming from
the area immediately in front of them.

I think that there is a motor/servo that moves the center vents back and
forth. When you hear the noise, try turning the back and forth function off
or put your finger on the tab on the vent and see if the noise disappears.
Is the sound present when the vehicle is sitting still or only when it is in
motion?

[Ray O]

Post by J Golden
The sound is present when the vehicle is still and idling as well as
when it is moving. When the noise, occurs, it continues even if I turn
the climiate control system "Off".
On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:51:18 -0500, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by J Golden
The best comparison I could make to the noise would be a household
timer; the kind you might plug an appliance or lamp into. The timer
for my underground lawn sprinklers also makes a similar noise. The
noise is NOT coming from the dash. It seems to be coming from the area
between the drivers and front passenger's seat. That also is where
the "thunk" noise occurs when the climate control temperature is
raised to change the system from A/C to heat. The RX has two air
outlets at the rear of the center console to direct cool air to rear
seat passengers. I'm wondering if the gurgling noise has anything to
do with airflow to those two outlets, since it seems to be coming from
the area immediately in front of them.

I think that there is a motor/servo that moves the center vents back and
forth. When you hear the noise, try turning the back and forth function off
or put your finger on the tab on the vent and see if the noise disappears.
Is the sound present when the vehicle is sitting still or only when it is in
motion?

Check the condition of the automatic transmission fluid. It should be
translucent red in color.

[J Golden]

Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.



On Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:01:53 -0500, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by J Golden
The sound is present when the vehicle is still and idling as well as
when it is moving. When the noise, occurs, it continues even if I turn
the climiate control system "Off".
On Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:51:18 -0500, "Ray O"

Post by Ray O

Post by J Golden
The best comparison I could make to the noise would be a household
timer; the kind you might plug an appliance or lamp into. The timer
for my underground lawn sprinklers also makes a similar noise. The
noise is NOT coming from the dash. It seems to be coming from the area
between the drivers and front passenger's seat. That also is where
the "thunk" noise occurs when the climate control temperature is
raised to change the system from A/C to heat. The RX has two air
outlets at the rear of the center console to direct cool air to rear
seat passengers. I'm wondering if the gurgling noise has anything to
do with airflow to those two outlets, since it seems to be coming from
the area immediately in front of them.

I think that there is a motor/servo that moves the center vents back and
forth. When you hear the noise, try turning the back and forth function off
or put your finger on the tab on the vent and see if the noise disappears.
Is the sound present when the vehicle is sitting still or only when it is in
motion?

Check the condition of the automatic transmission fluid. It should be
translucent red in color.

[Richard J Kinch]

A friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag.

Coolant bubbling through the heater core?

[Ray O]

Post by Richard J Kinch

A friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag.

Coolant bubbling through the heater core?

I was thinking that there might be air in the coolant. The thunk sound is
probably the sound of one of the blend doors opening or closing.

[greg]

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

The temp control causes all three hvac servo motors to actuate as
needed. Try turning your car to the "acc" position so all the dash
lights are on and then manipulating the temp control; that should
remove coolant noises out of the equation as the engine is not running
and so no coolant is circulating through the system. Or, better yet,
take it to the Lexus dealer so someone can actually listen to and
diagnose your car (instead of the Toyota dealer who apparently was
just guessing).

[Ray O]

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

The temp control causes all three hvac servo motors to actuate as
needed. Try turning your car to the "acc" position so all the dash
lights are on and then manipulating the temp control; that should
remove coolant noises out of the equation as the engine is not running
and so no coolant is circulating through the system. Or, better yet,
take it to the Lexus dealer so someone can actually listen to and
diagnose your car (instead of the Toyota dealer who apparently was
just guessing).

*******
Good idea, but the ignition key has to be on the "on" position without
starting the car for the HVAC system to be energized.

[greg]

Post by greg

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

The temp control causes all three hvac servo motors to actuate as
needed. Try turning your car to the "acc" position so all the dash
lights are on and then manipulating the temp control; that should
remove coolant noises out of the equation as the engine is not running
and so no coolant is circulating through the system. Or, better yet,
take it to the Lexus dealer so someone can actually listen to and
diagnose your car (instead of the Toyota dealer who apparently was
just guessing).
*******
Good idea, but the ignition key has to be on the "on" position without
starting the car for the HVAC system to be energized.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

oops, I meant to say "on" (with all the dash lights on)

[Ray O]

Post by greg

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

The temp control causes all three hvac servo motors to actuate as
needed. Try turning your car to the "acc" position so all the dash
lights are on and then manipulating the temp control; that should
remove coolant noises out of the equation as the engine is not running
and so no coolant is circulating through the system. Or, better yet,
take it to the Lexus dealer so someone can actually listen to and
diagnose your car (instead of the Toyota dealer who apparently was
just guessing).
*******
Good idea, but the ignition key has to be on the "on" position without
starting the car for the HVAC system to be energized.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

oops, I meant to say "on" (with all the dash lights on)

**********
I figured you meant to have the key in the "on" position, but I wasn't sure
if the OP would know and miss your otherwise good advice.

[j***@hotmail.com]

When you raise the temperature setting the coolant flows through the
heater core. So the previous dealer diagnosis was likely correct in
that you have air in the coolant.

However, just bleeding off the air fixed the symptom but obviously not
the cause. Have another competent dealer locate the source of the
leak. If it's related to engine head gasket and other powertrain
components you may still be eligible for the powertrain warranty (so
what's your coverage?)

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

[J Golden]

with nearly 80,000 miles (135 kilo) driven, the warranty has long
expired. It's due for its next service in late January. I'll have the
dealer check it then, unless the noise drives me crazy and I decide to
take it in earlier.

Thanks.

Post by j***@hotmail.com
When you raise the temperature setting the coolant flows through the
heater core. So the previous dealer diagnosis was likely correct in
that you have air in the coolant.
However, just bleeding off the air fixed the symptom but obviously not
the cause. Have another competent dealer locate the source of the
leak. If it's related to engine head gasket and other powertrain
components you may still be eligible for the powertrain warranty (so
what's your coverage?)

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

[J Golden]

I had my Toyota dealer check the RX today. They searched for leaks
(and didn't find any) and bled all the air from the system whatever
air might have been in it. After four hours the noise remained. They
now think that it might be water that might be leaking into the system
rather than air. The attempted repair was done at no charge and they
would like to continue to try to diagnose the problem and repair it.
Apparently, no Highlander has ever experienced the problem that my
Lexus RX is experiencing (the Highlander is very similar to the RX at
least in the 03 year)

Post by j***@hotmail.com
When you raise the temperature setting the coolant flows through the
heater core. So the previous dealer diagnosis was likely correct in
that you have air in the coolant.
However, just bleeding off the air fixed the symptom but obviously not
the cause. Have another competent dealer locate the source of the
leak. If it's related to engine head gasket and other powertrain
components you may still be eligible for the powertrain warranty (so
what's your coverage?)

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

[J Golden]

My Toyota dealer kept my Lexus for three days trying to diagnose and
solve he problem. They checked the entire cooling system and found no
leaks in the system. They checked everything and found no air or
liquid leaking. The climate control system works fine! But, as they
acknowledged, the noise remains. They suggested that I take my RX to
Lexus if I can't live with the noise, but warned me that the cost of
repair would likely be high (as if I didn't already know that).

I'm not enthusiastic about visiting Lexus again. In the NYC area that
I live in, I've had experiences with several Lexus dealers and
personally, my experience with their service departments was nowhere
near as good as my experience with Infiiniti, Honda, and even my local
Toyota dealer. The one exception (forgive me if it is wrong to name
names) is Rallye Lexus in Glen Cove. They are an hour drive but the
service that I have received in the past from them on my RX has been
outstanding. Unfortunately, outstanding service comes at premium
Price. But if I HAVE to take the RX to Lexus, I guess I'll take it to
Rallye. I'l let everyone know how things go.

Bubsy

Post by j***@hotmail.com
When you raise the temperature setting the coolant flows through the
heater core. So the previous dealer diagnosis was likely correct in
that you have air in the coolant.
However, just bleeding off the air fixed the symptom but obviously not
the cause. Have another competent dealer locate the source of the
leak. If it's related to engine head gasket and other powertrain
components you may still be eligible for the powertrain warranty (so
what's your coverage?)

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.

[J Golden]

I took my RX into Lexus today. Naturally, today was the coldest day of
the season (46 degrees f when I got there) so it was impossible for
them to hear the noise. Nevertheless, they diagnosed it as the "AIX
MIX SERVO MTR FAN" which they replaced for a bit over $750.00.
Hopefully, they were right... time will tell if the weather gets
warmer.

Post by j***@hotmail.com
When you raise the temperature setting the coolant flows through the
heater core. So the previous dealer diagnosis was likely correct in
that you have air in the coolant.
However, just bleeding off the air fixed the symptom but obviously not
the cause. Have another competent dealer locate the source of the
leak. If it's related to engine head gasket and other powertrain
components you may still be eligible for the powertrain warranty (so
what's your coverage?)

Post by J Golden
Transmission fluid is fine. I was wrong however in saying that the
noise comes from between the drivers and front passenger's seat. A
friend said it definitely comes from the dash, near the passenger's
side airbag. He described the noise as "water bubbling". When I turn
the climate control system off, the noise, strangely enough continues.
However, the one thing that is consistant is if I turn the temperature
up, it gets to a point where I hear a small "thunk" like a door flap
changing position or a door closing in the dash, and the noise goes
away. So which vents are selected (top, bottom, both) doesn't matter,
whether the a/c is on or not doesn't matter, whether it is on recirc
or fresh air doesn't matter. What matters seems to be when the system
is set to a high enough temperature.