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Good Luck
I've had two cars that did this on hot days and two other that would start but run poorly for a few seconds after starting under similar hot conditions. It usually happened in winter when the day was unusually warm, though it did happen on 100 degree days during the summer too.
I can understand that the time that Acura considers okay would seem long, but the ten seconds or so gives the cool fuel enough time to get to and through the injection pump.
My 02 resonates at high freeway speeds (76-85).
All
Navi update update: There appears to be new logic in routing. Did better today with the update DVD than the last time I drove to the same location. Much more logical directions. However, we did notice what seemed to be missing chunks of screen data during one ten mile stretch. The right side of the screen was gray. A message flashed on the screen several times that correctly identified what the missing area was, but nothing appeared on the screen.
In one short stretch, no less than 12 school icons were showing on the 1/8 mile screen at the same time. Hard to believe there were 12 schools in such a small area.
The database searches for street names, when entering an address, sometimes makes us think the unit has failed. Today, we had almost a 20 second pause after entering the last letter of a street name before the system would allow a number to be added.
We also noticed today that sometimes the blue line that shows the route isn't on any street, but parallels the street. Not a negative, just looks wrong.
Another nice positive is the reduced number of voice directions when on a freeway that one will be staying on for many miles. Used to tell us to "stay on X freeway" every time we approached and then again when we came to another freeway or major freeway like road. Now the unit stays silent until a change is needed.
Thanks
I have seen earlier post now that this has happened on all years make from 01-04...So just can't be exhaust. I wish I could have paid more attention before buying this, atleast I could have avoided this hassle now....
Regarding starting, it is interesting it is mentioned because I had a very similar problem this weekend. I found 2 things out.
First of all, with the wipers on, it seemed to crank a lot, so much so I stopped gave it a second and then cranked it again to start? Without them on it seemed much better. Second, in cold weather, putting the key in the "on" position for a few seconds prior to cranking is supposed to prime the injectors (or so I have read on the web regarding a lot of different car types). Doing this should also minimize cranking.
I've found that calling Acura is frustrating too. It seems they don't call back when they say they will and the people that answer the phone give me the impression they are doing a clerical job of acting as a human answering machine and dispensing canned responses.
However, I have had much better service by e-mail or having my dealer make the first contact. Today I received an e-mail response to my e-mail comments about the navi update DVD. The response had a case ID number and a request I call them. I did call and was told I should receive a call back from them in a few days. They had no answer for how one switches back to the OE navi DVD once the update has been installed. I called the local dealer and he is still waiting (ten days now) for a response from Acura tech support too.
As with the 2004 noise, one must wonder if anyone at Acura looked at the update DVD before it was released. There are improvements, but there are also obvious bugs that should have been caught before release.
One doesn't save much using lower octane fuel. Not taking into account the probable slightly lower mpg and slightly less performance from not using premium, the savings would be between half and one cent per mile.
What others get in the way of mpg may be very different than what you might get. Under near ideal conditions I've seen EPA numbers, but usually get about 3 less. The on board trip computer on my MDX is not accurate with respect to mpg. It is usually 5% to 10% more than actual mpg. I've had a trip computer in five cars and none have been accurate with respect to mpg. All calculate(d) better mpg than actual.
Can this forum members come forward with responses if they hear No noise / minimal / or considerable noise in their 04s. In the normal drive you might have to push gas paddle little slow to keep it at 2000 rpms, but try to run in on 2000-2100 rpms on highway on G5. The regional Rep for Acura is coming over at dealership on coming fridat (De c 12)and I'll be taking my car to her for a ride. If we have more views here that will help a lot Otherwise Acura is selling this by saying " this is Normal design". A 40k+ car designed to make noise under certain conditions but only for few ...Doesn't sound fair.
Thanks
HS
None of the Acura dealers gave me the keys for an MDX, but one did allow a 34 mile test drive with a sales person tagging along. Another said take it anywhere, but the sales person was along for the ride. Infinity did the same. The Jag, Pontiac, Caddy, Toyota, and Chrysler dealers just gave me keys and the sales person did not come on the test drive.
If the noise happens at the normal speeds one drives at one should be able to hear the problem during a test drive.
HELP - what should I do? I tend to be very picky about cars and would expect the '04 to be as quiet as the '03 we test drove several times.
For those of you with the problem, would you not buy the vehicle if you could do it over again? Should I look for a remaining '03? [I really wanted the side air curtain, better sound proofing (ha ha), tire pressure monitor, etc]. Or - should I consider another vehicle? My second choice would be the Lexus GX - a lot more money than I really want to spend. Would greatly appreciate any and all advice.
Do you still hear the hum noise after replacing the resonator on Dec. 4th for your MDX?
Could any one share their story in successfully eliminating the hum noise after dealing with Acura?
harsmdx Nov 26, 2003 5:19pm
Everything was fine until it started getting cold again, and since October, I have had the problem all over again.
Now the dealer is blaming it on the Oxygenated Gas that is used during the colder months. They also told me that unless they can duplicate the problem while it is hooked up to their computer, they can't fix anything 'cuz they don't know what's wrong.
I go in for another trial service next week...I hope they can find out what's wrong then...I'll let you know what excuses they give this time.
Until then...happy 10-second starting...whatever!
What kind of starting problem are you having? Have to crank a long time? Stalls after starting? Starts, but runs poorly for a short while? Happens when cold, but not when warm? etc.
You need a mechanic, a person with experience and knowledge to diagnose rather than techs that replace what the computer tells them to replace.
I agree with fndlyfmrflyr...more details...Do you park on a hill? Have you tried changing the battery? $65 at Sears may fix everything.
Acura is claiming to be "Part of Design", I wonder what a nutcracker Engg&QA dept Acura has that would term "FLAW" to be design. How Stupid one could be to design a Luxury car to make a noise
But not enough owners have come forward to press on this problem. Some are living with it some learning to how cope with it. But it makes me Sick when I cruise at 68-72 mph, even worse when radio is off. So far biggest blunder I have commited to have baught a new car without waiting for couple of months to watch for potential problems....
Turn off radio in yours, try it at low speeds ( at an incline if possible) and try to hear carefully. You can't miss it , it will be different from the regular thrust.
HS
Thanks for following up on the problem. Yes, now I hear the humming noise at around 2000 rpm as well. Hope acura does something to fix the problem.
Thanks Hajits for bringing the info on the board. Please keep us informed.
My MDX also has the brake noise/clunks problem. Does Acura have fix for the brake?
I will ask my dealer to check both problems when I go there for license plates.
I also asked about brake clunk, Again "Its normal", claims service dept. And this is because of ABS and %$^@&*^..piece of crap.....
HS
My question is... which models are worse than others? It's hard to tell from test drives as most don't have a problem until after some time. Has anyone tried to compare this?
Why bother to fix it.
My guess this is by design, no easy fix.
My question is... which models are worse than others? It's hard to tell from test drives as most don't have a problem until after some time. Has anyone tried to compare this?
Where did u gather your information about humming noise on luxury suvs. If it is a fact then why does it happens at certain conditions. I just came back after driving mine mdx for 100 miles. Again one word would describe it "Nightmare" at those rpms. It would constitute 30-40% on my driving in that range. I noticed one more thing that when the car was going "downhill" at ~2k rpms it was relatively quiet, but routine drive /incline u can not ignore it.
As the noise varies in all, there could be bunch of luck guys out there which have it at minimal level and are ignoring this. I had the same feeling when I drove a Base mdx yesterday. You have to drive the loudest ones to get the feeling.
Hs
IMO there is a design flaw with the new dual exhaust. There is a definite peak resonance of the exhaust sound at 2000rpm. No matter what the driving conditions are, if you maintain engine speed at 2000rpm you will notice the resonance.
Some have asked why does it only occur at 2000rpm? If you remember your high school Physics class, everything that makes noise has what is called a "resonance frequency". As an example, if you fill a glass with water and tap the top of the glass with a spoon, there is a specific level of water that will create the most noise.
It no different from the muscle cars of the 70's with their tuned exhaust. They gave off a loud low frequency resonance/hum at only specific engine speeds.
Acura promotes the MDX as a performance SUV, thus preformance exhaust system. So if you don't mind the louder resonance sound of the exhaust, go for it!
I really like the MDX you get a lot of features for the price, I'm probably going to hold off until they figure out how to 'tame' the resonating exhaust problem and add Xenon headlights with LED tailights, hopefully to their 05 model (potential model change year!).
I made a point of getting it on the highway, and believe I heard it. It was more like a low rumble and occured at 2000 rpm, going about70-72. From what I can tell, it is an ehjaust noise, but induced by me pressing the gas slightly to accelerate or hold a speed. It can be made louder by travelling on ighway, and going up slight hill which makes truck resist a bit. Does this noise sound right to those that have also heard it? Doesnt bother me. If this is all I can find wrong with this truck I'll be happy. In the middle of negootiating a deal. Hope to have it nailed by tomorrow night. At this point, if I get the deal I am trying to get, I'll have 2K off msrp....stay tuned.
HS
If yours is so bad that you feel it qualifies as a lemon ask for a repurchase or replacement. While mine (an 02) has its own problems, none are enough to call it a lemon. If you keep the car try driving at a different speed, like 69 or 73. You'd probably not notice the noise around here because the freeway speeds are 75 and above. In my case, when I am driving between 2100 and 2300 rpm in 5th (a 10 mph spread) I turn up the radio so the resonating noise isn't noticed as much. The brakes still sound like two shots from a rifle, but it is usually only once a day. The dash and door rattles are just additional racket that add to the symphony of noises. In short, a luxury car it is not, but it is comfortable and the utility unmatched by others in this size range.
I'm glad yours doesn't have the noise. Apparently something is just a touch out of kilter on mine, though the dealer and I heard it on two others we tested a couple of years ago. Like some that have posted up topic it appears that the volume of the noise varies from car to car, with mine being on the louder end. I probably would not have noticed it if the noise was very slightly less.
No longer a big deal (the dash rattles bother me more). The car runs too well to let Acura or the dealer play a swap the part guessing game trying to figure out how to stop the hum noise.
Its matter of personal priorities, I have used this forum for quite some time now and nobody has brought to the forum before. Had I known this before hand I would never had bought this, I hate Vans but would still have preferred Toyota Sienna over this. I'm waiting for the Design Engg. from Acura to check mine later this year or early next year. I'd like to keep it clean and simple with them and ask for replacement (as mine is loudest so far). Otherwise, I would do everything possible until words are heard.
Say, If you want to sell your car tomorrow and the buyer notices this noise, do you think he is gonna buy the idea of normal design if your makes loudest noise than others. It may get worse over period of time , no body knows.......That's why more reported problem better for consumers that they have a fix.........
The resonating hum in mine bothers me, but not the other drivers in my family. I've had others in the car say "what noise?" and then say they can hardly hear it when I point it out. The rattle in my driver's door doesn't bother me. Maybe it is because I know what is causing the rattle. I just haven't pulled off the door panel to fix it. The rattle behind the glove box door bothered me so much I fixed it right away. I didn't notice the rattles in the center dash area until someone else pointed them out. Conversely, the snapping from the middle row seat made the car almost undriveable to me. My dealer was terrible on rattles, but not much worse than on other service. It took a couple of hours, but I fixed the middle row seat problem.
I agree with you that if enough people complain Honda will fix the problem. The problem is that few are willing to complain loud enough or long enough. IF the noise you hear is exhaust related I'm surprised your dealer hasn't sent the car to an exhaust specialist. Before they became Ford, my Mazda and Volvo dealers sent my cars to independent shops at no cost to me for fixes the dealer couldn't make while the car was under warranty. The (after Ford) Jaguar people did the same thing.
I also agree with you that IF a prospective buyer finds the noise objectionable there will probably be no sale or a sale at a significantly lower price. In my state that significant loss of value is enough to qualify the car as a lemon and therefore qualify for repurchase or replacement. The problem with many lemon laws is that the word 'significant' is subjective and manufacturers tend to be on the opposite end compared to buyers.
However it seems that there are a lot of us that don't have that problem, don't notice it and enjoy the car. It's a shame you cannot, but don't lump the rest of us into one category.