Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

Happened a few times and wonder if anyone can explain.

While driving with all the windows down, then raising the both front windows, this vibration is felt, coming from the rear of the car. When lowering either front window the vibration goes away. Or when closing the rear windows it stops.

Anyone expeirience a similar happening to them?

Thanks.

tjq.

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

Yes, the car is acting like a giant whistle, but instead of the shrill with a small whistle, it's a thumping, pulsing sensation. Best bet is to crack a window across from the one that's wide open, as you mention by lowering the front windows. This prevents the resonance of the cabin.

Any car can do it: it's a factor of speed, opening size, wind direction, ect. In fact, the little lip thing that raises when you open sunroofs is there to prevent the same effect.

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

Hey Freeze!

Hmmm... I have also noticed this. One time I thought it was because I was driving fast on the freeway with the stereo cranked to about 45 on the volume and it was my door speaker ah.... vibrating. But today I noticed it with lower volume and wondered. I prefer to have diagonal windows open, driver's and back right to avoid loose papers on passenger seat from flying around or out the window. Is there a level of window height that you can suggest that would counter the whistle problem? When I am driving on the coast I don't generally use the ac because of the ocean breezes.. :)

Thanks!!

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

With the rear windows down, I have noticed the rear seatbelts slapping the seats in the breeze. Could this be what you are sensing?

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

This has happened to me on suburban streets, traveling at 35 to 40 as well as highway speeds of 65. Usually have all 4 windows down or half way down. Close the front windows while both back windows are most of the way open. Actually feels like the rear wheels are vibrating or bouncing a bit. Real weird sensation and as soon as the rear windows are closed it goes away. Or if the front windows are left open or partially open it does not happen.

tjq

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

I do not believe it is the seat belts flapping, but I will look again to be sure. I have looked down and saw the lower part of driver's door vibrating with the various window configurations I have tried. I will try the front windows partial down and see what happens. I really do like the diagonal combo better for air circulation because I am still having some problems with both front and back windows fogging up when driving....

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

If the windows are fogging up, you need to turn offf the recirculate on the AC panel

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

Agree on not being the seat belts, front or rear. Have to try it again but have to wait till the wife is not with me. Like I said, it was weird and does make us feel apprehensive, particulary when the vibration is felt through the rear wheels. It feels similar to going over a chatter strip.

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

I would describe it as a buffering, I have experience it in all of my Toyotas back to 1984 (my first). I prefer fresh air if it is cool enough, but with my kids playing with the windows, it drives me nuts, I end up locking them. I have not experieced this with other brands, this may be a rare occurance, but maybe Toyota should look at other carmakers rear window design.

Re: Car vibrates with rear windows down.
 

My ex-wifes old 94 Corolla wagon did the same. With the back windows down, there was a "whomp, whomp, whomp" noise vibration that was very disconcerting. It has something to do with the aerodynamics of the car design.