I've searched the forums a lot and can't find what I am looking for.

When I reverse out of a spot and put it in drive, the car shows drive on the gear selector and on the dash---ok, right? But it takes another 1/2-3/4 of a second before the car actually engages the gear and the car kind of jumps ever so slightly. The jump doesn't bother me as it's what I would expect when you put the car in drive. It's the delay that worries me. Does anyone else have this with their automatic?

Also, at 1500 rpm under load when driving with the AC ON, I get this humming noise. Sounds weird. Turn the AC OFF and it goes away completely. Any ideas? Normal?

Finally, sometimes, the car struggles to start. Not always, but once in a while.

Car now has 225 miles on it. I'm not upset but would really like guidance. If this is normal, tell me and I'll feel better and get the hell over it. If it's not, I need to go see the dealer and I am really pissed because I bought a new car to avoid **** like this.

Thank you!
Curt B. Shumaker

You didn't say which model you have....but I can say for the V6 AT the norm is shift, blank, change.... as in you put it in the gear, there's a slight blank, then you feel/hear it go into the gear. The 4's are probably the same, but that's not what I own. I've never really noticed it before, it sounds normal to us. I went out & actually started it & checked though....,just for you!;)

Welcome to the forum & congratualtions on your new Accord!

The A/C sounds a bit weird. I can hear mine when it's on or off, but not a actual hum. Before you panic, you could test drive another one.....

The start thing may be what's in a bulletin. Mine did it & we replaced the part. I bumped the bulletin (03-079) up to the top of the list. Check it & see if it sounds like what yours does. Mine was also a rare thing & we waited until it was happening more often.

Good luck!

I appreciate your reply. The car is a 2004 Accord EX V6 with the 5spd. auto.

So, if I understand your reply correctly, you have the exact same situation in your V6 Accord with the auto tranny? I guess I have to say I am nervous. My father had a TL and had the tranny replaced and then sold it. Then this recall on the Oddesey and the Pilot? Makes me nervous.


The A/C, well, I couldn't get it to do it again after dinner. Then I just went to get ice cream and it did it again. I am going to call the dealer on Monday. My drivers door is also making a clanking noise when I open and shut the door.

What else? I think that's it for now. Just nervous about it. 27 years old and just bought a $26k car and already having issues I didn't have in my $9k Sentra. Just want to know I'm not the only one and that Honda is going to stand behind it.

Thanks again!

Look through the "factory direct" threads & see if your door rattle sounds like the ones in there. There's a variety of noise issues that are fixable. (they're marked by year)

The V6's AT has a "recall" for the '03's, but it's only to put the oil injection kit on them. ...just like for the '03 Pilot & Ody's. The second gear sometimes isn't getting enough fluid, so they added this kit. I think the '04's have it already. It's not at all what you're describing! Being all computer controled I believe the first "shift" is just feeling it engage. I haven't had any problems with the drivetrain.

You'll have 3 years to have any of the warranty issues dealt with. So relax & enjoy your car!

Buying a new car used to be more fun....meaning less parts, less issues. All the brands are having things going on. Generally Honda has been good at standing behind their product, but every now & then they are as bad as the rest! I own Hondas because I truely like them & the way they're normally backed by the company.

After it's broke in, your V6 will get about 30mpg freeway & still have enough pep to leave many cars behind. Most owners are happy! You aren't sure yet if your's has issues or if you're just getting used to your car's personality!
:D

I do believe your tranny is normal.

See if you can figure out when & where the A/C noise is coming from.

Look at the noise bulletins & see if you can find your's.

I've noticed a low pitch whine when running my air conditioning or heater, I've never given it a second thought as to being a problem. I think at 1500 RPM the engine is very quiet and any extra load on the motor will seem more pronounced. You will get some noise from it but If it's loud and annoying then definetely look into it further.

Thanks guys and girls ;) I guess I am very cautious. I'm that guy that is up at 5am and out in the drive washing my car at 6am---about to head out right now. Hit the clay bar and then 5 coats of Zaino. Yea, I'm obsessive.

Then it comes to repair. I guess I know too much about cars. To the point it drives me and my wife nuts. I hear the slightest thing and I flip out. I need to take a deep breath and enjoy.

Glad to hear that "Princess" thinks the tranny is normal. I'm going to visit the dealer and see if I can drive another to see what it does. That's going to give me the final answer---I think. The compressor? I'll probably try that out in the other car as well. Finally, the rattle? Sounds like that plastic hinge that hooks the door to the body that's almost lose. It only happens when I open and close the door. I'll play with it today while I'm Zainoing.

Take care and thanks again!
Curt

somewhat past the subject, but what is this zaino you mentioned?

I initially noticed the low pitch whine/hum too, but after 3 months and 4,500 miles w/ my EX V6, the sound has either gone away or I've become oblivious too it.

The only [minor] annoyance I've got with my car is with the driver's side sun visor down, any little bump in the road evokes a rattling noise from the visor.

Other than this, I did notice a little catch/hitch in shifting from reverse to drive, but this too seems to have dissipated with time.

My wife and I previously had a '99 EX-L and '98 EX V6, respectively (we now have an '03 Pilot EX-L and the '04 EX V6), and have had no serious problems/complaints with any of these vehicles.

Originally posted by stevel
somewhat past the subject, but what is this zaino you mentioned?


It's got to be the best polish/wax I have EVER used. I've tried Meguiars 3-step, Mothers, Zymol, etc. Zaino is hands down better than all of them. It's easy to use, last a long time, doesn't leave white/yellow residue and smells good, too :) It's pricey, but once you know how to use it, a bottle will go a LONG way.

Check out www.zainobros.com I also bought the Porter Cable 7424 Polisher. Does that thing ever help the polishing process. Some microfiber towels, a clay bar, the polisher and Zaino? Your car is mint! It's unlike any process I have ever seen---you need to put it on and let it sit for at least 30min. to seal. Also, you can apply it in the sun!!! I put two coats on today and am done. Have other things I need to do.

I've never had leather, so that's next. Zaino makes a product. Wonder if I need to wait a while before I use it? Hmmm.

Curt

zaino is a multi step polymer coating. see zainobros.com

since tests mean having the car @ 1500 rpm to make the a/c compressor come on, I would assume the noise is simply the compressor.

ep307, a visor noise is likely something loose & in need of tightening. It would drive me nuts! I don't think there was a bulletin on it, but if you can't make it disappear, then take it in. Hopefully a tech can.

AND welcome to the bunch! A fellow Pilot owner, yea!
:D

forgive me if I'm wrong, but isn't the delay in ignition at startup a system check feature. It happens to me every once in a while.

I turn my AC on and you can hear a subtle hum, that happens with most cars when the AC is engaged

depends on what kind of delay.... mine did have a slight problem .... it would crank several extra times intermittenly... it had a bulletin & was fixed. It was fuel parts related.