Even pitch tone from rear, 2001 XL

[Marylandmann]

I love my 2001 Avalon XL! With 135,000 miles on it, it has never been a moment's problem! Best car I have ever had...

A problem has, however, arisen. Seemingly from the rear somewhere, there is an even-pitched hum (maybe G-flat above middle C). It never occurs when accelerating or braking. When it does occur, I am driving at a constant speed. The hum does not change pitch under any circumstances, at least not yet.

I can also make it happen in idle and in gear with the brakes applied. But only over a very narrow range of pressure on the accelerator.

It does not start happening until I have driven several miles.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

[new echo owner]

Fuel pump maybe? But they are usually a 'D' flat.

Just kidding, that is about the only part in the back of the car that would cause a humming sound beside the exhaust. The fuel tank is under the rear seat, have someone drive the car while you ride in the back and see if the sound is emitting from that area.

N.E.O.

[Marylandmann]

I had a buddy sit in the back seat. He is a big guy, maybe 280#. The sound did not occur at all. Same when he was in the front seat.

But when a much smaller person (120#) is in the car, the intermittent tone is heard as described. Well, maybe I am tone deaf and it is a D-flat!

Where is the fuel pump? In the gas tank (groan)? Which side of the car?

Thanks!

Dave

[new echo owner]

Left side of the rear seat cushion.

N.E.O.

[Marylandmann]

Thanks very much NEO!

Is it accessed by removing the rear seat, or must one drop the fuel tank and pay astonishing labor?

I have replaced fuel pumps myself, but only when years ago they were easy to deal with.

[new echo owner]

It is accessible from the inside of the car after you have remove the seat cushion and the cover plate; Just grab hold of the front edge of the rear seat cushion and give it a firm tuck; the plate that cover the sending unit/fuel pump assembly should be visible. You may, however, want to read up on it a little bit before doing anything.

N.E.O.

[Marylandmann]

Does anyone know online locations where I can research this and other servicing issues for the 2001 Avalon? I cannot really afford to buy the various books that are for sale.

[new echo owner]

The Camry V6 of the same year should be the same if you are not able to find a manual for the Avalon.

N.E.O.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by Marylandmann

Does anyone know online locations where I can research this and other servicing issues for the 2001 Avalon? I cannot really afford to buy the various books that are for sale.

You can access Toyota's Technical Information System on a pay-for-use basis, which is not expensive. Check it out at this link:

https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfo....toyota.com%2F

Good luck.

TrailDust