high pitch noise in drive - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

balbrec2 · 08-19-2009, 05:58 PM

I have an 07 corolla ce w/ 4 spd auto. I noticed recently when I pulled between two other cars with the windows down that I could hear a high pitch noise kinda like a whistle. when I put the car in park it went away.
It doesnt do it in park, reverse or neutral. The car has 47k mi. The tranny
fluid is reddish pink and clear and the level is correct. It shifts From park to reverse or drive without any hesitation. Shifting while driving is smooth with no slip or lurch. This noise is not loud enough to hear unless you park next to something to reflect the noise back to you. I can't hear it under the hood.
Does anyone have any idea what this could be or had any experience with this. This car is new to me and I have no Corolla experience. All I know is I
like the car alot as a commuter vehicle. Thanks ahead of time

balbrec2

tigerclaws1318 · 08-20-2009, 08:27 PM

I'm pretty sure its not the tranny. They are pretty much bulletproof if properly maintained. The noise you are probably hearing is probably from the belt, maybe the tensioner.

balbrec2 · 08-20-2009, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the feedback but i cant see how a belt or tensioner would only make a noise
in drive but not park, reverse or neutral. could you explain?

balbrec2

tigerclaws1318 · 08-20-2009, 08:56 PM

On my 03 the tensioner only makes noise in drive only. In park or neutral the belts are spinning with no load wheres when its in drive the tensioner and belt are on some type of engine load. Try with the ac on to see if the noise gets any louder. Have someone in the car have the car in drive with the brakes and parking brakes on and open the hood to listen for any type of noise.
They also had a tsb about the tensioner causing noises but I'm not sure what year models are affected.

87Octane · 08-22-2009, 08:32 PM

In the earlier Corollas there has been a TSB for the whistling transmission you're describing. There is a section of pipe that has a bend in it causing the noise. I recall the TSB replaces this pipe with one that has a modified bend. You should ask the dealer if the TSB (or correct bending pipe) is in your ride.