stlstrs

2011 4Runner makes a sort of ticking sound when the accelerator is pushed. Only happens when in drive, doesn't happen in park or neutral. Sounds like it is coming from under the dash on the driver's side. Its not an engine sound, or road noise. We test drove a couple before we bought this on and I don't remember the other ones making this noise. Trying to see if anyone has had this issue and/or resolved it. Any input would be great.

theslammer21

probably just brake pads shifting slightly. if you have someone stand by the wheels when you put it in drive and tap the gas to go forward and alternate doing so in reverse and back to drive. nothing wrong safety wise. just annoying at times and toyota probably will tell you its normal.


hope it helps.

stlstrs

Thanks for the reply, however, I don't think that is the issue. It happens all the time when driving, slow or fast, not just when starting out. It is a consistant tick, not just one tick. Hoping to hear from someone that has a new 4Runner that can tell me they hear it too and it's normal, or maybe I need to get it looked at by the dealer.

Thanks again.

theslammer21

I have 2011 sr5. Don't have the noise you describe.

stlstrs

Thanks. You're just the person I was hoping to hear from. I think I'll mention it to the dealer when I take it in for the complimentary maintenance.

theslammer21

I think i know why you're talking about now. It sounds like piston slap. Not really sure if it is for sure though. Only hear it at certain accelerated positions or sometimes coming to a stop?

stlstrs

I hear it all the time when on the gas in drive. I really don't think it's an engine sound, but I could be wrong. It sounds like it may be electrical. And like its coming from inside the dash on the driver side, or form inside the steering column.

stlstrs

Ok, so my wife drives the 4Runnner most of the time. So I just went for a drive to refresh my memory. I hear the "tick" only when actually driving, not in park or neutral. All the gears, in drive, in sport mode. The sound gets louder with RPMs. To be honest I'm starting to think its just a normal sound and that's why I can't find the cause. I guess I need to find another 11 4Runner and see if it sounds the same.

theslammer21

I have the same sound just didn't think anything of it. 2007 camrys and. Es350s had it and they changed the piston skirts to be longer in time to eliminate the sound. It was only on cold start on those cars and would go away when engine came to operating temperature. My 4 runner has the same sound that you are describing and sounds almost exactly the same has those engines. Only difference I have noticed is it doesn't go away when our engine reaches operating temp.

dujo_blue

Hello, I am experiencing the same issue and the dealership cant seem to figure it out. Could you provide any insight on how this was fixed?