Stabmaster

hello. i have a new '03 4runner sport v8 and it has 4500 miles on it. it only recently started making a strange noise when shifting from reverse to drive on even a slight incline. the sound is rather noisy and kindof sounds like errrrrererererrrrrerrrr.. ok it's not easy to describe. kindof like a creeek... does anyone know of this problem? any help with troubleshooting would be appreciated. thanks.

JGage

Where is the noise coming from ?

94 First Responder

Ide take it in and have them take a look since it free on your part.

Stabmaster

ok i'll be honest- it's not my 4runner it's owned by a girl i know and she can't get them to reproduce the problem because there are no inclines in the area. that is why i was hoping to find someone else with a similar problem. the sound seems to be coming from the transmission but i'm not all too sure. thanks.

BT17R

Does it occur after cold start or engine shutdown? It may be the ABS self-check cycle that lasts about a second after the truck is put into "D", incline or not. It sounds like a muted hum and goes away quickly. If so, it's normal. Maybe she's just noticing it for the first time?

Otherwise, warranty! She's entitled to a free loaner vehicle if hers is kept overnight for warranty repairs, described in the warranty transportation assistance guide.

phong

Maybe it's the HAC system engaging? As a simple diagnostic measure, tell her to try disabling it (I think there's a button for that? ). I try to avoid the dealership as much as possible

Stabmaster

yes avoiding the stealership is always the first measure

the problem doesn't occur at any specific temperature, or driving conditions (besides the incline).

i'm 99% sure that this girl engaged the HAC unknowing what it is for; however, it probably shouldn't be making the noise it is making because it is rather loud for a new car. probably needs a good once-over. thanks for the idea.

btw i just read up on the HAC and DAC systems and they're pretty cool!

BT17R

I think phong is right, I forgot about the HAC. When I was playing with it and the DAC, there were quite a few new sounds coming from the truck. It's quite a commotion (clanking, popping, clicking, buzzing) when the systems are operating. Note that the HAC is made for a short-interval hold only, maybe 1-2 seconds at most on a steep incline. Any longer than that and the sounds start as the truck begins rolling backwards. IMHO, the HAC seems like overkill. The DAC might be useful to inexperienced off-roaders like me, but I'd guess the experienced drivers would find it annoying. At least the DAC can be disabled, and only works in 4L. HAC is always on.

JGage

Are you sure it's not break creep now that the breaks have been used for a good amount of time ?
That's really what is sounds like to me, I'm far from an expert.

I finally got my HAC to kick-in the other night at a place I like to eat on a really steep hill. I probably sat there for 10min making it activate, while my gf looks on like "what an idiot."

Stabmaster

what is break creep? the problem happens when the brakes are firmly depressed all the way. it also happens on a slight incline, not just a large incline. thanks again for the input this is a really cool forum.

JGage

A word I think I just made up... You know when you depress the breaks and then shift from "P" to "R" _or_ "R" to "P" and the change in push makes the discs and pads go "errrrrrrmmmp."

I don't think I explained that real well. :-( Someone help me out here.

Stabmaster

no i know what you mean. the problem is probably related to the HAC because this problem occurs in 4H. i'll let you guys know what the dealer comes up with.

ndavis2

Have a similar problem on my 03 4runner that I posted a while back. When I come to a stop, just before stopping, or on start at certain angles there is a driveline "clunk". Its very light and doesn't always happen, no transmission problems otherwise. As for an errrrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaarrr, I know this sound backing out of the garage and does seem to be brake squeal. Let us know what the dealer says as I will soon be there. Oh, I have 3000 miles on my SR5, 4WD, V8, and other than this have no other complaints.

Harris :>)

mogwai snot

I also believe you are hearing the HAC and DAC. Those systems including the ABS utilize the speed sensors to let the computer know when to actuate the solenoids etc. when experiencing slippage. As far as moaning or groaning when braking it can be several things, but most often it is the brakes "settling" into their proper operating positions.

Brad

I have nothing to add other than I really like the sound effects!! And I wish I had an 03 4runner!!