2009 xB RPMs jump between 20 MPH and 35 MPH
04-10-2013, 08:11 PM
#1
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
2009 xB RPMs jump between 20 MPH and 35 MPH
Hi,
My 2009 xB has 65,000 mi. on it and has been well-maintained (automatic, 4 speed). About 3 weeks ago, I noticed that the RPMs will randomly jump up by about 500 then drop down after 1-2 seconds whenever I'm driving (with my foot lightly on the gas) between 20 and 35 MPH.
I took it to the local dealer. They ran a diagnostic but everything came back normal. The tech looked me right in the eye and said that it might be normal for my car. I tell you, the constant sputtering/jumping and physical lurching that I feel is not normal for my car.
I've been searching high and low for answers, but only seen one similar thread where the transmission got replaced.
Anyone have any suggestions/ideas?
Thanks,
Daniel
_____
My 2009 xB has 65,000 mi. on it and has been well-maintained (automatic, 4 speed). About 3 weeks ago, I noticed that the RPMs will randomly jump up by about 500 then drop down after 1-2 seconds whenever I'm driving (with my foot lightly on the gas) between 20 and 35 MPH.
I took it to the local dealer. They ran a diagnostic but everything came back normal. The tech looked me right in the eye and said that it might be normal for my car. I tell you, the constant sputtering/jumping and physical lurching that I feel is not normal for my car.
I've been searching high and low for answers, but only seen one similar thread where the transmission got replaced.
Anyone have any suggestions/ideas?
Thanks,
Daniel
_____
Last edited by MR_LUV; 04-11-2019 at 03:18 AM. Reason: Awarded 5 Year Badge
04-28-2013, 04:07 AM
#2
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 168
Funny you should say that. It is the same reason I checked in here today. I have a 2008 xB 5.0 (#2425) that has started feeling a little weird just the night before last. It has over 72K miles.
It feels almost like the transmission is bouncing between gears, but I noticed the RPMs were dropping about 500 when holding steady right around 25-26 MPH. But if I use cruise control, it does not happen.
Toyota techs say nothing is wrong that they can find.
Transmission fluid is perfect and clean. About to switch it over to Royal Purple.
I just did a 2,400 mile trip in 4 days. I am thinking maybe it is related to holding that RPM range or spot on the accelerator for so long (traffic on Interstate made cruise control difficult to maintain).
However after normal driving in town again, the weirdness has nearly vanished. It is so rare I cannot be sure if it is the engine or transmission. It is really hard to catch in the act.
Keep us up to date. I'll do the same.
____
It feels almost like the transmission is bouncing between gears, but I noticed the RPMs were dropping about 500 when holding steady right around 25-26 MPH. But if I use cruise control, it does not happen.
Toyota techs say nothing is wrong that they can find.
Transmission fluid is perfect and clean. About to switch it over to Royal Purple.
I just did a 2,400 mile trip in 4 days. I am thinking maybe it is related to holding that RPM range or spot on the accelerator for so long (traffic on Interstate made cruise control difficult to maintain).
However after normal driving in town again, the weirdness has nearly vanished. It is so rare I cannot be sure if it is the engine or transmission. It is really hard to catch in the act.
Keep us up to date. I'll do the same.
____
Last edited by MR_LUV; 04-11-2019 at 03:21 AM. Reason: Awarded 10 Year Badge
04-29-2013, 03:34 PM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Problem solved (I hope)
Well...
I took my 2009 Scion xB in a second time. This time, a technician did a ride-along (which they should have done in the first place) and noticed the problem right away. They checked things our some more and determined that it was the transmission. I was a bit miffed that they originally told me it was normal behavior and acted like I was making things up. (It also helped that I printed out some online discussions about almost identical problems. That seemed to help them think that I might not be making things up).
My transmission was replaced. Thankfully, this was the one time I had an extended warranty that covered everything (total bill: just over $4,000). I find it a little worrying that the original started having problems at just over 64,000 miles. This seems to be a recurring problem with the xBs, based on a few online posts that I've seen. I hope that Toyota does better.
Good luck with your issues - I hope that it's not the transmission but honestly, I wouldn't be surprised.
_____
I took my 2009 Scion xB in a second time. This time, a technician did a ride-along (which they should have done in the first place) and noticed the problem right away. They checked things our some more and determined that it was the transmission. I was a bit miffed that they originally told me it was normal behavior and acted like I was making things up. (It also helped that I printed out some online discussions about almost identical problems. That seemed to help them think that I might not be making things up).
My transmission was replaced. Thankfully, this was the one time I had an extended warranty that covered everything (total bill: just over $4,000). I find it a little worrying that the original started having problems at just over 64,000 miles. This seems to be a recurring problem with the xBs, based on a few online posts that I've seen. I hope that Toyota does better.
Good luck with your issues - I hope that it's not the transmission but honestly, I wouldn't be surprised.
_____
Last edited by MR_LUV; 04-11-2019 at 03:22 AM.
06-12-2013, 07:14 AM
#6
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Emissions Thing?
Do you have anymore details on the emissions thing? I have a 2008 with 120,000 miles. Put a new set of tires on it (stock) and at 1500 rpm the tranny doesn't know whether to go to 3rd or 4th, especially on a slight incline. I tried resetting the ECU but that didn't alleviate the problem. So now I'm thinking emissions, vacuum hose, cruise control?
06-13-2013, 08:14 PM
#7
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Panama City, FL
Posts: 168
I am about to change out the plugs and clean the throttle body and MAF. I am hoping it is not a transmission issue. It feel like the engine is slightly stalling around 1500 RPMs whenever I hold a steady 25 or 35 MPH.
I have noticed it running a tad rough recently. Hoping this will clear it. It has been lacking a tad on power, fuel economy and just feeling different.
I'll post with results if/when I get to it.
If it keeps up, I'll get the stealership. Their fuel induction service did wonders for my 1st Gen xB before it was murdered.
_____
I have noticed it running a tad rough recently. Hoping this will clear it. It has been lacking a tad on power, fuel economy and just feeling different.
I'll post with results if/when I get to it.
If it keeps up, I'll get the stealership. Their fuel induction service did wonders for my 1st Gen xB before it was murdered.
_____
Last edited by MR_LUV; 04-11-2019 at 03:27 AM.
06-14-2013, 06:59 AM
#8
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 2
Keep in touch Zende55
I don't think it's a transmission problem. When I'm in 3rd gear at 1500 rpm there's no problem. Is there a sensor that's preventing my torque converter to lock up into 4th? I think I have to break down and buy a (highly overpriced) service manual.
09-04-2015, 01:04 PM
#10
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
I am about to change out the plugs and clean the throttle body and MAF. I am hoping it is not a transmission issue. It feel like the engine is slightly stalling around 1500 RPMs whenever I hold a steady 25 or 35 MPH. I have noticed it running a tad rough recently. Hoping this will clear it. It has been lacking a tad on power, fuel economy and just feeling different.
I'll post with results if/when I get to it.
If it keeps up, I'll get the stealership. Their fuel induction service did wonders for my 1st gen XB before it was murdered.
I'll post with results if/when I get to it.
If it keeps up, I'll get the stealership. Their fuel induction service did wonders for my 1st gen XB before it was murdered.
01-04-2016, 02:35 AM
#11
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Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Philly
Posts: 5
ERMAGERD! so it IS 'a thing' with this particular car? #thankUthankUthankU
I just posted a rather long worried post about a similar issue with repeated clutch failures in my 09 xB, also scrupulously well-maintained and not too many miles. From what i'm reading here, am i to understand this is a 'thing' with the 09 xB-?bleh. OK then, it's back to Toyota tomorrow....
I just posted a rather long worried post about a similar issue with repeated clutch failures in my 09 xB, also scrupulously well-maintained and not too many miles. From what i'm reading here, am i to understand this is a 'thing' with the 09 xB-?bleh. OK then, it's back to Toyota tomorrow....
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