Odd "scratching" sound upon start up sometimes.

[Docboy]

Fellow mudders,

Hoping to get some feedback. For the past few months, I've noticed that upon cold start (1.5hours - sitting over night), when I start my 2009 LX 570, I hear a sound coming from the engine bay. Truck has 97k miles.

Not sure how to describe the sound, other than what sounds like a moderately loud scratching scraping sound. Very similar sound to when your soft palate feels itchy and you vibrate the soft palate in attempt to relieve the itchiness. Odd way of describing it I know.

Sound doesn't occur every time upon startup, and when it does happen it only lasts ~1 second.

Any idea what this sound is?

Thanks.

 

[mcgaskins]

Sounds like the starter is sticking.

 

[Docboy]

Sounds like the starter is sticking.

Does this mean a new starter is needed? I wonder how many other 200s have this problem.

What would happen if I leave the existing starter as is, without replacing it?

I did a quick scan on Lexuspartsnow.com; $377! How much am I looking at for labor?

 

[32cls6speedmt]

It has been quoted about 7-9 labor hours for replacement of starter. So, at least $700 in labor. I don't know first hand but read it another thread.

 

[linuxgod]

Maybe try to get a cell phone video (with audio of course) and post it?

My truck makes what I might describe as a similar sound after I back out of my driveway and shift to Drive. It's always done it since I bought it with 49k on the clock. I assume it's some relay or the VGSR centering or something.

 

[Docboy]

Maybe try to get a cell phone video (with audio of course) and post it?

My truck makes what I might describe as a similar sound after I back out of my driveway and shift to Drive. It's always done it since I bought it with 49k on the clock. I assume it's some relay or the VGSR centering or something.

I will try that, but the sound comes about so random and few. I'll try to remember to do it tonight and tomorrow. Maybe I'll get lucky.

 

[OregonLC]

My truck makes what I might describe as a similar sound after I back out of my driveway and shift to Drive. It's always done it since I bought it with 49k on the clock. I assume it's some relay or the VGSR centering or something.

Air injection pump shutting off makes a similar sound at about that timing.

 

[Docboy]

I found this youtube video today (it's not mine btw). At the 40 sec mark, the sound I hear is very similar. So it leads to me suspect my starter is going bad, which is odd because it doesn't make this sound every time I start the car.



I'm going to kick myself my in the foot if the starter does need replacement. A few months ago I had my vehicle in to have the water pump replaced. I should have had the starter replaced at the same time. Ugh myself

Which leads me to the question, what happens if I don't replace the starter? Would one day I try to start the truck, and the vehicle will not start anymore?

 

[Docboy]

I found this youtube video today (it's not mine btw). At the 40 sec mark, the sound I hear is very similar. So it leads to me suspect my starter is going bad, which is odd because it doesn't make this sound every time I start the car.



I'm going to kick myself my in the foot if the starter does need replacement. A few months ago I had my vehicle in to have the water pump replaced. I should have had the starter replaced at the same time. Ugh myself

Which leads me to the question, what happens if I don't replace the starter? Would one day I try to start the truck, and the vehicle will not start anymore?

 

[mcgaskins]

Which leads me to the question, what happens if I don't replace the starter? Would one day I try to start the truck, and the vehicle will not start anymore?

Is this a serious question? Yes, if your starter fails, your car will not start. Most likely it will happen when it's least convenient.

 

[Docboy]

Is this a serious question? Yes, if your starter fails, your car will not start. Most likely it will happen when it's least convenient.

Figured I have to ask the obvious Guess I'll be calling the dealerships and getting a few quotes. Still kind of peeved I didn't get the starter replaced during same time at water pump.

 

[linuxgod]

They're not really related, so you're no worse off doing the stater now, except you need to leave the truck for a second time.

Radiator and hoses would've been good to do with the water pump if you didn't already.

 

[coleAK]

Air injection pump shutting off makes a similar sound at about that timing.

Thanks. I’ve always wondered what that was since My does that as well right after I shift to drive. Done it since day one. Also every time the dealer has given me a loaner LX or GX they do it as well which is why I have never been concerned.

 

[32cls6speedmt]

Please let us know the quotes you are getting.