Did I Buy a Lemon?

The trans fluid being .3 qts low isn't going make a noticeable difference in how it shifts or behaves.

Try my advice from post #2 and drive another truck with the same drivetrain. See if you hear the same noise

 

I just bought a new TRD/OR last week, and I have noticed the same whistle on mine as well. After watching the video, it sounds very similar, just not as loud. My location sounds like it is coming from the passenger front but not 100% sure. I tried turning the wheel and accelerating trying to figure out what is causing it but could not isolate it. Not sure what the heck it is coming from good thing the ac is loud enough to muffle the sound.

 

'bout damn time.................

 

This thread is gonna fluxom newbies searching out problems forever lol.

 

Probably. Although, they do have an advantage. They have a natural leader.

 

Like a dog to its tail lol.

 

I take exception to your post, sir. What are you implying about me as a new Tacoma owner?

 

https://youtu.be/13gxhHYPuko

 

You have to get used to it.

All Tacoma's are completely bulletproof with no issues from the factory, ever.

If you have issues it's your own fault cuz you've probably never driven a truck, and you're most likely a troll for the Jeep Gladiator.

..

This is what you'll be dealing with about 60% of the time

 

That you're just like me without the bitterness and lack of optimism that time tolls on a person.

 

Ok, I get it.

 

I wrote almost the exact same post here on my 2012 tacoma with 140k.
Everything you have described is factory. Clunky shifting is 1/4 play (intentionally made crappy).
At least your running lights dont melt the housing catch on fire and burn your truck.

 

Ya to me it feels/sounds like a trans with decent miles and abuse. I'm hoping it is just the fluid level, or something simple like that

 

Tongue in cheek when you typed this. Right?

 

Almost there!

 

https://parts.toyota.com/p/Genuine-Toyota-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid-WS/69278314/00289ATFWS.html
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$12 Slippery Pete 5cc Hand Pump Transfers Gear Oil, Transmission and Differential Fluids From Quart Bottles (Not for Red Line Quarts) (1)

https://www.amazon.com/Slippery-Pete-Fluid-Quart-Bottles/dp/B07CX4XKFH
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a 24 mm socket and 5 minutes of your time would easily answer your question. Just dump in half a Qt. and see if the noise goes away. Then when you go to do the level check properly, just pull the overflow and let out the excess, if any.

A added half qt. will not hurt anything. But if it is low, you might see a difference.

 

OP, you now have some good ammo to show the dealer, and if you can take them for a ride and reproduce it as well, even better. I could hear it, and it does sound similar to that A/C issue but you've ruled that out.

What is odd is that the resonance doesn't seem to increase in frequency as speed picks up, the whirring stays the same, it just comes and then goes. Definitely a weird one. My thought is that there is something loose that vibrates at certain times. Maybe a cat heat shield is loose?

 

A thought to consider......

If the noise is from the transmission, then the noise should be consistently present and vary in pitch with road speed or gear selection.

Pushing for 20+

 

No one on this forum is likely to accurately diagnose your problem based on your description of it. It not like you said you have a warning light or your wheel fell off. Someone has to experience the symptoms in person. I’m still on the wether is issue is with the truck or with your expectations. Take it to the dealer. There are plenty of other transportation options in a big city.

BTW, did you not notice these issues when you test drove the truck?