Potential A4 tranny/tc problem?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Potential A4 tranny/tc problem?
Has anyone ever had this problem (or maybe it's normal?) and if so what's the fix.
My 98' A4, with about 17k miles, has recently (within the last month) developed a vibration or rumble at idle, in drive, but sitting still (as you would at a stop light). The vibration (which is more than a little annoying) goes away if I put the trans. in neutral or park. I don't know if I'm starting a trans. or TC problem or what, or possibly I have an imbalance somewhere. Anyone had this problem or heard of it before? It's just really annoying to be sitting at a light and have the car grumble at me! :mad
My 98' A4, with about 17k miles, has recently (within the last month) developed a vibration or rumble at idle, in drive, but sitting still (as you would at a stop light). The vibration (which is more than a little annoying) goes away if I put the trans. in neutral or park. I don't know if I'm starting a trans. or TC problem or what, or possibly I have an imbalance somewhere. Anyone had this problem or heard of it before? It's just really annoying to be sitting at a light and have the car grumble at me! :mad
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Coventry West Mids
Re: Potential A4 tranny/tc problem? (98TXcoupe)
Just a thought, but I had a similar problem with my last 99 vet at similar mileage. The noise got considerably worse on tickover and was a bit embarrasing for a new car (rattling/rumbling noise). My problem turned out to be a service repair and my local garage fitted a new alternator and idler pulley under warranty, problem solved.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: Potential A4 tranny/tc problem? (Blacktop)
Thanks for the help. I'm not exactly sure what's causing the problem, but your right Blacktop, it's more than just a little embarrassing. Sitting idle in drive, it is quite obvious to anyone around that there's noise coming from me that's not supposed to be there.
The car still idles okay (in between 600-700rpm) and it only makes the rumbling when in gear. Possibly it's not a tranny problem, and just the small amount of engine load being in gear is enough to cause the problem (if it's an idler pulley or something along those lines). I guess it's time for a trip to a service center. Just something I was trying to avoid! :nonod:
The car still idles okay (in between 600-700rpm) and it only makes the rumbling when in gear. Possibly it's not a tranny problem, and just the small amount of engine load being in gear is enough to cause the problem (if it's an idler pulley or something along those lines). I guess it's time for a trip to a service center. Just something I was trying to avoid! :nonod:
Pro
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 729
Likes: 20
From: Pittsburgh, PA, USA PA
Re: Potential A4 tranny/tc problem? (98TXcoupe)
I've never heard of that happening at a stop, but...
I have a minor problem with the TC rumbling at times when there is very low torque. Fow example when I'm driving along in OD (4th) at 2200 rpms under 45 mph. It didn't start happening until 5k miles after I put it in. I beleive it is related to TC slipage when I step on the gas it locks right-up and flies. Only does it sometimes though. Usually on hot day when my engine has less torque because of the thin hot air.
Anyone else has this.
I have a minor problem with the TC rumbling at times when there is very low torque. Fow example when I'm driving along in OD (4th) at 2200 rpms under 45 mph. It didn't start happening until 5k miles after I put it in. I beleive it is related to TC slipage when I step on the gas it locks right-up and flies. Only does it sometimes though. Usually on hot day when my engine has less torque because of the thin hot air.
Anyone else has this.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 736
Likes: 0
From: Breese Illinois
Re: Potential A4 tranny/tc problem? (98TXcoupe)
98TXCoupe,
Had the same problem on my 99 vert. TSB points the dealer to replacement of the idler pulley and the alternator. They did mine with no problem and the "garage rumble" rumble went away. Here's what I found on the problem.
Make: CHEVROLET Model: CORVETTE Year: 1999
Service Bulletin Number: 990604029 Bulletin Sequence Number: 755 Date of Bulletin: 08/99
NHTSA Item Number: SB607565
Component: ENGINE
CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT ACCESSORY DRIVE RUMBLE NOISE DURING GARAGE SHIFT AND / OR DURING PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS.
later,
Had the same problem on my 99 vert. TSB points the dealer to replacement of the idler pulley and the alternator. They did mine with no problem and the "garage rumble" rumble went away. Here's what I found on the problem.
Make: CHEVROLET Model: CORVETTE Year: 1999
Service Bulletin Number: 990604029 Bulletin Sequence Number: 755 Date of Bulletin: 08/99
NHTSA Item Number: SB607565
Component: ENGINE
CONDITIONS WITH INTERMITTENT ACCESSORY DRIVE RUMBLE NOISE DURING GARAGE SHIFT AND / OR DURING PARKING LOT TYPE MANEUVERS.
later,
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
Re: Potential A4 tranny/tc problem? (THRAP 42)
THRAP 42-
Thanks for the update. Based on what I'm hearing here, it sure sounds like the idler pulley is what I might have. So now I'm off for service :sad:
Thanks again for the help guys. This place is a great source for all things vette (good and bad! :chevy )
MaxPower, don't feel like the Lone Ranger here. I put mine in park or neut. at virtually every stop. Annoying doesn't begin to describe it. I'll let you know how it goes with the service and if it solves the problem (cross your fingers for me).
Thanks for the update. Based on what I'm hearing here, it sure sounds like the idler pulley is what I might have. So now I'm off for service :sad:
Thanks again for the help guys. This place is a great source for all things vette (good and bad! :chevy )
MaxPower, don't feel like the Lone Ranger here. I put mine in park or neut. at virtually every stop. Annoying doesn't begin to describe it. I'll let you know how it goes with the service and if it solves the problem (cross your fingers for me).
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
