Suddenly my TL (Auto Transmission) has started making a grinding noise but only in the following situation:

- I have to first start by coasting from ~50mph down to 40mph
- At 40mph, I give it the slightest amount of gas, bringing the RPMs up to 1500 (no higher than 2000 RPMs)
- If I give it so much gas that it downshifts, it wont do it.
- If I do this in a slight left or right turn, it is extra loud

It sounds like it is coming from the transmission, but its usually too faint to tell. It sounds like grinding metal but with more of a "honking" sound to it. Naturally the dealer cant find the reason, because they cant recreate the scenario (and I havent had time to go on a field trip with them yet).

Any suggestions as to what this could be?

 

No love?

 

If it does it more when turning left or right, it's the brake/hub/axle, not trans. Could be anything from a worn suspension to a bad wheel bearing to noisy brakes.

Try manually shifting it under the same conditions and I bet it makes the same noise in third and fifth.

 

I have the same exact problem. If you find a cause... please let me know. I'll keep an eye on this thread. I've posted another thread about the issue also with no responses. Hopefully someone give us some advice soon.