Toyota ZRE152 Corolla transmission whine

[Baconmeister]

Hey guys, new to the forum. Just want to share something with my 2012 Toyota Corolla ZRE152R 4 speed auto (Australian version). Wondering if anyone has similar issues and experience in the past?
Recently I’ve noticed the noise from the transmission been getting louder under very light throttle, especially at speed between 60-80km/h(40-50mph). Sounds like a gear or final drive whine. So I thought maybe the fluid is getting old, I replaced the fluid with NULON multi vehicle ATF which had the Toyota WS certification. But since the fluid change the noise has got louder now I’ve got an extra noise which I didn’t have before, as I’m slowing down to a red light, it whines as it goes from 40 to 30 km/h. I thought maybe the fluid wasn’t as compatible, so went to Toyota and got the genuine ATF and replaced it again with genuine fluid… but the noise didn’t improve.

Any thoughts on my issue guys? The transmission shifts fine, it’s got 140000 km on the odometer, fluid been changed twice, well 3 times now including the last one. It’s something I can live with but just very annoying.

Oh the engine is the 1.8L 2ZR-FE
And Transmission is U341E

 

[kschachn]

Just as an aside there is no such thing as “Toyota WS certification” other than the Toyota branded fluid. Asian manufacturers like Toyota do not license their fluids, the Nulon fluid is essentially the same as any other compatible fluids in that regard.

 

[Baconmeister]

Just as an aside there is no such thing as “Toyota WS certification” other than the Toyota branded fluid. Asian manufacturers like Toyota do not license their fluids, the Nulon fluid is essentially the same as any other compatible fluids in that regard.

Thanks Kschachn! Well the dipstick states WS fluid and the Nulon states it’s compatible with Toyota T-IV and WS

 

[wpod]

I would find a reputable trans shop and have them take a look and listen.

 

[MolaKule]

Hey guys, new to the forum. Just want to share something with my 2012 Toyota Corolla ZRE152R 4 speed auto (Australian version). Wondering if anyone has similar issues and experience in the past?
Recently I’ve noticed the noise from the transmission been getting louder under very light throttle, especially at speed between 60-80km/h(40-50mph). Sounds like a gear or final drive whine. So I thought maybe the fluid is getting old, I replaced the fluid with NULON multi vehicle ATF which had the Toyota WS certification. But since the fluid change the noise has got louder now I’ve got an extra noise which I didn’t have before, as I’m slowing down to a red light, it whines as it goes from 40 to 30 km/h. I thought maybe the fluid wasn’t as compatible, so went to Toyota and got the genuine ATF and replaced it again with genuine fluid… but the noise didn’t improve.

Any thoughts on my issue guys? The transmission shifts fine, it’s got 140000 km on the odometer, fluid been changed twice, well 3 times now including the last one. It’s something I can live with but just very annoying.

Oh the engine is the 1.8L 2ZR-FE
And Transmission is U341E

Just as a first guess, I would look for issues in the fluid coupler (the Torque Converter) and the oil pump.

However, I would make sure it's not an engine vacuum leak or tensioner pulley making noise. I have had both make whining noises, especially the latter.

@clineberger may have further comments.

 

[kschachn]

Just as a first guess, I would look for issues in the fluid coupler (the Torque Converter) and the oil pump.

However, I would make sure it's not an engine vacuum leak or tensioner pulley making noise. I have had both make whining noises, especially the latter.

@clineberger may have further comments.

Yea this. There are simple diagnostic tests you can do to get an idea if it’s the torque converter.

 

[Baconmeister]

Just as an aside there is no such thing as “Toyota WS certification” other than the Toyota branded fluid. Asian manufacturers like Toyota do not license their fluids, the Nulon fluid is essentially the same as any other compatible fluids

Just as a first guess, I would look for issues in the fluid coupler (the Torque Converter) and the oil pump.

However, I would make sure it's not an engine vacuum leak or tensioner pulley making noise. I have had both make whining noises, especially the latter.

@clineberger may have further comments.

Thanks for your suggestions MolaKule. One thing I didn’t mention is the whine is mostly noticeable when the transmission is fully warmed up. Which makes me think it’s still something to do with the fluid. Someone on another forum said the Toyota WS fluid is quite thin compared to their older fluids, so as the transmission gets older it may require a thicker oil. But I’m not prepared to throw in a non Toyota approved oil just in case I end up with a dead transmission.

 

[MolaKule]

Thanks for your suggestions MolaKule. One thing I didn’t mention is the whine is mostly noticeable when the transmission is fully warmed up. Which makes me think it’s still something to do with the fluid.

Sorry to tell you it is not the fluid. You have an internal issue within the tranny.

When was the fluid first changed?

 

[Baconmeister]

Sorry to tell you it is not the fluid. You have an internal issue within the tranny.

When was the fluid first changed?

Fluid was changed at 60000km(5 year) and 140000km(12 year), and then immediately changed again with genuine Toyota WS fluid.

 

[Nesterenko]

Thanks for your suggestions MolaKule. One thing I didn’t mention is the whine is mostly noticeable when the transmission is fully warmed up. Which makes me think it’s still something to do with the fluid. Someone on another forum said the Toyota WS fluid is quite thin compared to their older fluids, so as the transmission gets older it may require a thicker oil. But I’m not prepared to throw in a non Toyota approved oil just in case I end up with a dead transmission.

Maybe try the older type Toyota fluid. At this point it may be worth a try, or do TC diagnosis.