Door Rattles - High, near Window

[andoru2001]

Rattle, rattle rattle

I have a 2003 Accord Ex 4 cyl - otherwise a perfect automobile. I love the acceleration, the handling, the masculine looks, etc., great car.

I read about similiar problems on this forum, but they didn't sound exactly alike, so I wanted to see if I could get some information on this.

I have a rattle in my doors at higher speeds (60+ MPH). It seems at times, aggravated by the CD/Radio - at louder volumes, the door rattle increases. Here's what's interesting - if I rest my arm on the door at the window level, the rattle stops (continues on the passenger's side).

Just putting a little pressure on the door beside the window makes it stop.

HELP!!!!! Anyone else have this same problem? What have you done? I haven't had my dealer look at it yet, but I want to soon, I just wanted to see what else is out there.

[hondacuraworld]

Can't say that I've heard of that exact issue, but it seems like the issue may be with more the door panel than the window itself.....

Sounds like a relatively easy fix the next time you bring it into the dealership.

[raff]

i have the same problem... i don't trust those ignorant dealers tho i'm probably gonna rip the door panel off myself and do my own fixes for the rattling.

[Ganz]

I can say I've heard of that exact issue... I have that in my sedan. Someone said on another thread that it was noise between components of the lock mechanism in the door. I too will have the door panel off next summer.

[Bean]

I'm bumping this old thread 'cause we just started hearing this exact noise on our V6.

It is only really noticeable at highway speeds, and if pressure is applied midway between the armrest and the window, the noise goes away.

Have there been any developments on this issue?
Any service bulletins or notices Princess?

[princess]

I just looked again. Nope. Nothing on that noise.... I will be adding 2 more though, lumbar & hard brake pedal.....

Sorry, I'm no help at this time..... I guess not enough have turned the problem in their dealer yet. Anytime you want me to look again, just bump!:blush:

[framed6]

I just purchased the 2004 Accord EX-V6. I like the styling...features and price. One thing I did not like is the slight high frequency rattle eminating from the passenger side door ....AND, when closing the doors with the windows open, you hear the components shaking around from the impact. I thought Honda was beyond this. It seems from reading the threads....I am not the only one with this observation. Should I even try to let the dealer fix it and possibly damage the door panel ?

[princess]

Welcome, framed6! I'll keep checking for any bulletins on the noise. If I find one later today I'll be sure to post it.

[princess]

Still nothing about noises at the door panel, just the wind noise in 085. I guess there hasn't been enough to see a pattern yet, or they don't have a fix yet.

Bump this to remind me to look again whenever you want.

I did post 2 new bulletins today. (engine vibration & trunk panel.)

[framed6]

I know it's repairable, but on a BRAND NEW car...I find unacceptable...especially on a Honda that's known for it's perceived quality. It even buzzes with the bass from the stereo and more so when I past by my local airport with a waiting jet preparing to depart. The jet had it's engines going...and THAT rattled it as well. Now that was dis-concerning. Anyway....I do like the car otherwise..and can't wait to really get to break it in more. I haven't been able to drive it much since I bought it 3 days ago, but I hope the rest of the experience is better. Has anyone else had positive dealer repairs ? I am VERY wary of any door panel repairs..because the fasteners are not meant to be taken on and off often. Anything else that I should know about my car ? Hahaha.

[framed6]

...does anyone know the full functionality of the alarm system? I had Honda install the 'better' alarm than the factory standard, but I am not totally sure what it can do. I have the regular Honda "key" remote that came with it. I wish the remote could raise the windows at once during lock-up instead of lowering them at un-lock. Can Honda program that function? Am I asking too many questions? Thanks.

[Pairallel]

framed - I am in northern NJ with an '04 EX-V6 as well. I have the same low-frequency buzz problem, somewhere inside the door panel near the driver-side dash. My problem is how to reproduce it for the dealer. So far , the only way I can do it is to play a Jackson Browne CD (song #4) with heavy bass in just the right pitch to cause the rattle.

I agree that this is disappointing in a seventh generation vehicle from a top manufacturer, but the rest of the car's features and performance are so incredible, it just doesn't bother me that much.

I will probably wait for an official fix rather than have to deal with the pre-recorded "We could not duplicate the problem" BS line i usually get...

I sure wish "The Prince" worked at my dealership....:(

[framed6]

...It seems like we can fault Jackson Browne with your problem. That was simple enough. All kidding aside..I have the exact same problem and also I noticed ( has anyone else) when the windows are open...as you close the door, you can hear the window frame ( assumed ) rattle inside. Even my 95 Mercury Marquis didn't do that. Sigh....is this what it's come to at Honda ?

[Pairallel]

Try not to overreact...would you trade your window rattle for the reliability of an American car? The comfort, performance, features and overall value are incredible. I'll deal with an occasional rattle if I have to...

:cool:

[princess]

Sometimes the problem really can't be found. The "we could not dulpicate the problem" is an honest answer! We have seen techs just make something up & then the car comes back with the same problem. I had a noise in my '02 that didn't cooperate when he was in it. It was from the place where the seatbelt attached to the pillar. A ching. FINALLY he heard it & replaced it. The new one did the same thing. I only heard it under very specific circumstances. Decided to crank up the music!

At this point I don't have any buzzes. If someone leaves a water bottle in the door I have to pull over & remove it. It annoys me!

Door panels have a few screws & clips. If a tech breaks a clip they replace it. I think I'd see if there are screws to be tightened in the armrest. (don't over do it) Make sure it's a sound inside the door, not a speaker. That would be a different problem. I may never get the problem you're having if it's speakers, we replaced ours.

I understand the frustration. Been there! Do your best to figure out exactly when it happens. The more info the tech has, the better chance of finding it.

Remember, all it takes is one factory worker having a bad day to cause several cars to have a problem. It doesn't always have to be an engineering flaw. It's a machine & all machines will have flaws. Don't panic & be thankful that it's not a drivetrain thing! Eventually it will be figured out. If you find out what it is, please share it with the rest of us! If I see anything, I'll post it.

My '77 Olds Cutlass was a quiet as a mouse, but it leaked tranny fluid even after everything that could be was changed. It would leak all the fuel from the carb if not driven for a few days. (a rodchester flaw) It would suddenly have dead points. I loved the car, but it certainly had it's share of problems!

Hang in there!:)

I don't know if the Honda key buttons can be programed. I doubt it. I like the Honda alarm system because it's intergrated in the whole car. If the stereo is removed it will sound. If anything accept the key for it is used to start it, it will sound. Yet it doesn't do the annoying false alarm just because the wind shakes it or a cat climbs up!

Then again, mine does sleep inside! I do love startling people that get to close by opening the windows before I actually get to my car!! :rolleyes:

[framed6]

I am pretty sure I have isloated the buzzing and I am sure it just needs tightening. I just wanted to enjoy the solitude of a brand new car. I hope Honda is receptive as you guys are.

[ben916]

This kind of concerns me as I am planning on purchasing an 04 Accord LX V6 in the next 3 days.

I did think it was odd that we did not drive the car on the freeway...

[princess]

Welcome, Ben916! If you're thinking that the salesperson knew about the sound & was hiding it, you're probably wrong. The cars don't ALL have it.....as far as anyone knows. And sales people rarely know anything other than what the brochure has to say. Honda will figure it out. There's a chance they know WHAT it is, but may be working on the fix. If you want the car, buy it. If it has the sound or anything else wrong......either wait for a bulletin or try having a tech find it. :)

[Pairallel]

ben916 - the buzz is very intermittent - that is why it's a problem. I only get it evry 2nd or 3rd time I drive my car.

Get the LX V6 - You'll be thrilled by what a great car it is...

;)

[ben916]

I think that the LX V6 is the one, Satin Silver or the Graphite Pearl. San Diego is hot and last week there was a heat wave of 105 which is not normal and rather uncomfortable without air conditioning.

I have driven many cars in the last two weeks:

04 Benz C230 Kompressor = weak 4 cylinder supercharger,
04 Benz C320 Sport Sedan = Loved it, Hated the price $40K,
04 BMW 325i = Peppy but pricey,
04 BMW 330xi = fast, not impressed for $43k, not a typo,
04 VW Passat GLS 1.8 turbo = weak, required a lot of gas to get it going, shifting was strange,
04 VW Passat GLX V6 = great power, worried about reliablity,
04 Honda EX V6 Nav = don't need the nav, fun though.
04 Honda Civic 4 dr EX = fun, but need the room,
04 Honda Civic SI = SUPER fun but need 4 dr and not rowing the box,
04 Toyota Camry = Least impressive of all, no road feel, mushy brakes, good power, rather boring interior.

As you can see, I have been doing my home work, this time. The price is right for the LX at $21,300.

I will be on the forum randomly...

Thanks for the help.

[Pairallel]

If you are driving that many cars in that price range, why not go for the EX V6?

I got mine for $23500...only $2k more than the LX, and worth every penny!

:cool:

[ben916]

I have to see the difference in price between the two.

I noticed that the LX does not have the side curtain and that is something that I 'think' that I need so I may just ask for a quote on that model also.

[Pairallel]

Now there's the snag...don't ASK for a quote - tell them this is the price you want. If you e-mail all the dealers in your area, you will get it.

The trick is to make sure you are ready to buy it before you put the squeeze on for the price...

;)

[ben916]

I am going through the Costco buying program which you purchase at invoice plus $400.

[Pairallel]

You can do better!

My price was invoice - $700... (yes, $700 below invoice) !

For the $1100 difference, take a few minutes and push the dealers in your area...

Squeeze them until they :bawling:

[BenjiBoy650]

Ben I'm very surprised with your comment on the Passat 1.8T! I was very impressed with the power of the 1.8T especially considering that it was such a small engine. I was going to purchase one until I heard they uh...like to catch on fire.

Also I notice a lot of rattles and noises in my car under certain conditions. For instance, horrible creaking sunroof, but only when I'm going up a driveway at a slant (chassis flex). Or, rattle from the roof, caused by a weak sunroof cover panel. If you open the panel to let sun in, it rattles. If you close it, it stays quiet.

[go77306]

my door rattles too!