Hello so when I’m accelerating and hit about 40 mph to 60...


Hello so when I’m accelerating and hit about 40 mph to 60 mph I get this jolt/rumble feel. What causes that? I have a 2012 Toyota Highlander Mechanic's Assistant: How old is the transmission? Have you checked the fuel filt...

Hello so when I’m accelerating and hit about 40 mph to 60 mph I get this jolt/rumble feel. What causes that? I have a 2012 Toyota Highlander Mechanic's Assistant: How old is the transmission? Have you checked the fuel filters? I’m not actually sure how old the transmission is and no I have not I will look into that Mechanic's Assistant: Are you fixing your Highlander yourself? What have you tried so far? Ya for the most part, so far I’ve changed the rotors and [brake](/topics-brake-toyota/) pads but other than that nothing else. This problem kinda occurred a couple months after one morning my car wouldn’t start and thought it was a dead battery but it wasn’t and then a few turns and it started again and then shortly after that I started to feel that feeling so I’m not sure. I’ve had my tires checked cuz one mechanic said it could be the balance in the tires but the tire guy said it was fine and then the one mechanic suggested changing your rotors and brake pads so I did that Mechanic's Assistant: Anything else you want the Mechanic to know before I connect you? Ya the mileage on my car is 125,600 if that helps

Automotive Expert
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No problem thank you
Automotive Expert
Based upon your description it should not be the balance as that type of vibration generally happens in much shorter mileage ranges (i.e. 45-50 mph) and goes away above/below that range. Other physical issues like a deformed tire/wheel, bearing or suspension issue the rumble feeling is stronger as the speed increases. It definitely is not brakes unless this feeling only happens when you press the brakes. If it happens all the time its definitely not a brake issue. Does the feeling go away when you go above 60 mph?

Ya it only happens during 40 to 60 but ya it goes away above 60 and when it does happen it doesn't happen long if that makes sense it's like the feeling of when you go over the white line on the side of the road for a split second or so
Automotive Expert
Any warning lights on the dash come up like the traction control or the ABS light? They might turn on for a brief few seconds and go right back off.

Nope no lights on at all that's the confusing part
Automotive Expert
Okay. When the feeling happens how long does it last? A few seconds or could you possibly isolate it to a smaller speed range? Also, is the vehicle 2 or\*\*\*\*\*

I would probably say like 10-15 seconds and the speed range usually around 40-502 wheel
Automotive Expert
But you can stay within the 40-50 mph range and it will go away, correct? Also, what size [engine](/topics-engine-toyota/)?

Ya and sometimes it will come back but like in that speed range if that makes sense and I'm not sure what size but it's a 4 cylinder
Automotive Expert
Okay. Only 1 size 4 cylinder that year so were good. Based upon what you are describing I would believe the issue is in the transmission. As the vehicle is FWD everything is included in that unit. Here is the reason why I suspect that: . 1. Harmonious vibrations tend to be consistent meaning that if the issue was wheel, tire, suspension related it would always vibrate continuously at that speed range until you either accelerate above it or slow below it 2. Any engine issue that should cause a noticeable feeling for that long should register a failure code. 10-15 seconds should be enough time to give the computer the proper data to determine what is wrong. However, it's difficult for me to assess how subtle the feeling is virtually. 3. Brakes only impact when they are applied and generally if they are creating vibration the faster you go the worse the vibration gets, but again, it's only when the brakes are applied. 4. If the issue was with the ABS or traction control engaging momentarily, you should get a warning light when it happens. 5. A transmission can have intermittent issues as you're describing without triggering a failure code or warning light 6. I also think it could be a CV axle which connects between the transmission and the wheel, but this is somewhat far fetched based upon your description. . **<u>The next step is when this happens while you're driving, immediately shift to neutral and see if the vibration goes away. This will help isolate it to the transmission, as if shifting to neutral reduces or eliminates the feeling then I'd look at the transmission.</u> Your vehicle uses Toyota World Standard fluid, so there is no flushing or replacing of the transmission fluid required for the life of the vehicle. I have a Tundra with a lot of miles on it and the transmission fluid has never been touched. If you're concerned it would be worth having it inspected. Depending on the outcome of the test we discussed, I'd either take it to a transmission specialist or a full service diagnostic shop for the inspection.** . I’m glad that I was able to answer your question today. My goal is to ensure you receive a 5 STAR experience. Once you’re satisfied with my answer please take the time to rate me 5 stars at the top of your computer screen or by following the link on your phone. These ratings are extremely important to us experts. Tips are never expected by greatly appreciated as they make up a large part of our income. If you have further questions, please request me by using the following link and entering your question into the box. This ensures your questions comes directly to me: [https://www.justanswer.com/car/expert-yourautoinspector/](//www.justanswer.com/car/expert-yourautoinspector/) Thanks again for using Just Answer!!

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