T-SB-0097-13

August 9, 2013
T-SB-0097-13
Abnormal Whine Noise Above 35 MPH
Service
Category
Drivetrain
Section
Axle/Differential
Market
USA
Applicability
YEAR(S)
MODEL(S)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2008 – 2013
Highlander
Transmission(s): 5AT
Introduction
Some 2008 – 2013 model year Highlander vehicles equipped with the 5-speed automatic transaxle
may exhibit a whine noise from the final drive gear assembly. This noise is noticeable above 35 mph.
Please refer to the repair procedure to address this condition.
Production Change Information
• This bulletin applies to all 2008 – 2013 Japan built Highlander vehicles.
• This bulletin applies to all 2008 – 2013 North American built Highlander vehicles produced
BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.
MODEL
Highlander
DRIVETRAIN
PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
2WD
5TDZK3EH#DS117257
4WD
5TDDK3EH#DS227642
Warranty Information
OP CODE
DESCRIPTION
DRIVETRAIN
TIME
2WD
10.0
TC1300
R & R Transaxle Assembly,
Remove Center Instrument Cluster
Finish Panel Assembly, and Remove Upper
Console Panel Sub-assembly
4WD
10.7
OFP
T1 T2
30500-48250
30500-48310
30500-48350
30500-48320
30500-48260
30500-48340
91 99
APPLICABLE WARRANTY
• This repair is covered under the Toyota Powertrain Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 60
months or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s in-service date.
• Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this
bulletin.
© 2013 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
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Abnormal Whine Noise Above 35 MPH
Parts Information
TYPE
PART NUMBER
2WD
30510-48250-84
4WD
30510-48260-84
All
00289-ATFWS
PART NAME
QTY
1
REMAN Transaxle Assembly
1
ATF WS
As Needed
Required Tools & Equipment
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
SUPPLIER
Techstream 2.0*
TIS Techstream
PART NUMBER
QTY
TS2UNIT
ADE
Techstream Lite
1
TSPKG1
TSLITEDLR01
NOTE
• Only ONE of the Techstream units listed above is required.
• Software version 8.20.019 or later is required.
• Additional Techstream units may be ordered by calling Approved Dealer Equipment (ADE) at
1-800-368-6787.
SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST)
Plastic Pry Tool Set*
PART NUMBER
QTY
00002-06020-01
1
* Essential SST.
NOTE
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.
REQUIRED MATERIAL
QUANTITY
Adhesive Lead Wheel Weight
1.75 oz.
Repair Procedure
1. Test drive the vehicle while at operating temperature and listen for a whine noise from the
Drivetrain.
Is there a whine type noise coming from the transaxle area above 35 mph?
• YES — Continue to step 2.
• NO — This bulletin does NOT apply. Continue diagnosis using the applicable Repair Manual.
© 2013 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
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T-SB-0097-13
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Abnormal Whine Noise Above 35 MPH
Repair Procedure (Continued)
2. Confirm the fluid level is at the correct level. If adjustment was necessary, test drive again
to see if the noise has improved.
If there is improvement, return the vehicle to the customer. If no improvement, proceed to step 3.
3. Remove the Center Instrument Cluster Finish Panel Assembly.
A. Apply protective tape to the areas shown in the illustrations.
Figure 1. Without Smart Key System
Figure 2. With Smart Key System
1
1
Protective Tape
1
1
© 2013 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Protective Tape
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Abnormal Whine Noise Above 35 MPH
Repair Procedure (Continued)
B. Using the plastic pry tool, disengage the 10 claws and 8 clips starting from the upper part of
the Center Instrument Cluster Finish Panel Assembly.
NOTICE
Do NOT pull on the small storage compartment lid. Doing so may cause damage.
C. Disconnect each connector and remove the Center Instrument Cluster Finish Panel
Assembly.
4. Remove Upper Console Panel Sub-assembly.
Figure 3..
A. Disengage the 4 claws and 4 clips.
B. Disconnect the connector and remove the
Upper Console Panel Sub-assembly.
© 2013 Toyota Motor Sales, USA
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Abnormal Whine Noise Above 35 MPH
Repair Procedure (Continued)
5. Attach a 1.75 ounce wheel weight to location A.
Figure 4.
A
6. Install the Upper Console Panel Sub-assembly.
A. Connect the connector.
B. Engage the 4 claws and 4 clips, and install the Upper Console Panel Sub-assembly.
7. Replace Automatic Transaxle Assembly.
Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS), applicable model year Highlander Repair
Manual:
• 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 Highlander:
Drivetrain – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle – “U151E Automatic Transaxle: Automatic
Transaxle Assembly: Removal”
• 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 Highlander:
Drivetrain – Automatic Transmission/Transaxle – “U151E Automatic Transaxle: Automatic
Transaxle Assembly: Installation”
8. Test drive vehicle and confirm repair.
© 2013 Toyota Motor Sales, USA