Acceleration Rattle

[dujo2001]

After searching the 5th gen forum, I couldn't find a post related to this noise.

I have a '11 4runner Limited 4WD with 37K miles. When accelerating (under load/heavy throttle) to get up to speed, local or highway, there is an odd noise coming from behind the instrument panel/steering column area. It is a buzzing, rattling noise that sounds metallic. The noise only occurs when the RPMs increase and cease once the accelerator is released. Occurs when the AC is on or off. I was at the dealership earlier today and the service guy had no idea what it was as the dealership doesn't service many 4runners. They asked me to bring it back and estimated that they it would take them >3 hours @ $120/hr so to identify and resolve the issue.

Did some quick research and found this article but it doesn't provide much detailed info:
"The rear bumper also reportedly needs replacing so much Toyota can't keep that part in stock, and some drivers comment on the doors' tinny sound and a mystery rattle dampening acceleration in more than a few 4Runners."
2013 Toyota 4Runner - Review - CarGurus

I'm hoping someone else has experienced this issue and its an easy fix.

It looks like some other folks have had this issue but cant seem to find how it was resolved:
Accelerator Ticking - YotaTech Forums
2011 4Runner Accelerator Ticking - TTORA Forum
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/104389-mystery-noise.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/127714-weird-engine-buzz.html

 

[dujo2001]

Does anyone have insight on this? Im really hoping to get some feedback. Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[eddiebx]

Does anyone have insight on this? Im really hoping to get some feedback. Thank you in advance for your help!

If it's going to cost you an arm and a leg to diagnose at the dealer, have you considered just taking apart the instrument cluster area and poke around behind there a bit on your own? There's LOTS of cable harnesses and things running behind there, so it really could be anything at this point; so if you have it all apart, you might be able to spot something that's loose and resonating when you accelerate...

If you are up for it, try downloading the factory service manuals in the sticky, the instructions are pretty straight forward to follow and it's actually not too hard to take it all apart (as long as you are patient)

 

[dujo2001]

I totally would if I thought it was something loose inside but since it only sounds upon harder acceleration, I suspect its mechanical.

 

[PatrickBateman]

You're not alone. My 14 LE 4x4 has the same issue w/15,000 miles on the clock since day one. Took it to 2 different Toyota dealerships and they say they couldn't duplicate. Bull shit so I contacted Toyota. They will be calling me back in 2 business days. I'll update on it.

 

[dujo2001]

Three service centers and $350 later, I was able to do a ride along with the mechanic and reproduced the sound at 22K PRM on the highway. They remedied by foam wrapping wire connectors that were tapping against a metal beam in the dash.

Called Toyota prior to the repair to see if they would assist in the repair costs. They said no, so I filed a formal complaint against DTLA Toyota.

 

[96r50]

... reproduced the sound at 22K PRM...

I think lapping the tachometer redline three times may have been the source of your issue :shrug:

Just kidding. Glad you got it sorted out and thanks for reporting back. Little noises like that drive me nuts.

 

[-JD-]

I totally would if I thought it was something loose inside but since it only sounds upon harder acceleration, I suspect its mechanical.

Ever have any luck diagnosing this?

My 16 Limited is experiencing something similar. I notice it in the morning on a cold start, and lately its been happening on the highway when climbing hills (with the engine fully warm). It seems to be very dependent on throttle position as stepping on it a bit or letting off a bit makes it go away.

Sounds similar to knocking, but I don't think that is what it is.

 

[TEujunga]

Ever have any luck diagnosing this?

My 16 Limited is experiencing something similar. I notice it in the morning on a cold start, and lately its been happening on the highway when climbing hills (with the engine fully warm). It seems to be very dependent on throttle position as stepping on it a bit or letting off a bit makes it go away.

Sounds similar to knocking, but I don't think that is what it is.

You're responding to a post that's over 2 years old, asking a question that has already been answered earlier in the thread. See 2 posts up.

 

[Patriot12]

Ever have any luck diagnosing this?

My 16 Limited is experiencing something similar. I notice it in the morning on a cold start, and lately its been happening on the highway when climbing hills (with the engine fully warm). It seems to be very dependent on throttle position as stepping on it a bit or letting off a bit makes it go away.

Sounds similar to knocking, but I don't think that is what it is.

Well shoot, at least he didn't start a new thread, he actually used the search function. :jump:

 

[-JD-]

Well shoot, at least he didn't start a new thread, he actually used the search function. :jump:

Exactly. You just can't win with some people. They just like to complain.

 

[TEujunga]

Exactly. You just can't win with some people. They just like to complain.

Yup, you know what, you're right, I was a bit out of line. Maybe I'd just read my 67th "will 285s rub?" post of the day, and was in a mood.

Hope you solve your rattle issue.

 

[brtnstrns]

Maybe I'd just read my 67th "will 285s rub?" post of the day, and was in a mood.

Oh oh! I wonder if it was mine!