adam2562
New member
Unless they've revised the servo motors and they make a new sound, that doesn't sound like the bad one from my 98gs400. But yea that doesn't sound like a leaf stuck either
Air outlet noise
- Thread starter 4Run14
- Start date
I only get that sound in the morning after it sits in my cold garage all night. It didn't make that sound when the vehicle warms up through the day as I'm driving it. I will show this to my dealer to see what they say.
Just spoke with Toyota Corporate. The air outlet buzzing on the newer models is normal. Toyota had to meet some EPA standards and there are 26 overall vents back there. It does react to colder conditions which causing the buzzing, but according to them it's not a defect. Can anyone with a 2014 model who let their 4Runner sit out in the bitter cold for a long time verify this?
I'll give it a try tomorrow AM. We'll be in the 20s tomorrow here in NJ and I parked outside. I listened for it earlier today and heard it faintly, but only if I put the it in ACC (not starting it) and on the lowest fan speed. It sounded like the typical noise a servo makes.
I used to be an engineer and have written a lot of firmware for motor control applications. Unless it sounds buzzy (like a cell phone vibrating on a wooden table), scratchy (like a rat trying to get out of a brown paper bag), or doesn't actually cycle, I wouldn't be concerned.
I used to be an engineer and have written a lot of firmware for motor control applications. Unless it sounds buzzy (like a cell phone vibrating on a wooden table), scratchy (like a rat trying to get out of a brown paper bag), or doesn't actually cycle, I wouldn't be concerned.
It sort of sounds like a vibrating cell phone. Did you have a chance to listen to the video I posted above? You can hear it really well on that video actually. Thanks!
I listened to it. Mine sounds similar. When i meant vibrating cell phone, I was thinking like early Nokia brick cell phone sitting on a hollow wooden desk.
It buzzes so if the radio was on for example you couldn't hear it. According to Toyota its normal because of the EPA requirements, the cold weather and how many vents it controls. I guess I will have to take their word for it unless something goes very wrong. Hopefully not since its in the single digits here in WI.
bimrunner
New member
I had this and found out the numpty who did my pre-sale prep installed my filter upside down which caused the edges to vibrate at high fan speeds. I turned it proper (apparently the little arrow pointing in the airflow direction confused the poor chap). Check the simple stuff first!
bimrunner
New member
Cabin air filter in the glove box. Sounded like it was coming from behind as well as sound transmitted through the vents.
I doubt it because it just happened when it got really cold. Never happened during the summer when I used the a/c.
bimrunner
New member
Gotcha. Bummer, wish it was something simple. Hopefully you can diagnose it and either put your mind to rest that it is nothing or get it fixed. Your factory warranty should cover all the hvac though so you have quite a bit to discover it!
According to Toyota Corporate who spoke to their tech staff its normal. I hoe that's true. I'm just trying to get someone in here with a 2014 model who also lived in a cold climate to verify that they have the same buzzing when its very cold.
I tried it this morning. I think it does sound louder.
Mine only makes the buzzing sound when I switch the air outlet selection. It's not constant...like in my video. Is that what your hearing?
Yes. When I cycle through the different modes I hear the same thing. It sounds louder in person than the video you posted.
