Pulsating vibrations 2012 HL limited - in ACC mode also

[leolion9]

My new 2012 highlander limited has been giving me sleepless nights.... Initially it simply gilded on the roads much to the envy of my friends. Around 150 miles I noticed vibrations - some sort of pulsating and "brrrrrr" kind of "noise". I promptly took it to the dealer but could not replicate the vibrations. Around 500 miles the car became super smooth - but only for a couple of days. The vibrations came back - more consistent and now can be felt even in the drivers seat. This roughness can be felt when the vehicle is parked or in motion. The drive also is perceptibly rough. Unfortunately, I was not able to replicate the problem at the dealership with the same severity that I experience during regular driving. Only a slight vibration was felt and the technician said it was normal and there is nothing that can be done. The complaint was documented.

Today I noticed that the "humming" / vibrations are felt even with the engine off - in the accessory mode! Wonder what causes this?

It is sheer agony each time I have to drive this car. It leaves a tingly sensation even after getting out of the vehicle. Is any one else with a 2012 model is facing a similar situation? I am so disappointed with my choice and wonder if this 40+ thousands spent is a waste!

[AVConsult]

Bummer to have a gremlin on a brand new vehicle....

The one clue that eliminates a WHOLE bunch of things is the vibration is present with the engine off, and in acc mode. The only systems I can think of that are powered and might cause that are the sound system and HVAC. If you shut off the climate control, does the noise stop? To kill the sound system entirely, you'll probably have to pull fuses under the dash. The head unit can be off but the speaker amplifiers, and especially the subwoofer amp are still powered in acc mode.

I suppose some defect in the electric steering system could also cause that. Does the steering wheel jitter or have a light vibration if you touch it with fingertips?

Otherwise, I'd suggest leaving it in acc mode and climbing around the car and under the hood to see if you can localize the source.

Keep us posted--lots of very knowledgeable and helpful folks on TN.

[leolion9]

AVConsult, Yes i can feel the vibrations with the palm of my hand on the steering wheel. This is not stopping even with the climate control switched off. I think this is getting aggravated into the grinding noise and causing the pulsating vibrations making the ride rough. All this when Toyotas are known for their smooth and silent ride quality! Not sure how long this reputation will last with so many people complaining of problems.

Plan to take it to the dealer next week again - will keep you posted.

[AVConsult]

If you peek under the dash below the steering column you'll see the electric steering motor. If you put your fingers on it, do you feel the vibration? Is it louder near the motor?

Did you open the hood (engine off, in acc mode)to see if the noise/vibration originated in there? Anything you can to do localize the noise/vibration while it's acting up will help a tech duplicate and fix it.

[leolion9]

AVConsult - Per your suggestion, I looked under the hood - nothing there. I did, however, feel the vibrations in the steering motor. Under dash, I also found entangled wires, in total disarray. Tried bundling them and in doing so, seemed to have actually reduced the problem to a great extent. The intensity of vibrations in acc mode is now minimal - just a hum. Thank you again for this wonderful idea.



But with engine 'on', I can still feel the "soft grinding pulses" sporadically. Intend to drive the vehicle with this for some more time before I take it for a checkup.

[AVConsult]

errr? A brand new vehicle and the underdash harness is a rats nest? An attempted repair before you got it? Sitting idle (engine on or not), the steering motor should be doing NOTHING, unless you move the steering wheel. I'd venture that the control system for the steering is whacked, or a sensor on the motor or column sensor module is defective causing the motor to hunt (the humming and vibration).

Also could be something as simple as steering motor mount bolts that weren't snugged up (the control system would be confused as to shaft position), if it was replaced before you took delivery.

[leolion9]

My wife took the vehicle to the dealer and they have done a great job in setting the wires properly. The dealer had a remote starter installed at an outside facility and that's where the wires were disturbed. Again, the service adviser, technician and the manager assured her that the vibrations are "normal" and the vehicle is functioning perfectly.

As of now - today's drive - was very satisfying ... but I will still take it to another place for inspection at the earliest. AVConsult, I cant thank you enough for your input and prompt replies.....

[AVConsult]

So the wire rats nest was transmitting vibration to the steering wheel and dash?

I checked our '08. Sitting there I heard and felt absolutely nothing in the steering wheel, dash or steering motor with key in acc. In run position (engine off) I just heard the light whine of the fuel pump at the back. The good news for you is vibration/noise below the threshold of annoyance.

TN is a good community. Glad to help.

AV

[cke]

Leolion9, I dont know about the vibration you felt while driving, but the humming/vibration you heard/felt while in ACC mode (engine off) might be coming from the nav in the center console. I just purchased 2012 Limited a few weeks ago and was checking out the nav and playing around with configurations in ACC mode while parked in the garage with all doors closed. I noticed the nav was humming and somewhat making whirling sensation/vibration. Anyone else noticed this? Is it normal for nav to product this kind of noise?

[leolion9]

cke, Congratulations on your new Highlander!

Do you also notice a fine humming / shiver in the center of the steering wheel?

Yes, I noticed the whirring noise along with the noise that resembles a disk change (in a multi-disk dvd player). I could hear these little noises even in a quiet parking lot (the same is noticed in another 2011 Limited Highlander also). Again, dealer / technician says its absolutely normal. Maybe experts like AVConsult can chime in on this?

[cke]

leolion9, I found the answer with the shivering on the steering wheel. After you mentioned it, I checked to see if the same is on mine and sure enough it is. It shivers for more than 30 seconds then it stops for a little bit then it starts again. Feels like some kind of "current" or some sort of small "motor" running through...

Well, the answer lies within your Navigation system. After taking out the MAP DVD DISK, the shivering stopped. Insert it again, shivering starts again.

I don't know if it's the same on other auto manufacturers where you would also feel the same shivering in the center of the steering wheel when the MAP DVD disk drive is in the center console. But my G35 MAP Disk drive is in the glove compartment so I don't feel the shiver at all. I think it's just a simple design change of the placement of the drive (change is unlikely since audio cd and navi drive are in one unit) or Toyota should request the navigation system vendor to redesign or use better DVD disk drive hardware...

Merry Christmas to you all....