RX-300 "gurgle"

[Wayne]

So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off. A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full blast
to try and get air out of the cooling system. Didn't really work.

It isn't there continuously. However, it could be happening when driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.

Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the problem,
it is bit of work to get to.>

[Ray O]

Post by Wayne
So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off. A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full blast
to try and get air out of the cooling system. Didn't really work.
It isn't there continuously. However, it could be happening when driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.
Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the
problem, it is bit of work to get to.>

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them first hand. There
could be air in the cooling system, especially if you have had any work done
on the system before the noise started.

Check the coolant overflow reservoir to see if it is empty, and with a COLD
engine, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the radiator.
The coolant level in the radiator should be right up to the bottom of the
radiator neck and the level in the overflow reservoir should at least be at
the "MIN" mark.

If the coolant level is low in the radiator, add the proper mix of coolant
to the bottom of the radiator neck and in the overflow bottle to the "MAX"
mark. Start the engine and set the heater to full hot. Let the engine
get to operating temperature and the electric radiator fan kicks on and top
off coolant as necessary. Once the coolant starts flowing past the radiator
neck, replace the cap and shut off the engine.

Keep an eye on the overflow reservoir and add coolant as necessary.

If you are hearing a sloshing sound, you could have water in the evaporator
housing due to a clogged evaporator housing drain hose. Look for a black
rubber about the diameter of your finger under the passenger side of the
vehicle near the firewall. Poke a stiff wire through the hose to make sure
it is not clogged.

Another possible cause is the automatic AC system, and that is not really a
DIY job.

[Wayne]

Post by Ray O

Post by Wayne
So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off. A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full
blast to try and get air out of the cooling system. Didn't really work.
It isn't there continuously. However, it could be happening when driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.
Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the
problem, it is bit of work to get to.>

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them first hand. There
could be air in the cooling system, especially if you have had any work
done on the system before the noise started.
Check the coolant overflow reservoir to see if it is empty, and with a
COLD engine, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the
radiator. The coolant level in the radiator should be right up to the
bottom of the radiator neck and the level in the overflow reservoir should
at least be at the "MIN" mark.
If the coolant level is low in the radiator, add the proper mix of coolant
to the bottom of the radiator neck and in the overflow bottle to the "MAX"
mark. Start the engine and set the heater to full hot. Let the engine
get to operating temperature and the electric radiator fan kicks on and
top off coolant as necessary. Once the coolant starts flowing past the
radiator neck, replace the cap and shut off the engine.
Keep an eye on the overflow reservoir and add coolant as necessary.
If you are hearing a sloshing sound, you could have water in the
evaporator housing due to a clogged evaporator housing drain hose. Look
for a black rubber about the diameter of your finger under the passenger
side of the vehicle near the firewall. Poke a stiff wire through the hose
to make sure it is not clogged.
Another possible cause is the automatic AC system, and that is not really
a DIY job.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

The radiator fluid procedures you outlined are pretty much what I have done,
and the levels look good.
I'm just about at the end of my competence in this particular problem area,
so professional help is next.

During a ten year period, a burned out brake light was the only problem I
had on the RX. Getting lots of problems at 95,000 miles though!

Thanks.

[Abid Khan]

Post by Wayne

Post by Wayne
So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off.  A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full
blast to try and get air out of the cooling system.   Didn't really work.
It isn't there continuously.  However, it could be happening when driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.
Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the
problem, it is bit of work to get to.>

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them first hand.  There
could be air in the cooling system, especially if you have had any work
done on the system before the noise started.
Check the coolant overflow reservoir to see if it is empty, and with a
COLD engine, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the
radiator. The coolant level in the radiator should be right up to the
bottom of the radiator neck and the level in the overflow reservoir should
at least be at the "MIN" mark.
If the coolant level is low in the radiator, add the proper mix of coolant
to the bottom of the radiator neck and in the overflow bottle to the "MAX"
mark.    Start the engine and set the heater to full hot.  Let the engine
get to operating temperature and the electric radiator fan kicks on and
top off coolant as necessary.  Once the coolant starts flowing past the
radiator neck, replace the cap and shut off the engine.
Keep an eye on the overflow reservoir and add coolant as necessary.
If you are hearing a sloshing sound, you could have water in the
evaporator housing due to a clogged evaporator housing drain hose.  Look
for a black rubber about the diameter of your finger under the passenger
side of the vehicle near the firewall.  Poke a stiff wire through the hose
to make sure it is not clogged.
Another possible cause is the automatic AC system, and that is not really
a DIY job.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

The radiator fluid procedures you outlined are pretty much what I have done,
and the levels look good.
I'm just about at the end of my competence in this particular problem area,
so professional help is next.
During a ten year period, a burned out brake light was the only problem I
had on the RX.  Getting lots of problems at 95,000 miles though!
Thanks.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I hear the same noise in my 1999 RX300, not sure where is coming from,
but it sure sound like what you describe in this post, my center
console is kind of noisy too, specially when it is open (slide out).

Abid

[Wayne]

Post by Wayne

Post by Wayne
So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off. A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full
blast to try and get air out of the cooling system. Didn't really work.
It isn't there continuously. However, it could be happening when
driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.
Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the
problem, it is bit of work to get to.>

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them first hand. There
could be air in the cooling system, especially if you have had any work
done on the system before the noise started.
Check the coolant overflow reservoir to see if it is empty, and with a
COLD engine, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the
radiator. The coolant level in the radiator should be right up to the
bottom of the radiator neck and the level in the overflow reservoir should
at least be at the "MIN" mark.
If the coolant level is low in the radiator, add the proper mix of coolant
to the bottom of the radiator neck and in the overflow bottle to the "MAX"
mark. Start the engine and set the heater to full hot. Let the engine
get to operating temperature and the electric radiator fan kicks on and
top off coolant as necessary. Once the coolant starts flowing past the
radiator neck, replace the cap and shut off the engine.
Keep an eye on the overflow reservoir and add coolant as necessary.
If you are hearing a sloshing sound, you could have water in the
evaporator housing due to a clogged evaporator housing drain hose. Look
for a black rubber about the diameter of your finger under the passenger
side of the vehicle near the firewall. Poke a stiff wire through the
hose
to make sure it is not clogged.
Another possible cause is the automatic AC system, and that is not really
a DIY job.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

The radiator fluid procedures you outlined are pretty much what I have done,
and the levels look good.
I'm just about at the end of my competence in this particular problem area,
so professional help is next.
During a ten year period, a burned out brake light was the only problem I
had on the RX. Getting lots of problems at 95,000 miles though!
Thanks.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I hear the same noise in my 1999 RX300, not sure where is coming from,
but it sure sound like what you describe in this post, my center
console is kind of noisy too, specially when it is open (slide out).

Abid
**********************
I'll probably run mine through the dealer in the next week or so, and will
post the results here.

Kinda annoying to have so few problems and then get overwhelmed with
transmission problems, ignition coil problems, and now this. Hard to
justify $4000 repairs on a $9K blue book car. The only thing worse it
replacing it for $40K+ :)
--Wayne

[Abid Khan]

Post by Abid Khan

Post by Wayne

Post by Wayne
So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off. A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full
blast to try and get air out of the cooling system. Didn't really work.
It isn't there continuously. However, it could be happening when
driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.
Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the
problem, it is bit of work to get to.>

Noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them first hand. There
could be air in the cooling system, especially if you have had any work
done on the system before the noise started.
Check the coolant overflow reservoir to see if it is empty, and with a
COLD engine, remove the radiator cap and check the coolant level in the
radiator. The coolant level in the radiator should be right up to the
bottom of the radiator neck and the level in the overflow reservoir should
at least be at the "MIN" mark.
If the coolant level is low in the radiator, add the proper mix of coolant
to the bottom of the radiator neck and in the overflow bottle to the "MAX"
mark. Start the engine and set the heater to full hot. Let the engine
get to operating temperature and the electric radiator fan kicks on and
top off coolant as necessary. Once the coolant starts flowing past the
radiator neck, replace the cap and shut off the engine.
Keep an eye on the overflow reservoir and add coolant as necessary.
If you are hearing a sloshing sound, you could have water in the
evaporator housing due to a clogged evaporator housing drain hose. Look
for a black rubber about the diameter of your finger under the passenger
side of the vehicle near the firewall. Poke a stiff wire through the
hose
to make sure it is not clogged.
Another possible cause is the automatic AC system, and that is not really
a DIY job.
--
Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

The radiator fluid procedures you outlined are pretty much what I have done,
and the levels look good.
I'm just about at the end of my competence in this particular problem area,
so professional help is next.
During a ten year period, a burned out brake light was the only problem I
had on the RX. Getting lots of problems at 95,000 miles though!
Thanks.- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I hear the same noise in my 1999 RX300, not sure where is coming from,
but it sure sound like what you describe in this post, my center
console is kind of noisy too, specially when it is open (slide out).
Abid
**********************
I'll probably run mine through the dealer in the next week or so, and will
post the results here.
Kinda annoying to have so few problems and then get overwhelmed with
transmission problems, ignition coil problems, and now this.  Hard to
justify $4000 repairs on a $9K blue book car.  The only thing worse it
replacing it for $40K+  :)
--Wayne- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

I will look forward to the results, hope something simple, I hear you
mine has 113K miles and I think I am going to need some frnont end
work soon, also my transmission is kinda hard when I first start the
car in the morning specially from reverse to drive...

Abid

[Wayne]

snip

Post by Abid Khan
I hear the same noise in my 1999 RX300, not sure where is coming from,
but it sure sound like what you describe in this post, my center
console is kind of noisy too, specially when it is open (slide out).
Abid
**********************
I'll probably run mine through the dealer in the next week or so, and will
post the results here.
Kinda annoying to have so few problems and then get overwhelmed with
transmission problems, ignition coil problems, and now this. Hard to
justify $4000 repairs on a $9K blue book car. The only thing worse it
replacing it for $40K+ :)
--Wayne- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

************
<<I will look forward to the results, hope something simple, I hear you
<<mine has 113K miles and I think I am going to need some frnont end
<<work soon, also my transmission is kinda hard when I first start the
<<car in the morning specially from reverse to drive...
<<Abid
-
Well, the "fix" was to replace the fresh air servo. Parts $190, labor $225
at an independent shop--total with tax $423. Of course, the shop had the
usual problems of getting Lexus to sell the parts.....
--Wayne

[J Golden]

Sounds like a problem I had last year. My local Toyota dealer got rid
of the air in the system and the problem persisted. Lexus correctly
diagnosed the problem and fixed it. I believe it was something called
the servo motor? that had shorted out. That motor controls the door
that switches the system from outside air to recycled air. The gurgle
was the door flapping back and forth. The replacement cured the
problem but it was expensive ($800).

Post by Wayne
So...what's this "gurgle" thingy coming from under the radio on my 99
RX-300. Seems to be related to heat/ac, but the gurgle can occur with the
engine and a/c off. A buddy told me to run the heat and air on full blast
to try and get air out of the cooling system. Didn't really work.
It isn't there continuously. However, it could be happening when driving
down the road, and I just don't hear it.
Anybody else getting such a noise?
--Wayne
<I called the Lexus dealer about it, and he said that whatever the problem,
it is bit of work to get to.>

[Wayne]

Post by J Golden
Sounds like a problem I had last year. My local Toyota dealer got rid
of the air in the system and the problem persisted. Lexus correctly
diagnosed the problem and fixed it. I believe it was something called
the servo motor? that had shorted out. That motor controls the door
that switches the system from outside air to recycled air. The gurgle
was the door flapping back and forth. The replacement cured the
problem but it was expensive ($800).

Ouch! That might be enough to get me to look at a new one. This go around
though, perhaps a Highlander because we have a Toyota dealer in town, and
the Lex place is 25 miles away.
--Wayne

[J Golden]

I was seriously thinking about a Highlander or a Forerunner until my
local Toyota dealer closed down literally overnight a few weeks ago.

Post by Wayne

Post by J Golden
Sounds like a problem I had last year. My local Toyota dealer got rid
of the air in the system and the problem persisted. Lexus correctly
diagnosed the problem and fixed it. I believe it was something called
the servo motor? that had shorted out. That motor controls the door
that switches the system from outside air to recycled air. The gurgle
was the door flapping back and forth. The replacement cured the
problem but it was expensive ($800).

Ouch! That might be enough to get me to look at a new one. This go around
though, perhaps a Highlander because we have a Toyota dealer in town, and
the Lex place is 25 miles away.
--Wayne