2003 RX300 Mystery "Ticking Noise"

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J Golden - 02 Oct 2007 03:48 GMT

My 2003 RX 300 has about 60,000 miles on it. Recently, an intermittent
noise has been coming from the dash. The best way I can describe it is
like the ticking noise a light timer or underground sprinkler timer
might make. A friend of mine said it sounds like a casette tape that
has reached the end of rewind and keeps on clicking and ticking.. The
noise appears intermittently, but it's there about 80% of the time I
drive the SUV. Shifting into neutral makes no difference, and I've
checked every power item as well as the audio system and cooling
system and they are not related to the noise.

I'm planning on having my Toyota dealer where I get my regular
maintenance check it out when I get a chance. But I'm concerned as to
whether it is something minor, or serious.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

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satmech - 02 Oct 2007 04:28 GMT

> My 2003 RX 300 has about 60,000 miles on it. Recently, an intermittent
> noise has been coming from the dash. The best way I can describe it is
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> Thanks.

Probably mode actuator or mix actuator.

Remove glove box. Manipulate climate controls. Watch black box arms.

Maybe take picture for parts guy.

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mcbrue - 02 Oct 2007 23:12 GMT

The boys at the Lexus factory are not without self-interest. So they
have perhaps installed a small ticker which is easily turned off by
any official Lexus stealership. Perhaps you should try your friendly
Lexus Stealership. Be sure to visit the bank and establish a large
credit line before you go, of course. Oh yes - where do you live that
you can find a Toyota stealership which will work on Lexus cars? They
won't do that here!

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old man - 03 Oct 2007 23:24 GMT

I think you meant its Homeland Security, and their tape got stuck

> The boys at the Lexus factory are not without self-interest. So they
> have perhaps installed a small ticker which is easily turned off by
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> you can find a Toyota stealership which will work on Lexus cars? They
> won't do that here!

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Larry - 03 Oct 2007 01:36 GMT

My '99 RX 300 does the same thing. I believe it's the disk player... sounds
like it's searching for something. Or maybe resetting a memory module? But
it has been doing it for years.

Just do like the TV commercial guy... turn up the volume real loud and you
won't hear it. Ya know, come to think of it, I don't remember hearing it at
all when I got Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs playing. That might be your
answer. Just keep the CD blasting!!

Larry
In the back yard, under the oak.

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echo - 11 Oct 2007 01:05 GMT

I believe I have heard this as well. Satmechs idea sounded pretty good
since it does seem to emanate from the glovebox area. I thought it sounded
like a spark or static from the right tweeter, but it might be mechanical
switch contacts.

> My '99 RX 300 does the same thing. I believe it's the disk player... sounds
> like it's searching for something. Or maybe resetting a memory module? But
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> Larry
> In the back yard, under the oak.

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