| RC98 |
It's a COLD December here in Chicago.
On especially cold mornings, I have very rough starts which is to be expected, I suppose. What is abnormal, however, is that I hear a terrible noise on the first start of the morning.
I've isolated the noise...sounds like it's coming right from the power-steering belt. Intermittently, the power steering groans both when the wheel is turned, and at idle.
Anyone else experience something similar?
Also, since the weather has gotten extreme, my gas mileage is TERRIBLE. Still using BP Premium, but combination mileage has gone from 18.5 to 15-16 mpg!!!
Is this normal? |
|
|
| hammermdx |
| Obvious question, but have you checked the ps fluid level? |
|
|
| kseto007 |
RC98
I have the same problem right now and have the car at the dealer.
It started a month ago and only happens when the engine is cold.
At first I thought it was the belt slipping so I bough some belt dressing hoping that will solve the problem but it didnt.
The only thing I can think of is the starter.
My problem is the car starts fine and the noise only happen on a cold startup for 1.5 seconds and thats it. Cars operates normal.
Did you ever find the source of noise on your car? |
|
|
| RC98 |
Hi there -
No, I have not identified the source of the noise.
You are correct, after the first start in extremely cold weather (<20 degrees F), the noise is no longer present and the car operates normally (with the exception of TERRIBLE mileage).
I'm going to change the spark plugs to see if that helps mileage. As for the noise, not sure what to do about that...since I can't replicate the noise for the dealer.
Please do let us know what your service center finds.
THanks! |
|
|
| kseto007 |
RC98
I will keep you posted as soon as I hear from the dealer.
I dropped her off this morning and told them to leave the car outside and start it in a couple of hours when its cold other wise the noise will not develope. |
|
|
| kseto007 |
RC98
I find this on a BMW forum.
This is the best explaination I found so far.
This noise comes from the start motor as it hangs on the flywheel. When it is cold, the lubrication on the pendex (?) becomes so stif that it does take some time for the start motor to shift from operation position to get back to normal rest position. As the motor starts, it revs more than run by the start motor only and this couse some vibration in the electric motor. So no worry, it will do no harn.
Just keep the revs as low (up) as possible. The higher the revs the more difficult it is for the start motor to get back. So do nothing or if you want the noise away: open, clean and apply new lubrication for pendex. |
|
|
| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by kseto007
RC98
This noise comes from the start motor as it hangs on the flywheel. When it is cold, the lubrication on the pendex (?) becomes so stif that it does take some time for the start motor to shift from operation position to get back to normal rest position.
Pendex should be Bendix. Regardless, not a common problem on modern vehicles compared with those of old. So I would not be too hasty saying it is the problem, or generalize it from a different vehicle, without more investigation.
But then I don't live in a 'freeze zone' either. |
|
|
| RC98 |
thanks for searching out that article!
although i must admit, im not sure what it all means...i find some comfort in this line:
"So no worry, it will do no harn" ;)
Let's see what your Service Advisor says. |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by RC98
Hi there -
No, I have not identified the source of the noise.
You are correct, after the first start in extremely cold weather (<20 degrees F), the noise is no longer present and the car operates normally (with the exception of TERRIBLE mileage).
I'm going to change the spark plugs to see if that helps mileage. As for the noise, not sure what to do about that...since I can't replicate the noise for the dealer.
Please do let us know what your service center finds.
THanks!
Just because it is cold your fuel mileage should not be "terrible." The only way this should happen is is you engine is not warming sufficiently or your computer is keeping the mixture too rich. Otherwise, the coolder air is actually good for your fuel mileage.
G |
|
|
| kseto007 |
Just got the call back from the Acura service dept.
Its the starter making that noise on the cold startup and they are replacing it under warrenty.
Next week will be my 3 year anniversary with this car and so far this is the only minor problem with it.
I love this car. |
|
|
| ord-mdx |
| RC98 I think you can thank our wonderful "blended" fuel here in Chicago that they must sell in the winter. I know that every winter since I moved to chicago I lose 2-3 + mpg in any vehicle that I have owned. The cold weather of course affects mileage too, but I have lived in colder places like Rochester, NY an never had as much of a mileage difference from summer to winter. |
|
|
| Kev-man |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
Otherwise, the coolder air is actually good for your fuel mileage.
G
Uhhhhh.....no. Cooler air can be good for HP after your engine has reached Norm Op. Temp (NOT). But in cold weather, it can take your engine more than 10-15 miles to reach NOT, and until it does your mileage can be that much lower. Your thermostat will read normal earlier, but that's just the temp inside your engine. A lot more of your vehicle's other fluids and parts must "warm up" before they operate at their peak efficiency too.
Best to take it easy for the first 10 miles and, as always, try to limit the # of short (<10 mile) trips. |
|
|
| mdxforever |
quote:
Originally posted by RC98
mileage has gone from 18.5 to 15-16 mpg!!!
Is this normal?
Thats perfectly normal. Its the same as mine.
Maybe check the tire pressure on a cold morning just to make sure you arn't running too low. |
|
|
| mdxforever |
...about the startup noise - to all of you who are experiencing the cold start noise -
Does the noise go away if you just put it in gear(not moving) and then back to Park or Nuetral ?
I get a strange noise on the first start ONLY in the morning, even in summer. I was suspecting the belts but am still not sure. But as soon as I put it in gear but back to P or N, the noise is as good as gone.
:confused: |
|
|
|
