Drone and vibration in my 2014 Isuzu MU-X while highway driving
- Isuzu MU-X
- Isuzu MU-X 2024
- Isuzu Advice
- Isuzu MU-X Reviews
- Isuzu SUV Range
- Isuzu
- Family Car
- Family Cars
Asked by Stuart
My new 2024 Isuzu MU-X (500km) was great until I hit the highway for the first time. Right in the cruising speed range of 100 to 120km/h the engine develops an awful harmonic drone and vibration through the cabin in sixth gear lock-up. It is quite intolerable and I need to manually shift down to fifth to get rid of it. It’s not really acceptable and I think I’ll have to move the vehicle on if it can’t be remedied. Is this a problem or a common phenomenon?
Answered by CarsGuide
30 Aug 2024It’s difficult to be definitive here without actually driving the vehicle, but there are at least two possible sources for this. The first is the simplest and involves either a wheel and tyre or driveshaft that is out of balance. That should be easy to diagnose and fix.
The second possibility is that the vehicle’s driveline (engine, gearbox and transfer-case) has what’s called a resonant frequency that, when reached at a particular speed range, will result in some weird harmonics and vibrations which is possibly what you’re feeling and hearing. This becomes worse when the torque converter locks up (to save fuel) and there’s no slip in the driveline to absorb these bad vibes. By shifting back to fifth gear, you’re raising the engine revs and moving it out of that harmonic patch.
I’ve heard that Isuzu has been remapping some ECUs (on-board computers) to try to move this harmonic zone into a different (higher) speed range (by manipulating the torque-converter lock-up point) where it won’t be a problem to most owners. The fact is the Isuzu diesel has never been the most refined one out there and some vibrations and harmonics are relatively common, However, they shouldn’t be bad enough to ruin your enjoyment of the car.
In the old days, a different exhaust was often enough to move the harmonics around or get rid of them altogether, but I can understand why that’s not really an option on a brand-new vehicle.
Other Isuzu MU-X problems
- Air conditioning problems with the 2021 Isuzu MU-X LS-T SUV
- Remote locking system in my 2023 Isuzu MU-X has stopped working
- My 2023 Isuzu MU-X LST has a flat battery after a week away
- What tow vehicle or hybrid camper should I consider for after retirement?
- 2016 Isuzu MU-X keeps showing a picture of a key
- Why is my 2024 Isuzu MU-X using so much fuel?
- Battery problems with my 2022 Isuzu MU-X
- Vibration and engine labouring in my 2023 Isuzu MU-X
