Abnormal Chirp or Squeak Noise from High Pressure Fuel Pump

I too got the same issue. ALL of my few idler pulleys wobble. You can see it when running and feel it with the engine off (of course). They are all hot as hell but so was the engine.

While I don't see this as normal, the belt is wearing OK and everything SEEMS ok. But with the amount of movement within the idler assembly I can't see these lasting for any length of time....I have chalked it up as normal since many others have the same issue.

 

Another 2016 TRD pulled up next to me today and it too had the chirp but noisier than mine. I'm looking forward to my scheduled appointment to hopefully get this resolved.

 

So I just logged about 550 miles and no more chirp. I used a different Shell station to fill up before my trip and another shell in CA today and the chirp hasn't returned. Using 87 at all 3 stations (all shell stations) I wonder what is different with the gas at my primary station vs the other 2 I used that don't have this use. I know there's been a lot of talk about possible solutions like fuel additives, higher octane as well as the fuel pump being changed out, but this was a pretty easy experiment with no real additional cost. I'm not saying that this is a solution or will work for everyone but it's worked for me over the past few days.

 

Why do you guys think this is a problem?

 

As promised I'm providing an update after taking my truck to the dealer for an assessment of the chirp. I had recorded the noise on my phone so the mechanic could hear what I was hearing without trying to recreate the issue. He knew right away that it was the high pressure fuel pump and he said that Toyota was aware of the problem and that he would call "TECH ASSIST" to see what they would like to do to resolve the issue. Tech Assist said to replace the fuel pump. Note: I did not push for a repair and even said that I could wait for more clarity on resolution if Toyota is working on a fix. I also had them complete the transmission TSB 0077-16 as I was experiencing the delay in shifting and they verified this too prior to the software update. The fuel pump will be replaced on Monday 9/12. I will update after I put some miles on it.

 

Is this a fuel additive that helps keep an engine clean, and is it better than using top tier fuel? Sorry if dumb question, just haven't heard of this particular stuff.

 

Good! I guarantee your chirp will be gone.

 

Just want to say thanks Josh, you were right on about the fuel pump issue. I took my 2016 Tacoma TRD 3.5 to the dealer today after receiving an ordered fuel pump under warranty after bringing my Truck in complaining about a chirping noise coming from the engine a few weeks ago, I was also armed with the information from your complaint. The noise was diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump which is attached to the right side engine cam cover. It was replaced today and the transmission fluid level was checked also in my presence as requested. Happy to report the chirping noise is now fixed and the transmission fluid level was determined correct. According to the Service Manager, this problem is believed to be a problem by Toyota sources on approximately 10% of Tacoma's produced. The tech said the fuel pumps making noise have an internal defect causing a noise. I did try a bottle of Lucus upper cylinder lubricant while waiting for the replacement pump however, it did not work for me. Anyway, I'm glad the noise is gone. By the way, the parts department told me this fuel pump retails for $1100.00 and $300.00 to remove and install(yikes!).

 

Well this concerns me now. But I have to admit that I had the chirp before (even have it on video), but this week I have tried to recreate the issue several times in conditions I know cause it (after not looking for it for a month)......and it isn't there. I only fill up at one gas station, and always fill up with the same grade. Will keep looking for it and I guess report it if I hear it again.

 

So what's next ?

 

anybody have a video recording of the sound????

 

OP has a YouTube video of the chirping noise prior to him finding out what it was. Search 2016 Tacoma chirping. I hate to read about the noise returning but I asked my dealer about what to do if the noise returned and was told to bring it back and have another one installed. I sure don't want to have to buy a fuel pump after the warranty!!!

 

I think you have been getting a lot of crap from some other members but this was the exact issue for me and I called toyota to report this and I will be looking for a replacement thanks to you. Its always good to have help and its a pain to go though all of this. Thanks for the info

 

Yeah. I guess some people are ignorant. I put the post out there to help people and let them know their is a actual fix for this . Fix it nor not. I don't care. I got mine fixed. People can keep using fuel additives, no skin off my ass lol.

 

I have this exact chirp that is heard in your initial video. My truck is a little over 4 months old now. It did not do this at all the first couple of months. Than it started doing occasionally and now it does almost every time I drive it. I had a tech listen to it a week or two ago and he claimed it was normal. Said it was part of the injector cleaning cycle. I'm already expecting a phone call from a corporate case manager tomorrow in regards to other issues. I guess this will be added to the list. In my opinion this sound is plain embarrassing in certain situations. If it is a faulty pump than I would imagine it is going to crap out eventually.

 

With all the information you have here and documented cases where the fuel pump was replaced by Toyota dealers, don't let your dealer tell you it's operating as designed because it is not. After speaking with the OP and the dealer where he had determined the pump chirping and had it replaced, I was ready to take mine to the dealer too. I was told, Toyota believes about 10% of the 2016 Tacoma's have a noisy pump however, they are not convinced it will fail and has nothing to do with the injector cleaning cycle. I don't like the noise and if there's evidence it can be replaced and cured that's what I chose to do but a $1,400.00 retail cost certainly will cause resistance. I'm not paying for additives on a new vehicle and Lucus upper cylinder lubricant did not quite my pump anyway. Although my dealer was always receptive to replacement, I did listen to other 2016's at the dealer and there was no noise. That's all I would say is let's check another truck, it's a slight gamble however defuses the normal comment BS!

 

Tick sound is normal, chirp is not.

 

Yeah,I'm definitely talking about the chirp. I know the tick is normal.My wife's direct injection Tahoe ticks and I have had an ecoboost in the past that ticked but this is the first to chirp.

 

Same scenario, but my dealer is saying they need it for 8 hours minimum. I know its not the same but I replaced a fuel pump on a 351 Ford V8 in 10 minutes. How complicated is it that they need it for 8 hours -- seems they have scheduling problems.

 

Who knows. I'd just leave it with them and come back later. Never rush maintenance. Be happy they are replacing it!