I have a problem with this "advised you to call back" isn't that his Job as the service tech hello? First off I would speak to the Service dept manager and get him involved in the process if he can't handle it speak with your regional Zone manager.
The advice on 2 week is total Bs in my opinion you have to wait this long in order for what to happened for them to forget about it be put you on your very way. They can very well research the topic at hand with Toyota Tsb and go down the list take your pick it's right in front of you. I know when I had a ticking sound on my 2011 it came from the seatbelt pretensioner which Toyota did find but they also keep it overnight and did a great job tho I made 2 trips.

 

So did you hear back yet?

Sounds to me like you are picking up some unwanted electrical noise and it is broadcasting to your speakers.

I agree, waiting for you to call back tells me they just filed your problem into the round bin.

(A friend in highschool had a Porsche 944 and it would pick up a high pitched whine from the ignition system when he stepped on the gas. He fixed the whine by getting a Nissan 240SX notchback after wrapping the 944 around a tree.)

 

The noise is there regardless of the radio On or Off, also does not seem like it comes from the speakers. I will give them a call tomorrow and keep you posted on this.

 

I called them this morning and was told that there's no new development, toyota hasn't found a solution to the problem yet and advised me to call again next week.

 

Call 1-800 go Toyota And try to get a hold of your regional manager this dealership sounds incompetent in my opinion. They need to get the ball rolling here and for them say call you back is Bs how about the Dealership performing it's job. I hate dealing with this type attitude and I would go over the dealership head to get my way here and it's always worked for me. Good luck don't have any of these issues with Radio do you have Navigation or Non Navi ?

 

Are you possibly hearing the fuel pump (noise that permeates the cabin but is hard to localize, even though the pump in the tank at the rear)? It occasionally makes a high pitched buzzing noise under certain idle conditions, like in hot weather when it kicks it into high to avoid vapor formation, I assume.

 

It's not the fuel pump noise. It whines every time the gas pedal is applied and quits when let go. Doesn't do that when idle so i'm guessing it has something to do with the gear or transmission.
@tundrav8yamaha I will give that # a ring. Thanks

 

Called them again on Monday and was told the same thing, advised to call back again next week.
I took it to another Toyota dealer, Service Manager took for a test drive and told me he did hear the noise. He went to consult with Toyota, came back and told me it's normal.
IT'S NOT NORMAL AND DRIVING ME INSANE. I told him. He said nothing he could do.
Should I bring my car up there again and set it on fire in front of them ?
So frustrated.
Sorry, had to vent.

 

Have them put the truck on the rack, engage the drive train and listen for transmission final gear whine (and/or rear differential whine). Gear whine will go on and off with the application of the gas pedal. They are likely 'stumped' because they know what it is but don't want to replace the transmission.

 

I suspect that it is the gear whine too. I will call Toyota and file a complaint with them since these dealers don't want to fix it.
Thanks

 

This sounds like transmission whine. Our 2011 with about 42k miles does the same. I'm basing my conclusion on only one "fact", that the sound goes away when you lift of the throttle and is present when throttle is pressed.

Are there certain points where it is louder? Typically we have seen it crop up around 30-40mph (40mph on my car, exactly) and then it disappears from anywhere between 40-70mph and might reappear above 75-80 but much less pronounced.

Search transmission whine, you'll find a lot of detailed information. I have not been able to convince my dealer to take any action. it is my understanding this is pinion gear tolerance or something but will not affect ultimate longevity of transmission.

Significant issue in RAV4, there is a TSB...but strangely none for Highlander.

 

It's loudest at 40mph since there's less wind and road noise, but you can still hear it pretty well at above that.
I don't listen to music or radio when driving so it's bothers me the most.
The only quiet and peaceful time I get is driving. Not at work or home with kids.

 

The main issues is that Toyota has not deemed the problem bad enough to issue a TSB on it, as they did on the RAV4. This problem will require persistence and education on the part of the customer to get action from Toyota. Gear whine = transmission replacement.

 

As a prior RAV4 owner I can tell you that it certainly doesn't get better with time, either.

 

@taghuer, I would push the issue with the dealer if you intend to keep the truck long term.

 

Very few people have been successful in having their transmissions replaced in Highlanders

As far as I know the whine does not affect long term life of the transmission

I also bought 100k warranty from Jerry for $689. If it doesn't fail by then I should be all set

Good luck getting Toyota to replace your transmission, I doubt it will happen

If you're able to convince a dealer please let us know the name

 

whining noise

My 2011 Highlander did the same thing, found out it was the 4 wheel drive transfer case. Toyota did replace the transfer case after a year of my complaining. Noise and whining is gone :hi:

 

My 2011 Highlander did the same thing, found out it was the 4 wheel drive transfer case. Toyota did replace the transfer case after a year of my complaining. Noise and whining is gone :hi:

do you mind sharing the name of your dealer that replaced your transfer case, and what the cost of repair was?

This seems like a different issue then the transmission whine, which requires replacement of the transmission itself, not the 4wd transfer case.

 

I contacted Toyota, they advised to make another appointment with the dealer. I took it there this morning and now they said it's the transmission. They ordered it and said it'll be here in 2 weeks. I'll keep you guys posted.
Thanks all

 

So you are getting a brand new trans or remanufactured? My dealer won't do anything they claim its within spec

You are so lucky

 

I had to raise hell with Toyota, also giving the facts that I had only owned Toyota since I knew how to drive, I guess my loyalty paid off.
I didn't ask if it was a new or rebuild transmission.

 

Our 2012 Highlander has the same issue.... We bought it used at 20,000 miles and really didn't notice it much but now at 32,000 miles it's getting worse. Starts to get loud abound 35 mph and fades away (due to louder road noise) at 48..... No mater what gear. Loud when power is applied and goes quiet when you let off the gas. Drives my wife nuts.... Lucky my hearing sucks... lol Sounds to me like the final drive pinion gear miss alligned. Had a 74 Saab Sonett III with the same thing and after reshimming the pinion gear a few times I got it to go away. I'm glad your getting a new transmission... think I'll take mine to the dealer next month.

 

Mine is doing the exact same thing so I'd take it to the dealer if I were you.

 

Ah, the Penguins. I was the design PM for technology when they built Consol. One my favorite arenas! Loved Pittsburgh!

 

Ah, the Penguins. I was the design PM for technology when they built Consol. One my favorite arenas! Loved Pittsburgh!

Though I still miss the Igloo... Consol is amazing.... and it's nice to work for the company with their name on the arena! lol

 

Transmission Noise

I also have a 2012 AWD highlander. It has made the noise since I brought it home. At first they said it was normal at the 5K check. At the 15K check they said it was not normal and Toyota was aware of the problem. This was the end of August 2013. They said Toyota didn't know how to fix it but would call me when they figured it out. I received a call mid September they will be replacing the transmission and I take it in tomorrow.

 

I also have a 2012 AWD highlander. It has made the noise since I brought it home. At first they said it was normal at the 5K check. At the 15K check they said it was not normal and Toyota was aware of the problem. This was the end of August 2013. They said Toyota didn't know how to fix it but would call me when they figured it out. I received a call mid September they will be replacing the transmission and I take it in tomorrow.

Would you mind posting the name of your dealer? None of the dealers in Michigan are willing to help me at all, they claim it's normal operation

Why are some dealers replacing transmissions and others doing nothing?

This is driving me crazy, if its not a problem, and merely just an acoustical noise of the transmission that won't affect operation in any way, why is Toyota replacing it for everybody except me?

 

Transmission was order 3 weeks ago. I called yesterday and they said it's on back order and will take another 3 weeks... WTF

 

I'm going to make an appointment with the dealer this week.... I bought it used from a Ford Dealer so hopping that the Toyota Dealer here in Pittsburgh that I've bought a couple cars from over the last few decades won't give me any grief.....

 

Call your dealer.

'

T-TCI-4036 September 13, 2013
ABNORMAL WHINE NOISE ABOVE 56 km/h (35 MPH)
Service
Category Drivetrain​

Section

Axle/Differential Market Canada

Page ​

​

1 of 5

APPLICABILITY:
YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
​

​

2008 – 2013 Highlander Transmission(s): 5AT
Engine: 2GR
INTRODUCTION:
Some 2008 – 2013 model year Highlander vehicles equipped with the 5-speed automatic transaxle may
exhibit a whine noise from the final drive gear assembly. This noise is noticeable above 56 km/h (35 mph).
Please refer to the repair procedure to address this condition.
PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:
 ​

​

This bulletin applies to all 2008 – 2013 Japan built Highlander vehicles.

​

​

 ​

​

This bulletin applies to all 2008 – 2012 North American built Highlander vehicles.

​

​

 ​

​

This bulletin applies to 2013 North American built Highlander vehicles produced BEFORE the

Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
​

​

MODEL DRIVETRAIN PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Highlander 2WD 5TDZK3EH#DS117257
4WD 5TDDK3EH#DS227642
WARRANTY INFORMATION:
OP CODE DESCRIPTION DRIVE
TRAIN TIME OFP T1 T2
AT1301 R & R Transaxle Assembly and Remove
Center Instrument Cluster Finish Panel
Assembly and Remove Upper Console
Panel Sub-assembly
2WD 10.0
30500-48### 91 99
AT1302 4WD 10.7
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
 ​

​

This repair is covered under the Toyota Powertrain Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 60

months from the vehicle’s warranty registration date or 100,000 kilometres, whichever occurs
first.
​

​

 ​

​

Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this
bulletin."


Sounds to me like you are due to have the tranny replaced.
​

 

:gaah:...nuf said....

 

***TIS matieral removed. PM sweeneyp if you want to see it***

Here is a link to the full TSB from Toyota Canada regarding this issue for those who want to read it.

SS

 

I have had this problem starting at 25k miles (now at 44k miles), every dealer has told me its normal (3 dealers in Michigan)

I pointed out the TSB on the RAV4 re: the same transmission, and of course they just told me that's a different vehicle (obviously) and the TSB doesn't apply, so nothing can be done.


Is this a TSB?



But only applicable to Canada?! Or is there a US version?

Why would there only be one for Canada, and not US, or am I just reading things wrong...???

Can someone PLEASE explain the logic to me that the TSB only applies in Canada, even though it clearly indicates that all Highlander models, regardless of whether they are built in North America or Japan, can be affected by this condition?

I really don't understand....I'm sure my dealer will just say this is only applicable in Canada, not the US.

I'm 30 minutes from the border (near Detroit).....should I just take it to a Canadian dealer?!

 

As for weather or not it is Canada Only I do not know. The info I have from Toyota is Toyota Canada. There should be a TSB from Toyota USA for the same thing.
Regardless, take this to the dealer and have it fixed. The problem is there, its documents by Toyota and is a defect in the design.

I have had this problem starting at 25k miles (now at 44k miles), every dealer has told me its normal (3 dealers in Michigan)

I pointed out the TSB on the RAV4 re: the same transmission, and of course they just told me that's a different vehicle (obviously) and the TSB doesn't apply, so nothing can be done.


Is this a TSB?



But only applicable to Canada?! Or is there a US version?

Why would there only be one for Canada, and not US, or am I just reading things wrong...???

Can someone PLEASE explain the logic to me that the TSB only applies in Canada, even though it clearly indicates that all Highlander models, regardless of whether they are built in North America or Japan, can be affected by this condition?

I really don't understand....I'm sure my dealer will just say this is only applicable in Canada, not the US.

I'm 30 minutes from the border (near Detroit).....should I just take it to a Canadian dealer?!

 

Its a canadian based TSB, which likely means its will be here eventually. I don't know of any in the US, this was the first I have heard of it (as it was issued Sept 13.)

All I can say its still a big :nofu: by toyota to all 08-09 owners. Most 08 owners will be over the powertrain warranty, and I bet a lot of 09's are too. Oh well, at the moment its more of a slight annoyance than a problem.

Just a summary of what is not in the post above, they go through a few steps.
1) confirm noise
2) If there, ensure fluid level correct
3) if fluid lvl is correct, place a 50g lead weight on a particular panel inside the car near the firewall, and replace the transaxle with a reman transaxle for a 2013 (since they switched part way through production for the 13's).

I'm tempted to try the weight trick when I get more free time (which is a rare thing atm), hopefully it can kill some of the humming resonance in panels, or at least that's my thought. Why else would Toyota say to do it them :dunno:

 

I don't really care for the re manufactured bit. To get rid of the annoying noise I could be adopting somebody's hammered, hard life tranny vs. mine which has been babied?

What do all of the interior trim tape and weights have to do with this? Maybe it would be good as all of my center console panels make cracking noises constantly anyway.

I see they don't have a p.n. or call out a specific "protective tape" so it's up to whoever is working on the car if they want to use scotch tape, duct tape, masking tape, shoe goo, etc? What's with that?