3rd Gen Tacoma A/C Noise

Was just told by service manager it is a leak in windshield sucking cabin pressure thru a/c. Replacing windshield

 

Update:
My Tacoma has starting doing this this summer. Seems to make the whistling sound when the compressor kicks on, but only if it's hot out and the engine is under load. For example, if I'm cruising on the highway I don't hear it, but if I step on the gas to pass someone and the compressor kicks in during that time, then I do hear the sound.

Like I said in my other post, my old Colorado did it and a few other vehicles I've been in as well. Not really worried about it.

 

Did a long road trip last weekend and caught my truck doing this a few times too, I've experienced sounds like this in other cars before so I just sort of dismissed it.

 

Same here. Usually around 2,000 rpm, ONLY when using AC, usually when gears shift near top of a hill, the whining noise happens for about 3 seconds. Seems to happen more often when towing my camper. It’s intermittent.

I have a 2020 SR V6 4X4.

I was concerned that it was the transmission so I complained to the dealer and got zero help. But now that I’m reading this thread I’m satisfied that, while it is somewhat annoying, it’s not indicating a mechanical failure. It appears to be a Tacoma AC quirk. Also I live in a cold climate so I’m not using the AC every day. Maybe a TSB will come out when they figure out an easy fix because Toyota most assuredly knows about it. Maybe just a matter of enough complaints.

 

My son has a 20 SR SX v6. I drove it a month ago on a humid day. Turned AC off for a while and the cab got stuffy so I turned the AC back on.... white smoke poured out of the vents... I assumed it was because of the humidity in the cab. He said the same exact thing happened to him yesterday. Fairly humid, he turned AC off for a bit then turned back on... white smoke.... anyone else seen this. My 20 4cyl SR doesn't do this.

 

Probably is just condensate from the humidity. Bot my tc and Tacoma have done it before. More here in southern GA.

 

I think your right. I was able to get my truck to do this today as well. Seems to be only on extremely humid days

 

Yup, I've got the EXACT same sound. Started doing it around 10K miles--I'm just shy of 50K now. Dealer said it was normal. I was about to protest but quickly remembered that my local dealership is completely worthless and decided to keep my blood pressure in check by not starting another fight with them... They know about it. Hopefully a TSB drops eventually and will cover vehicles outside of the warranty period.

 

All? My 2017 makes no noise? I must of got one of the "perfect" 17's I keep hearing about? ha!

 

FYI, Toyota finally admitted to the issue and a fix is available

 

This is huge! Did you get it fixed? Also did they have to remove the dashboard to have it done?

Many thanks for the image!

 

You are welcome!

Haven’t gotten it done yet. It’s a full dash out fix though…not quick or easy.

 

Do you have the instructions for the tsb?

 

You need the new part from Toyota, then it’s just ripping the dash away to get to the hvac and swap it.

 

This is wonderful news for everyone! This thread is how many years old now? Glad we finally have a solution. Need to weigh the pros and cons of them ripping apart the dash, but damn if that noise isn't annoying. Thanks for the update!

 

i was happy to share! Drives me NUTS! Lol

you are welcome

 

Well I'm just out of warranty, and I don't want my dash all fucked up, so I guess I'm living with it...

 

Yeah, is anyone actually doing this? I get it a lot in my '21 2.7 but looking at the amount of teardown required, like removing the dashboard and crash bar, I am a little leery.

 

*PDF attached as well*

Intermittent Whistle Noise Through Vents With Air Conditioning ON

Some 2016 – 2022 model year Tacoma vehicles may exhibit what customers describe as a 1 – 3-second whistle noise from the HVAC system when the air conditioning system is ON. The whistle noise may occur as the compressor cycles ON/OFF and is more prevalent with increased engine RPM during hot ambient temperatures. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.


APPLICABLE WARRANTY

This repair is covered under the Toyota Basic Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 36 months or 36,000 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.