alila

You can temporarily remove the air intake hose for ease of access ... and the thermostat as well.

GOOD NEWS EVERYBODY!!! One of my employees found a TSB that addresses this as a "ticking" noise related to a faulty camshaft. On top of that, I checked with Al futtaim and they confirmed that the repair is covered under my drive-train warranty. I am delirious!! Troubled times so I can't really give him a raise but I certainly owe him one now. Thank you all once again. AH.

Salaam everybody. Thanks for all the suggestions. I have one more possibility to consider - one which was put forward by an old friend. The engine ticking noise is due to the direct injection system. His family has owned several Lexus' since he was a boy - which is why I highly value his opinion. What do the experts here say about that?

Guys ... The last time I had an issue like this I thoroughly drained & flushed my coolant system & also put in a new thermostat. The heat returned afterwards. Or it could be your heater core behind the dash.

thanks guys ... I am headed in the right direction thanks to your help. I am planning to take it to the dealership and hopefully they will hear what I am hearing. It might be a possibility that they tell me that its nothing at all since the noise is not very distinctive. Anyways, waiting for the Eid holidays to end. Oh btw ... Eid mubarak brothers!

Salaam everybody. I have a 2007 model ES 350 with 30 thousand on it. From when I bought it used about three years ago I noticed an engine tapping noise after starting the engine cold. After driving a short distance though, the noise goes away. The car has no issues and drives perfectly fine. The Lexus people acknowledge the noise and claim it is either a piston slap or the fuel injectors. They say the sound is 'normal'and I should not worry a lot as it is not 'harmful' for my car. Well I am still worried because the car is used by me and my family members for both city and highway driving. Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated.

Which battery is better the maintenance free or the one in which i have to top up. Thanks