4WD Shift Knob Vibration

My commute is 35 miles each way in stop-and-go traffic. My aging knee appreciates an automatic in those conditions. I wouldn't mind a manual 4R for play, but I chose it for work as well.

 

I have it in mine also. Only happens at just-off-idle vibration. Google says some people unscrewed the knob and get the noise when they shake it, indicating it's something inside the knob. Some took it apart and found a broken tab rattling around the inside. Didn't sound too easy to take apart so I'll have the dealer replace it at my first oil change appointment.

 

totally normal. Both our stock tcase shifter and now the TacoBox shifter move slightly while under load.

 

Yeah, those big silver things that are supposed to look like armor. Fugly. I've owned mostly manuals in my life, including a Tacoma, a (1995) 4Runner, an FJ40, an Xterra and a Frontier. To me, what puts it in gear is more important than the transfer case switch. To each his own.

 

It does tend to engage best when you're moving. I suppose the lever might seem awkward if you're used to a rotary dial.

 

Ah those. I put the black one in to make it look better.

I learned on a 84 Mighty Max, had a 95 Integra RS 5 speed, 93 RX7 5 speed, 93 S10 Blazer 5 speed, 03 Ranger 5 speed, and now a 6 speed GTO. I enjoy driving a manual but having the auto is a nice getaway from needing 4 gear changes to go 50mph from every stop. I shift at 2K since the LS2 has plenty of low end power.

 

A true shame it is not ribbed for her pleasure. Seriously though, its a shift lever attached to the transfer case which is attached to the driveline, it will vibrate!

 

Its not really a big deal for me just stuff I noticed. The lever always kicked my ass I could never tell if it was in or not.

 

It's most likely the top cap on the t-case knob (where it's inscribed with the shifting pattern). If you can get a small edge in there to lift and pop off, then you can glue it down. As has been stated previously, there are little tabs that can break and loosen - making it rattle. I just replaced both of my shifter knobs yesterday with the Teton Outfitters' ones. Million times better - and quieter.

 

And that is old school. Enjoy it

 

I hate that Toyota put the USB output right there. When the cable is touching that thing it gives me an annoying rattle.

Out of all the engineering and design issues, Toyota should have put more lights in the cargo area, should have created a more appropriate cell phone area and put a USB close to it. This is especially true with that new Android Auto/Apple Carplay head unit that they've put in there starting in 2020.

I'm sure somebody has 3D printed a better center console for us manual shifter folks.

 

I agree, some aspects of that layout are poorly executed. Also, the dark interior color absolutely sucks up light. I keep a bright USB-rechargable flashlight in my center console to help with that.

 

I prepared a 4Runner DIY underseat lighting guide for a website. Then they had technical issues... Meh...

I did the front foot wells too.

 

The USB cable location is the only thing that bothers me about the manual shifter. My USB-C cable always buzzes when it touches the knob.

I did move to a wireless android auto adapter though and that has solved it!

 

I see some potential with that solution!

 

You're probably right. I unscrewed the knob and put in in that little indention behind the cup holder. (Fits perfectly by the way. I might have found its purpose.)

No more rattle. I'll try getting that cap off.

 

I have a Tacoma with the electronic switch and a 4Runner with the manual lever. I never had a problem with the electronic switch on my Tacoma. When I was a service advisor in a Toyota dealership, I saw several Tacomas come in where the 4WD electronic actuator had failed while it was in 4WD. It was a PITA for the customer trying to drive to us in 4WD. I’ll stick with my manual shift lever.

 

Glad to see mine isn't the only one that vibrates more than I feel it should. Way more than any of the manual transmissions I've owned.

 

Totally normal. Shifter is directly connected to the transfer case so you will feel the transfer case vibration and torque when you hold it. Its why most prefer it over a dial, direct communication when its engaged. If it doesn't shake a little or move then you have a problem. Will shake/move more then a manual shifter too.

 

I will throw this bit of information in, just in case somebody is searching for information on four-wheel drive 4Runners, or anything that's not full-time four-wheel drive...

Remember to put it in four high and four low on a monthly basis so that the seals face changes in pressure and temperature so they remain "fresh."