shifter hot

[jyoon8]

Is it normal that the bottom part of the shifter (not really the shifter, but the plate that has P, R, N, D, 3, 2) where D, 3, 2 are located gets hot when the engine is on? My friend says it's probably just because there are engine components below it, but i wanted to make sure.

Also, when I drive it for awhile, I notice a light, barely noticeable vibration (and a humming sound, but that could just be because i am paranoid) as if the car was engine braking. I noticed that the vibration lightens a bit when i am steering. I thought it was just the engine braking since i usually push on the gas, and let go and just let the momentum drive the car. however, i noticed that even when i put the car into neutral it does that... any ideas? should i just take it to the dealership and see what's up?

 

[toto]

As for the first part, I've noticed that a lot of the backlit controls get warm when the headlights are on. The trans shift plate is a prime example of that... it's as if there's a light bulb right under the "2". The heated seat controls get the same way.

On the second poiint, I haven't noticed any sort of light vibration or noise that's out of the ordinary. About the only thing I can think of that's close to what you're describing is the idle going up and down on its own because of the air conditioner. To regulate the temperature in the condenser, the computer will turn the compressor on and off, and that's especially noticable at idle. If you have the climate control on "Auto", the system will use the A/C to dehumidify even warm air as long as the outside temp is above freezing (32 deg F).

 

[sharp4runr]

Maybe your drive shafts need to be lubed? How many miles on the truck? What year? I'm assuming V6 4WD from your other post about switching modes?

 

[jyoon8]

47000miles on the truck. 2004. yes, it's V6 4WD. I will try to get the drive shaft lubed, and see if the problem is solved (i am sorry to ask this, but what is the drive shaft...?). But, I don't think it's the idle going up and down, because i rarely ever put on the AC... but thanks for the tip tho.

 

[Mark86]

The backlit controls on my truck get very hot as well. The vibration you are hearing could be from the tires as well. Do you notice it increase as your speed increases?

 

[sharp4runr]

(i am sorry to ask this, but what is the drive shaft...?)

No problemo. The drive shaft is what transfers the power from the engine to the rear wheels.

 

[jyoon8]

The sound does increase as the speed increase. However, I don't think it's the tires because the slight sound i hear (that i think might be because i am paranoid) seems mechanical... Trying to take it to the dealership today. I will let you know if they pinpoint a problem.