2001 Corolla, vibrating noise when in gear and first accelerating from a stop - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Tim, Ohio · 07-27-2009, 09:08 AM

Hello,

Just wondered if someone might be able to help me diagnose a
problem with my 2001 Corolla. When the car idles the engine
sounds perfect. Then when it is put into drive (automatic with
overdrive) and the throttle is slightly pressed there is a vibrating
like noise coming from the engine. The noise seems to be coming
from the area of the engine where all of the pulleys are located.
The vibrating noise only occurs at first when the throttle is depressed,
then goes away at higher rpms. When up to speed and shifting through
the higher gears there is no noise, just when you first accelerate.
I can get the vibrating noise to occur with the parking brake set, the
car in drive and working the throttle control by hand on the engine.
If I take it out of drive and put it in neutral there is no noise. I have
inspected the exhaust and moved it around a bit to see if anything is
loose, but found no problems.

Let me know if someone else has had this problem and what the fix
ended up being.

Thanks,

Tim, Ohio

huangxin · 07-27-2009, 09:56 AM

does the noise go away after the car has been driven for a while?

i had a vibrating noise that occurred when i shift the cold engine in gear, at low speed i would get that mumbling sound. then, it would go away after driving the car for a mile or so.

turned out to be a bad belt tensioner.

Tim, Ohio · 07-27-2009, 10:02 AM

Thanks for the reply, I have not noticed that it goes away
after driving awhile. But, I will keep in mind the tensioner as
a potential problem.

Oh, and now that you mention it I cleaned the engine compartment
which involved spraying down the engine with a cleaner then,
gently power washing it. When the belt area was wet the belt
squealed a lot until things dried out. I wonder if the tensioner
is not tightening as much as it should. The belt seems to tightened
by the tensioner. In other words, it does not squeal at all
when it is completely dry and under normal conditions.

Oh well, the mystery continues.

hokie_sti · 07-27-2009, 02:29 PM

My wife's '02 corolla does the same thing. I think it's the tensioner, but I'm not positive. The actual belt tension seems fine at the moment. I think the replacement tensioner assembly is between $100 and $200 depending on the brand you get.

The ///Man · 08-04-2009, 11:11 PM

Have the same problem, but have yet to look in to it. maybe I will look a little closer.

Bhavesh · 08-05-2009, 12:30 PM

you have the understand that the corolla makes a ton of power so there's naturally going to be a few rattles to contain the nature of the beast

JeffG · 08-18-2009, 12:55 PM

I've got the exact same problem and I am also leaning towards the tensioner as the culprit.
There was a TSB released for the issue:

TSB EG015-01:
Some 1999 – 2002 model year TMMC Corolla engines may exhibit squealing and/or
rattling noises coming from the engine compartment during vehicle operation, especially
during deceleration at slow speeds after cold soak. The Accessory Drive Belt and Belt
Tensioner Assembly have been improved to correct this condition.

Steve40th · 08-28-2009, 12:51 AM

This North Carolina dealer sold me the tensioner sub assembly, vice the whole assembly for 69 bucks. The assembly's pulley can be repacked with grease, or replace it with a 10 dollar new one from any reputable parts store.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...?siteid=215498
JeffG has latest part number, 16620-0W101 (make sure tach line is in middle or you pay for whole assembly). My part was 16620-22013 for my 2002. Not saying its the latest revision, just what the dealer told me.

wtdboss01 · 09-08-2009, 10:26 PM

I have a 2004 toyota corolla (automatic) that is doing the exact same thing as Tim in Ohio's is doing. The noise is a combination of a rattle and ratchet sound when the car is in gear and sitting still then applying a very small amount of throttle to the engine. In other words it will only do it taking off from a complete stop or by stepping on the brake with the car in gear and giving it a little throttle. The old power brake trick. I have had one mechanic tell me he's certain it's the torque converter but I'm not so convinced. I have listened close under the hood and do not hear the noise coming from the belt area but rather between the engine and firewall down low more at the bottom of the car. We have a pretty steep driveway and I've noticed when standing in the driveway as my girlfriend pulls out that the noise becomes much louder at the top of the hill from underneath the vehicle. I need to change the serpentine belt at some point anyways so I will check the belt tensioner at that time, but does anyone have any other possible ideas?? Any help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks and y'all have a great website here.....

Steve40th · 09-08-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtdboss01

I have a 2004 toyota corolla (automatic) that is doing the exact same thing as Tim in Ohio's is doing. The noise is a combination of a rattle and ratchet sound when the car is in gear and sitting still then applying a very small amount of throttle to the engine. In other words it will only do it taking off from a complete stop or by stepping on the brake with the car in gear and giving it a little throttle. The old power brake trick. I have had one mechanic tell me he's certain it's the torque converter but I'm not so convinced. I have listened close under the hood and do not hear the noise coming from the belt area but rather between the engine and firewall down low more at the bottom of the car. We have a pretty steep driveway and I've noticed when standing in the driveway as my girlfriend pulls out that the noise becomes much louder at the top of the hill from underneath the vehicle. I need to change the serpentine belt at some point anyways so I will check the belt tensioner at that time, but does anyone have any other possible ideas?? Any help is greatly appreciated!!! Thanks and y'all have a great website here.....

Take the serpintine belt off and see if the noise goes away. Bet it does.

wtdboss01 · 09-09-2009, 09:53 AM

Ok I'll give that a try, thanks....

Blade107 · 11-27-2009, 01:50 PM

Hi Guys,

I'm having a similar problem with my 2000 Prizm.

The noise is present when the car is first started and only when in gear and leaving from complete stop or very low speed. It's "deep rattle" almost like metal vibrating against metal.

It seems to go away after a long drive when the car is hot enough but it's always louder when we first start the car in the AM.

I wonder if anyone found the real culprit for this.

Thanks!