ACURA MDX . ORG
www.acuramdx.org ACURA MDX . ORG Archive > General > Problems > Transmission Problems
 
2004 MDX droning noise - Click HERE for Original Thread
Advertisement
Jim Shier
My 2004 MDX also has a droning (humming/vibration) noise which seems to be coming from beneath the car. The noise happens at speeds between 25 - 45 MPH, in fifth gear while slowly accelerating or de-accelerating (coasting). I can recreate the sound at will. The guys at Acura have heard the sound and admit that it is there but don't know why. The car has 400 miles on it. Acura replaced the complete exhaust system but the sound is still there. I now have an appointment to have some "special" engineer to listen to the sound for his opinion.

DOES ANYONE OUT THERE HAVE A SOLUTION?
inky
You are suffering from the much talked about 2000 rpm hum/rumble which is more pronounced on the 04 due to dual exhaust is my guess. I had a 02 and 03 with none. I do not find the 04 drone that bad since only occurs under light acceleration near 2k rpm or 70 mph.
INKY
TheyCallMeBruce
I would talk to an independent muffler shop; not a chain store but a place that often does custom work. Ask them if in their experience installing a crossover pipe between the two exhaust runners would knock out resonation, and perhaps increase performance as a unintended benefit, as is often the case in hot rod exhaust systems. They simply weld a same-sized pipe to connect the left and right exhaust pipes to break up the pulsations and allow the pulsing pressure to bleed into the crossover pipe, thereby smoothing the exhaust pulses, the rapid pops that comprise exhaust noise. Yeah, it might cause a warranty issue if is was found that this particular modifying trashed your exhaust system, but c'mon, how likely is that during the warranty period?
rerodgers
Let us know what you find out with the crossover pipe idea.

:)
Advertisement
ELP_JC
Hey guys, just joined this board; glad to have found it.
I'm also glad I'm not the only one with the annoying droning problem, but here's my take.

It happens on ALL gears, at exactly the 2K rpm mark, as previously said. This automatically excludes the transfer case and differential, leaving only the transmission and an engine related resonance.

The exhaust is not the problem, I can almost guarantee you that. The drone mentioned would only be present in a TRUE DUAL EXHAUST system. If you slide under your car, you'll see our MDX has a single exhaust, until it separates at the back. If it droned, it'd be clearly coming from the back, or at least under the car. Furthermore, revving the engine to 2K doesn't do it, and you can usually duplicate exhaust drone without load. An engine harmonic vibration is also eliminated if not present at 2K in N.

By process of elimination, it's got to be the transmission. And it can only be the CONVERTER, since it happens at the same rpm in every gear.

I also fricked out when I heard the stupid drone when my wife was changing CDs. Our car just turned 1K miles.

Hey, how about when you first engage a gear: this is the first transmission ever that makes TWO 'lurches' before it engages. I'm going to put a separate post, but I'm still perplexed by this. When trannies are low in fluid or worn out, they take a second to engage. This thing immediately feels like it engages, only to REALLY engage a second later. If you accelerate after the first feel, it'd just rev and BAM! (when it engages). All my other cars engage immediately.

Let's keep this debate going. We need an answer for this crap, but I refuse to just take the car to the dealer and have these bozos just tell me it's normal after driving the crap out of it.

Good evening.

JC
hsj
Found something interesting about this hum/droning/resonance issue with '04 -X

On page 18, 2004 Acura MDX brochure, under "Dual-Stage Intake Manifold", the following statement appears: "The intake manifold is divided in two by a butterfly valve. At low engine speeds, the valve is closed to allow resonance energy to help increase cylinder charging. As engine speed increases, the valve opens and cancels the resonance taking place in the manifold...". I think it is interesting that this is the only place in Acura advertising that I've seen the word "resonance".
hockeyplayer
Somebody read the owners manual??????:29: :29:
Sassys
Hello, I was glad to find this site and interested to know whether others have noticed the same problem I have. I just purchased a 2004 Acura MDX last week and took it on the road with round trip highway mileage of 200 miles...when the car hits speeds exactly between 70 and 75 mph there is a noticeable and very loud constant drone...at speeds below 70 or greater than 75 the drone disappears. Though not as persistent I do hear the same drone at about 30 to 40 mph for a split second but wasn't sure if this just wasn't related to acceleration. Frankly, had I known about this drone(who test drives at 70 mph?) I would not have purchased this car. And folks, I'm a Honda lover, I've had two Honda Accords and loved every one of them...

I discovered however (totally by accident), that when going 70 to 75 mph if I shift into D4 from D5...she starts to purr immediately and that annoying and extremely loud drone goes away. Not surprisingly, with the subsequent downshift the RPMs go from 2000 to 3000...and wouldn't you then think that the gas mileage would suffer as well, but guess what. My gas mileage actually improved when travelling at higher speeds in D4. I was getting about 17.8 mph in D5 on the highway and on the return trip I got about 18.4 driving it in D4. This doesn't make any sense to me.

So, the noise was really getting to me so I called American Honda Motor Co (Acura's corporate offices) in Torrance, CA to ask them about this problem. They couldn't really tell me anything and said they would forward the information on to their design engineers. I also wanted to verify from Honda that driving at higher speeds in D4 wouldn't hurt the engine...Honda gives it a green light and basically said that you're driving in 4th gear so you're just never getting into overdrive which is OK. Gotta admit though that their rep asked alot of questions to capture all the details about the problem...I could hear him clicking away on the computer.

I also took the car back to the dealer and they checked it out and said that's just the way the car is and they also mentioned the dual exhaust as a possible source too...??? To satisfy myself though, we also took their demo back out onto the highway, and yup, sure enough that drone was in the demo too between 70 and 75 mph.

Would love to know if other 2004 MDX owner's have noticed this problem too.

Thanks all.
Advertisement
HARDROCK
Sassys,

Your description of this problem is what made me finally decide on not upgrading to an '04 from my '02 until this issue is addressed by Acura. Many folks have been complaining about this problem (there are several other threads going on this now) but your experience describes it best to me. My dealer would only let me test drive on local streets around the lot and refused to let me drive on the freeway to test for the noise. When they call me back again today to come in to sign the deal, I'm going to refer them to this site and your post.

I hope this situation is resolved by Acura soon for your benefit and all the others who are stuck with this same problem.
KenF
You can hear the noise around town also. It's not tied to 70 MPH, it's tied to 2000 rpm. It just happens to be that in 5th gear they match up. I also don't think it's something that only certain 04's have, but a design "feature" or flaw that's in all of them. I'm not overly bothered by it, but if the put out a TSB and fixed it for me I would probably go get it done. It certainly wouldn't steer me to a different vehicle because of just that, but clearly other people think otherwise.
hsj
In my case replacing Air Intake/ exhaust did not help. I guess noise varies between each X, I test drove base X and it was definitely much quiet ride but with radio off hum could be heard. Another touring X had more pronounce noise than the base but lesser than mine. Only if the folks at Acura Design get to drive the loudest one they would be able to acknowledge the issue otherwise it'll be brushed aside as "Normal".

Jim Shier,

Did you ever meet "special" engineer as you mentioned in your post when u started this thread ? Coz, my area sales rep agreed to the same but I never heard from her (After 4 weeks) and then she told my service manager that design dept considers this to be normal so there is no question of spl engg. Please let us know if you had any luck in this matter so far.
msu79gt82
quote:
Originally posted by Sassys
...and wouldn't you then think that the gas mileage would suffer as well, but guess what. My gas mileage actually improved when travelling at higher speeds in D4. I was getting about 17.8 mph in D5 on the highway and on the return trip I got about 18.4 driving it in D4. This doesn't make any sense to me.

Makes no sense to me either - I routinely average 22-23 in highway driving while in D5!!
Advertisement
rerodgers
I am not sure how acura can call this a "normal characteristic" or "feature". In my opinion, a normal feature is something that they purposely designed, like the car have ABS brakes, etc. Something that only happens at a certain RPM is not a normal characteristic. If it were normal, why doesn't it happen at every RPM? The engine/car is supper quite at every other RPM, but when you get to 2000 RPM, it sounds like a freight train or you engine to going to drop out of the car.

What I can't figure out is why some people can't hear it. It seems like it happens on all 2004 models based on other threads. It must have been something they did to increase the HP in the 2004. If that is the case, I could have done without the extra 5 HP's.

This thread an others regarding the 2000 rpm drone should come with a warning at the top of the thread that cautions the reader to read no farther if they still want to enjoy their new 2004. Because once you are aware of the problem, you can't help but hear it. I can't get in the car and enjoy the ride because all I listen for is the drone. I have bcome somewhat obsessed. My wife drives the car in ingnorant bliss because I have not told her about it. I am sure she hears it, but like Acura, thinks it is a "normal characteristic."

I sure hope they get it figured out an issue a TSB. I can deal with the gas tank slosh, but I can't deal with the drone!

:mad:
hsj
Did u called Acura Customer Relations dept, I'm planning to call them. Just wanna know about the experiences others might have, before I start listening to Normal design tune....
msu79gt82
quote:
Originally posted by rerodgers
This thread an others regarding the 2000 rpm drone should come with a warning at the top of the thread that cautions the reader to read no farther if they still want to enjoy their new 2004. Because once you are aware of the problem, you can't help but hear it.

So you can NOT hear the "noise" unless someone FIRST tells you the "noise" is there? Hum, very interesting. In essence they never would have heard if they hadn't "heard" about it first?
msu79gt82
By the way, WHY is this thread in the Transmissions Forum?:confused:
Advertisement
rerodgers
For the record, one does not need to be told about the engine drone to actually hear it. It's just that once you are aware that there is a noise that in all likelihood should not be there, you are more likely to hear it because you are listening for it. Like I said, I am sure my wife hears the noise, but just thinks it the way the car just sounds. I don't want to alert her to the fact that the noise is probably the result of some design flaw because I will probably get a rash of sh** as to why we paid $40K for a car with such a problem. She would say that we could have bought a pilot with fewer features but no design flaws and paid a lot less.

Most of my post always have some tongue-in-cheek element.

Overall are car is great. This is really the only problem I have with the car and I am sure that at sometime in the future, Acura/Honda will issue a TSB or maybe that's just wishful thinking.

I think every 2004 has the engine drone, but if you read some of the other threads on the subject and this poll, some people report not hearing/having it. That surprises me. Because if it truely is a "normal characterstic," every car would have the drone, not just a few. Otherwise, how could you call it "normal" if it happens on some cars and not others. "Normal" to me means they designed it that way on purpose so everyone should have that "feature."

:)
hsj
quote:
Originally posted by rerodgers
how could you call it "normal" if it happens on some cars and not others. "Normal" to me means they designed it that way on purpose so everyone should have that "feature."



I guess owners who do not have this "feature " should actively approach Acura and ask why they have been denied this feature...Since they also paid the same $$$$..We might get a deal with Acura, either feature for all or no feature.

:p

PS: Just to lighten up the mood
peterb
quote:
Originally posted by hockeyplayer
Somebody read the owners manual??????:29: :29:


I was in MDX brochure,not the manual.BTW this may be the explanation of the droning noise.
Darkmaker
I too have this annoying drone at 2k rpm. I have 3800 miles on the '04 now and either it's getting louder or I'm getting more senstive to it. I can hear it very well over even moderate stereo volume. Recently I've gone back to driving the '03 CL Type-S around town even though it has bad tires for winter weather, becuase I can't stand the droning noise. I was going to take it in this week but now, from what I read, that is an exercise in futility :( It really sucks because I love this vehicle, but this droning will cause me to rethink it and look into selling it rather quickly. I find myself stepping on the gas alot or backing off suddnely just to keep it away from 2000 rpm :\

Is there a way we can complie a list of everyone experiencing this problem and send some sort of petition to Honda/Acura??
Advertisement
hsj
quote:
Originally posted by Darkmaker
I too have this annoying drone at 2k rpm. I have 3800 miles on the '04 now and either it's getting louder or I'm getting more senstive to it. I can hear it very well over even moderate stereo volume. Recently I've gone back to driving the '03 CL Type-S around town even though it has bad tires for winter weather, becuase I can't stand the droning noise. I was going to take it in this week but now, from what I read, that is an exercise in futility :( It really sucks because I love this vehicle, but this droning will cause me to rethink it and look into selling it rather quickly. I find myself stepping on the gas alot or backing off suddnely just to keep it away from 2000 rpm :\

Is there a way we can complie a list of everyone experiencing this problem and send some sort of petition to Honda/Acura??



Did u miss the temp fix for this issue in the main thread..You Better check out Coz I'm enjoying the 'Feature-less' X more than ever .....
mn-mdx
I had my MDX with Navi in for it's first oil change the other day. I also asked them to check the droning noise and an issue with the navi voice commands not working all the time. I also had the emissions recall done. They told me that they are aware of both issues and that when a fix has been made they will call me and get them addressed. So now I wait........... only doctors need patients!:(
Sassys
HSJ, except for this really annoying droning noise I also love the MDX in every other way. But, we are also thinking of unloading within the next year if I can't get past the noise. Damn!

We attended the Chicago Auto Show last week and talked to every single Acura rep there and not one fessed up to knowing about this droning..."never heard that one before" -- I'm really disappointed and would have expected better from Honda.

As far as filing a group complaint, I think it's easier and more effective if everyone calls AND writes directly to the Honda Motor Corporation Headquarters...the address is in the back of your owner's manual:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Acura Client Services
Mail Stop 500-2N-7E
1919 Torrence Blvd.
Torrence, CA 90501-2746
Phone: 800-382-2238

I called Honda and have just recently fired off a letter as well.

I hope Honda comes through with a fix as I would expect from a company that has so steadfastly and consistently been so good from a reliability, quality and great customer service perspective.
MDX-rated
I noticed this droning from the day we picked up our '04 X with 2 miles on it and its still there today after 3 weeks with 550 miles...

I have also noticed that the navi voice commands occassionally going AWOL. I have not been able to reproduce a sequence of events that causes it to fail, except that it would recover each time after re-starting the system.

I'll be bringing these to Acura's and dealer's respective attention...
Advertisement
jsolo18
My 2001 MDX Touring makes the same droning, lugging, vibration sound at about 2000Rpm between 30 and 40 mph.
It happens when the car has been coasting and the gas pedal is pressed to accelerate.

Two different dealerships have found "no problem".

Mercedes-Benz/ Lexus this isn't.
This will be the last in a series of 7 Honda products I've purchased.
perkdan
jsolo18.....your problem sounds more like the faulty transmission problem in the 2001 models. More of a skipping, fluttering when you accelerate at about 2000 RPMs.....if this turns into a chugging clunking noise it is most likely the tranny problem.

Still under warranty I hope?

Perkdan.
GDTRFB
This is incredibly depresssing! After finally placing the order on an MDX Touring/Nav after nearly 2 years of research, my excitement and anticipation has quickly disappeared.

I can't decide whether to just cancel now, even if I take a loss on the deposit (and wheels already purchased), or take an even bigger loss selling the vehicle after delivery. It seems after reading this thread, there is no way possible to be happy with the car once I experience this problem.

How do people live with the 2004 MDX and enjoy it so much? Why is this not a prominent subject in the many fine reviews? Will Acura ever fix it? Is there really any reason I should still get the MDX? This is by far the most I ever spent on a car, and it is difficult looking forward to getting it.
jsolo18
Dear GDTRFB, The MDX is not a premium vehicle; it's a wannabe. The service departments are really more reminiscent of a Chevy- level of vehicle; anything that goes wrong is your fault, and not their problem.
It has never given me the feeling of being bullet-proof, and makes more and more odd noises and rattles as time goes by. My MDX is only 3 years old and really needs to be replaced. You are right, it's a lot of money for a not so great vehicle. I'd cut my losses!
Advertisement
aac
i think the mdx is a great vehicle for what you pay for. as for the droning noise...........i have yet to hear anything similar to others who are experiencing in their 04Xs......i really think this issue has been blown out of proportion. even if there was sucha noise like some members on this forum have been experiencing.........this issue has really been more polarized by the demand expectancy to notice even the slightess and most subtle of noises. there may seem to be many complaints on this issue.........but comparatively, to the vast majority of X owners out there (MANY MANY MANY not on this forum), this is a very small and isolated proportion of vehicles. Most of the people who usually come to forums like these have either strong complaints or admiration for their vehicle....with the latter being far outnumbered by the former. i know there seems to be many complaints for the 04X but honestly........its really just a small segment of the population wishing to share and consult with others for their thoughts and advice on issues dealing with their vehicle. like many people that i know, they don't bother wasting their time searching for forums like these. people in these forums are usually the people who would like to express strongly on something to share with others. and as a word of advice..........no matter how perfect a car may seem to you, there will always be some complaints about the vehicle. just try to find other car forums....you will see.
servicemanager
I really hope Acura dealership service staff are not generally referred to as "bozo's". My staff takes great pride in addressing each clients concern. I have technicians with the highest training levels posible and some even teach auto mechanics at local colleges in the evening. We would also never suggest that you have been driving your vehicle inappropriately. That is not our call to make. We do truely want to earn our clients business and provide a positive experience each time you are at our facility.

Acura has not offered a repair for the droning noise to the dealerships at this point but have suggested that new exhaust hangers will repair the noise. We will see if they are right. I would like to believe it is not in the transmission.
dham
..."aac" is right...don't let the input of a very small fraction of MDX owners sway your opinion that you've come to after performing your due diligence in researching your options (which it sounds like you did before deciding on the X). I bought an '04 in January and have the better part of 2000 miles on it. I've never experienced the drone, even after having read about it and listening for it with the radio turned off.

I looked at other SUV forums when I was getting ready to buy a few months back, as well as when I owned my previous SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee), and they all have owners writing in complaining about all kinds of stuff. Like aac said, that's one reason people come to forums like this...to vent.

I think you've made a good decision and won't regret it.

My two cents worth! :2:
papester
To help calm everybody down, I just took delivery of my 2004 MDX on Friday and it does not have the droning noise. Acura does have a fix and it is being incorporated in production line orders.
Advertisement
servicemanager
My statement should have read that the countermeasure has not been made available to the dealers.
Thanks.
pirlbeck
I have a 2004 that I have had for about 3 weeks and 1100 miles. A couple hundred of these miles have been on interstate highways which should of put the speed/RPM in the right range to hear it, but I have never heard the dreaded drone either. It had been delivered to the dealership just a few days before we bought it........so maybe they do have it fixed on the later ones.
MDX-rated
quote:
Originally posted by dham
..."aac" is right...don't let the input of a very small fraction of MDX owners sway your opinion that you've come to after performing your due diligence in researching your options (which it sounds like you did before deciding on the X). I bought an '04 in January and have the better part of 2000 miles on it. I've never experienced the drone, even after having read about it and listening for it with the radio turned off.

I looked at other SUV forums when I was getting ready to buy a few months back, as well as when I owned my previous SUV (Jeep Grand Cherokee), and they all have owners writing in complaining about all kinds of stuff. Like aac said, that's one reason people come to forums like this...to vent.

I think you've made a good decision and won't regret it.

My two cents worth! :2:



Agree fully.

I'm a fastidious vehicle owner and the 2000rpm drone did bother me, even before I learnt more about it on this forum. However, 6 weeks on the drone is less obvious to me now either objectively or perceptively, and it does seem like they have a fix at the factory that needs a TSB to dealerships. I would still like to get it fixed amongst a few other things under manufacturer's warranty like the voice navi issue, "rubbery" power steering, and a cracked door panel trim!

All this and I don't regret buying the X, and would still pick it over other offerings today. I test drove other SUVs and most have other inherent or chronic issues that will affect the driving and ownership experience more. FWIW, to put some perspective into the droning sound, I have owned several much more expensive European luxury cars in the past, and all of which had some sort of resonance problem either with the motor, suspension or even aerodynamics (whistling at certain speeds)!

The issue with the 2004 X droning may be blown out of proportion, but it shows that X owners care about their vehicles to want it to be perfect!:2:
sreeram10
hello,

i am planning to place an order with one of the dealer for 2004 MDX.
but after going through this thread, re thinking how to test before drive out from the dealership.
is there away this can be tested.
any opinions

thanks
Advertisement
servicemanager
There is no way to duplicate the drone (to my knowledge) without driving on the highway at about 2000 rpm's. If the MDX is new, meaning, built in the last month it probably has slightly different hangers and will not likely produce the noise. If it has been at the dealership for a few months it may produce the noise. Either way I do not believe this issue would be a deciding factor in purchasing the vehicle. It will be corrected soon and is not terribly noticeable in those that I have been involved with. I have only had a very limited number of clients complain of the droning.
Good luck with your purchase decision.
luvdodo
ServiceManager,

Just curious - Do you manage MDX servicing at an authorized center ?

If this this great and you will be of immense help to our members on board. And ofcourse, save many of us from being ripped off!

:D

Cheers.
servicemanager
Yes, I manage an Acura Service Department in the southeast. We are an Acura Dealer and I am involved exclusively with Acura vehicles. I would be happy to actively participate in the message board.
Darkmaker
My drone is so bad it's driving me crazy. I've quit driving the MDX now all together. It reverberates really loudly even passing through 2000rpm's around city driving. I find myself driving very erratically when I do drive it to avoid 2000rpm's at all costs. My Acura service department said they are aware of the problem but don't have a fix yet, this was as of last week. So it now sits in the garage. I love the car but I can hear and feel the noise over the radio turned up quite a bit and am seriously considering selling it :(

Last week I had passengers who asked "what is that aweful noise?" sigh....
Advertisement
servicemanager
I have requested a timeline from Acura concerning the release of the fix. As soon as I get the word I will post it on this board.
I have only had a few vehicles with this concern at my dealership and they were not to the point of being anything but a slight irritation. Sorry yours is so bad. I'll let you know as soon as I hear from the factory.
msu79gt82
:welcome:
A fair honest "insider" will be a great addition to the board. Thanks.
Darkmaker
Servicemanager,
thanks! I really do like the MDX quite a bit. The hum is just grating. If there is a problem I usually get it so I'm quite certain mine is probably one of the worst. I've thought about recording it, heh.
servicemanager
Thanks. I did get a call from the factory today with a temporary fix for the droning. Have the local dealer remove the hanger at the converter. It is located just past where the a pipe makes a turn. It actually mounts at the converter. There are enough hangers there that removing this particular one should not make a structural difference. I have been told that this will eliminate the droning and when the new hanger is available the dealer can later install it.
Note: I have not tried it yet but this has supposedly worked for a couple others.
Good luck. :29:
Advertisement
Darkmaker
Sounds good. I'll pass this on to my service department!
Thanks!
luvdodo
ServiceManager

That's a dashing entry! 3 Cheers to you!!

:7: :7: :7:

Thanks for beign here for us!
hammermdx
Here's a great thread with excellent pictures. The pictures start around page 17.....

http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/show...15&pagenumber=1
Darkmaker
I called my service department and told them about the temp fix suggested by Servicemanager on 4/21/04 and they said they knew about it but would not perform it and gave me the Acura Customer Relations number.

Is this normal? Anybody know why they are being difficult? I just want the noise to stop....
Advertisement
Sassys
I'm thrilled to learn of a fix from Servicemanager regarding the droning in my '04 MDX and will follow-up with my dealership locally. Am disappointed to see that Darkmaker did not have success with their dealership on the fix....

I can see that the droning issue is very personal for each of us, but continues to really bother me and impacts the enjoyment for me from what otherwise is a really great vehicle. Frankly, part of the "problem" is that Honda did such an awesome job at the interior soundproofing that it makes the drone that much more noticeable and more annoying. And the fact that I hear it when my radio is on doesn't help me to forget that it's there.

Thanks for the information...
sreeram10
Hello,

Yesterday i went for a test drove 2004 MDX in NJ.
Even this has droning problem. It was coming around 2000 rpm.

All other aspects looks great.

Sreeram
Darkmaker
I drove down to Cincinnati today for work and my passenger said "my god, is THAT the drone?" I had to drop to 4th to get the rpm's up over 2k so we could continue talking...... :\
Darkmaker
I'm happy to report that I have my noise fixed. I had to talk to the local service manager and he agreed to contact the factory and see what needed done. He then called me and said he had a temporary fix and would implement it.

However, upon attempting the fix they discovered that a heat shield had been bent and was laying on the exhaust. The horrendous noise I was hearing turns out not to be the typical 2000rpm drone, but a heat shield laying on the exhaust.

It's now quite quiet.

Now I have to listen and see if I have the 2000rpm problem at all. They didn't do the 2000rpm fix, just bent the heat shield back into place.

Powered by: Search Engine Indexer and vBulletin v2.2.9
Copyright © 2000 - 2002, Jelsoft Enterprises Limited
Copyright 2000 Acuramdx.org. All Rights Reserved.