Engine, A/T - 5th Gear Vibration or Drone From 50-60 MPH
05-017May 20, 2005
Applies To:
2004 TL with A/T - ALL
5th Gear Vibration or Drone
SYMPTOM
A vibration is felt or a drone is heard when driving in 5th gear between 50 and 60 mph at about 1500 rpm. The vibration may be more pronounced while accelerating up a slight incline.
PROBABLE CAUSE
Engine vibration transfers to the rest of the vehicle.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Install a dynamic damper onto the bottom of the front subframe near the rear engine mount.
PARTS INFORMATION
Front Subframe Dynamic Damper Kit (includes damper, damper mounting bracket, two 8 x 25 mm bolts, one 10 x 45 mm bolt, and one 10 x 40 mm bolt):
P/N 50207-SEP-305
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Operation Number: 2180A1
Flat Rate Time: 0.4 hour
Failed Part: P/N 50205-SEP-A10
Defect Code: 03214
Symptom Code: 04504
Template ID: 05-017A
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
Test-drive the vehicle on a smooth road, preferably one with a slight incline. With the A/T in the Sequential SportShift mode and in fifth gear, maintain a steady speed with an engine speed of about 1500 rpm. Then lightly press on the accelerator pedal. This causes the transmission to obtain a more complete lock-up, which causes the engine to lug more.
NOTE:
^ This problem is not related to the transmission or the torque converter.
^ Do not confuse this problem with wheel or tire imbalance or flat-spotting.
If you do not feel or hear a vibration or a drone, or you cannot duplicate the vibration by repeating this procedure, disregard this service bulletin, and continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.
If you feel a vibration or hear a drone, and you can easily reproduce this by repeating the procedure, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist to full height.
2. Remove the four clips and the two bolts, then remove the engine undercover.
3. Remove the two front bolts that secure the rear mount base bracket, then discard them.
4. Install the dynamic damper mounting bracket to the bottom of the subframe with the two new bolts as shown. Torque the bolts to 44 N.m (33 lb-ft).
5. Install the dynamic damper to the mounting bracket with the two bolts. Torque the bolts to 24 N.m (18 lb-ft).
6. Reinstall the engine undercover, and torque the bolts to 12 N.m (8.7 lb-ft).
7. Test-drive the vehicle under the same conditions as done during the diagnosis to confirm that the problem has been repaired.
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