I have a 2007 3.0 S Type with 23000 miles, when I shut the car off the climate control (i'm guessing) makes very odd sounds. Could be described as gurgling down a drain I think. It also makes knocks and creak sounds. Does anyone else have this problem or have any ideas as of to what the noise is all about? The climate control in general seems to make odd noises while it is in use as well, lots of knocking and creaking. Let me know what you think. Thanks.

 

My wife's 2004 Lexus RX330 sporadically had whirring and creaking noises coming from the HVAC vents during vehicle operation. Especially evident during idle at long stoplights or shortly after shutting off the ignition. Turned out to be servo motors confused and "hunting" for proper HVAC operation. The Lexus dealership acknowledged this is a common problem, replaced the affected servo motors under warranty, and the problem was resolved....

Your vehicle is still under warranty so take this information to your dealer, ask about the servo motors, and also ask about the dreaded DCCV (dual climate control valve). Judging by the number of DCCV complaints here on this forum, these valves seem to fail on a relatively frequent basis (along with the intake manifold tuner valve O-rings)....

 

Thanks so much for the advice. I did not know what the DCCV was so I will read some threads on that too. I'll let ya know what I find out.

 

expansion and contraction of hot and then cold or cooling fluids can make these sounds and the cooling engine will also make noises, ours still sounds alive for awhile after shut down.
Make sure your engine coolant is at the correct level,also when the car is very hot there could be movement of the fluid into the expansion tank (or out) causing a bubbling sound.
Make sure your engine is also NOT running hot for any reason.

 

There is a service bulletin for the gurgling noise from dash. Servo motors that drive flaps for defrost, face vent etc. make this noise. Repair is to replace motors. If you are under warranty take it to dealer.

 

Thanks for the info RT.
Will these motors fail or is the TSB just to rid of the noise and annoyance for the customer?

 

The TSB is where the stickies say, IIRC.

 

I spoke with my dealer's service department yesterday and he says the the service bulletin does not apply to my VIN. But the noise is there so I think will wait a bit and take it in next time I need the oil changed and have them look at it. As nice as this car drives those 10,000 miles will come quick. He did say there was a software update that needs ran, but did not give me any details on what the update did. Thanks for everyones help.

 

Took into the dealership today and it is the servo motors, they need to order parts, not sure how long that will take. Found out the strut bushing in the rear suspension needs replaced as well.

 

My 06 does this as well. Is this something my select edition warranty will cover?

Regards:
Oldengineer

 

Sounds like JTB00066 and probably covered. Just ask them
It appears to be harmless but mildly annoying.

 

Thanks for the info. I am new to the forum. My 03 makes the gurgling or clicking sounds from the vents even when I start it cold. It won't be under warranty, but I will tell them to check the servo motots and see what they say. By the way, this forum is great. I already fixed a problem with my park assist sensors because of information posted here, and that the service mechanics were wrong about.

Thanks,
Dunld
2003 S-Type 3.0 Liter

 

Can anyone tell me what the service bulletin number is or where I can locate it? I have moved to a location that is three hours from a dealer, so when I go there, I would like to be prepared. I can't take it to a dealer on multiple occasions.
Thanks

 

Some reason you can't see my post just above ^ ^ ^ ?

 

JTB00066 - Ticking/Bubbling Noise Behind Fascia/Instrument Panel

You can see it here, but unless you pay, you can't access it, and I can't find it anywhere on the net.

 

Sorry, jagv8, I just saw your post. Thanks to you and h2Oboy.