Transmission whine when in gear

JERRIN MATHEW

MEMBER
2001 TOYOTA YARIS
1.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
94,000 MILES

Over the last month, my 1.3L 2001 Toyota Yaris (UK)/ Echo (USA) automatic car has developed this howling/ whining noise when the car is in drive/reverse.

I have made a video of it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hEx9yg9qpE&t=13s

I jacked up the car so the front wheels can spin freely in the air and the whine only happens when the wheel is spinning and goes away when i shift to neutral. While driving on the road the howling turns high pitch.

No whine in park or when in drive/reverse while wheels are stationary.

I have checked the gearbox fluid while it is hot and I can say it not running low. It is a bit brownish though.

Owner’s manual says the gearbox fluid doesn’t require changing, but I don’t buy this since I doubt the fluid can hold its properties even after eighteen years?

There are really really cheap used gearboxes units on eBay I could use to replace but before that I want to make sure if the other options I have listed below are worth considering first:

One of the options I am looking at is if a simple fluid change ( i.e. not just draining and refilling fluid by pulling the drain plug but I intent to dropping the pan and replacing the filter too) will fix the issue? I already bought the fluid, filter and the pan gasket but I don’t want to waste them if this method is not going to work. The fluid itself was a bit pricey

Considering I been driving with this issue for a month now, how much longer can I drive with this issue if I don’t take care of it?

Thirdly, say its the torque converter, what exactly is making the sound in the torque converter? Is it the sound of something loose or parts touching one another? Can it damage the entire transmission over time?

I read somewhere though that for it to be torque converter issue the whine has to happen ever when the car is both stationary and in gear. if the whine happens only when moving, then could be the bearing inside that's going bad?

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,139 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

The toque converter would make noise all the time. The sound I hear seems to be a bearing noise. Does it change if you are turning? For example, if you are moving and you hear it, does it change if you turn from right to left?

Also, I feel somewhat certain that changing the fluid won't change it, but anything is possible.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, April 1st, 2019 AT 7:11 PM

JERRIN MATHEW

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks for looking into my issue. I just got back from driving to see if the sound changes with relations to turning. I can tell you that's not the case. The whine pitch more or less remains the same?

From the sound of it, how much life you reckon the gearbox has left considering I been driving with this sound for last one month? Would it throw me off the road when it breaks while driving on the highway or something? Thank you

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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 1:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,139 POSTS

Welcome back:

I asked you to check turning because I was hoping it was something like a hub bearing noise. It would have changed pitch when turning. Other than that, my next suspect is an internal bearing in the transmission.

As far as longevity and safety, I can't imagine it would cause the wheels to lock. However, stranger things have happened. Also, without being sure the source of the noise, I can't be certain on how long it will last.

I want to make a suggestion. Since I don't have the vehicle in front of me, it is twice as difficult to diagnose. You may want to take it to a reputable shop and have them listen to it. It may be something simple that if not taken care of will cause more damage.

I hope you understand. Let me know if you have other questions or if I can help in any way.

Joe

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Tuesday, April 2nd, 2019 AT 7:07 PM

JERRIN MATHEW

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi, joe so I decided to do a replacement since its easy and quite cheap to find the used tranny for this car. And I m planning to take it to local mechanic to replace and my question when I put the new one up, how do I know how much atf fluid to put. The workshop manual I found for my car says 2.1L for drain & refill and 5.8L for dry fill. Issue is even though the new used gearbox has been drained by the seller as thats the UK rule, there is still going to be some left in the gearbox especially in the Torque converter which I heard is next to impossible to drain? So my question is how do I determine how much to refilll? Is there a way to tell how much fluid is in the TC and if there is a way to remove it without drilling a hole? Thanks a lot

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Thursday, April 11th, 2019 AT 2:59 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,139 POSTS

Welcome back:

Since you have a transmission dipstick, I would start by adding fluid until it shows full (engine not running). Start the engine and allow it to run for 20 seconds and check it again. Refill it to the full mark, engine off, and start, run it through the gears once, and then follow these directions. Now, I have no idea what all was drained, that is why I am suggesting the above technique. Also, if you reuse your old converter, it will still have fluid in it. Honestly, since you were getting a noise, I would replace it in case there is dirt or metal shavings in it just to be safe. If you do replace it, it will most likely require the full amount of fluid to refill the entire system (dry fill).

Here are the directions for checking. Note that this is based on an Echo. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

FLUID INSPECTION
1. Check fluid level, as follows:

NOTE:
- Drive the vehicle so that the engine and transaxle are at normal operating temperature.
ATF temperature: 70 - 80°C (158 - 176°F).
- Only use the COOL range on the dipstick as a rough reference when the fluid is replaced or the engine does not run.

A. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the parking brake.

Picture 1

b. With the engine idling and the brake pedal depressed, shift the shift lever into all positions from the Park (P) to Low (L) position and return to the P position.
C. Pull out the oil level gauge and wipe it clean.
D. Push it back fully into the pipe.

Picture 2

e. Pull it out and check that the fluid level is in the HOT range. If the level is at the low side, add new Automatic Transmission Fluid.

NOTICE: Do not overfill.

2. Check fluid condition. If the fluid smells burnt or is black, replace fluid.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions. Also, if you get a chance, let me know the final results.

Take care,
Joe

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