2006 RAV4 Transmission cluck

tko2000 · 09-30-2007, 06:03 PM

I have a 2006 RAV4 4cyl limited which makes a clunk noise (usually in the morning) when engaging into drive at approx 1500 - 1700 rpm. Thought it may be the transmission mounts? but also noticed the vehicle drifts backward on inclines. Dealer changed the transmission oil but still makes the clunk noise. Dealer had indicated this was normal. He mentioned that I should let the RAV4 warm up before shifting in drive. I thought that was a lode of bs as my other cars never had to do this. Yes. I'm the kind of person who like to get in the car, idle for about 40 seconds and go in the summer time to avoid the rush hour. I don't have a problem waiting a bit longer in the winter so the fluid has time to warm up. Does anyone else encounter this issue? or is the dealer just lazy and doesn't want the warranty work (wouldn't understand this one!!!) because their too busy. I do like the vehicle but if I keep getting the run around, I'll trade it for a CRV instead and tell everyone how ridicious toyota's service has become. I'd appreciate any responses.

***toyomoho*** · 10-02-2007, 12:38 AM

Not up on this car, but.

Is the car completely stopped when you shift into drive? How does the trans engage when the engine is idling at around 900 RPM and cold, any better? A high engine RPM when shifting into gear can cause a clunking noise in many transmissions. Drifts backwards on inclines, how much of an incline? How does the trans shift gears when cold and driving?

The engine/trans setup should be designed to do just what you do, let the engine idle for under a minute and then drive. On modern cars letting the trans fluid warm up before driving is not required.

The trans mount is usually of solid construction; on many cars bad engine mounts can cause a clunk noise upon shifting. Did this car always do this? Might look at the engine/trans setup with hood open and standing to one side of the car when you have someone first shift into gear. See if the engine/trans moves when shifting.

Suggest trying another dealer and seeing what they say. Some dealers are great on warranty work, other avoid it because they make less money.

tko2000 · 10-03-2007, 08:11 AM

Thanks for the reply. I'll clarify a bit more. In the morning I start the RAV4 and idle for about 20-30 seconds. I can drop it into reverse and the revs go down to 900 with no clunk. When I put it to drive and the vehicle is still relatively cold at about 1200rpm, it would clunk. If I warm the vehicle for 3 or 4 minutes, there isn't a problem. I've tried the same scenario with my 2007 camry and there is absolutely no problem. All the other vehicle's I've driven in the past didn't do this.

I had recently purchased the vehicle but noticed it right away. I guess I'm too rush to wait for the vehicle to warm up.

As for the incline, I would estimate it about no more than 10-12 degrees. Again, my camry has no problem holding it?
appreciate any comments.

da_jazzee · 10-05-2007, 03:09 PM

You know the answer already. wait for it to drop below 1ooo. It's hard to tell exactly what RPM mine idles at, but based solely on the tach, it looks like about 800. I wait for it to drop then shift into gear. Mine will clunk too if if shift too early when in a hurry. Most cars will.

veldboom · 05-08-2008, 03:39 PM

I have a 2008 RAV4 4-cyl Limited which has the same clunk. The vehicle has only 300 miles on it. The clunk only occurs the first time I place the transmission into Drive each morning. It does not clunk going into reverse. Neither my 1993 Camry or 2007 Sienna have this clunk. I don't think it should be in the RAV4 either.