| hsj |
Welcome to the real world of Acura/Honda....
Did you read the earlier threads? Nobody will acknowledge this as a 'Problem' as this is a "Special Feature" Acura has put in for vew lucky ones, and you are one of those. They are acting as nobody heard it before but its "Normal" for a SUV to have it. So, if it not a problem there can't be a fix. :rolleyes:
PS: Read my earlier threads of the possible fix they try to put, If you have to give them names of the Service Manager/ Area Sales Rep for reference:
Acura Of Newport , RI
Service Manager: Dave, Bordeleau
Area Sales Rep: Kim |
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| sgtglok |
I guess it is obvious the problem is related to 2004 since I have no idea what you talking about. That would explain why noone in service departments has heard of this problem - how many 2004 owners took their rides in, other than a few readers of this forum?
Also, if I understand it right, the noise occurs only at around 70 mph. This is not a daily average speed for most, unless you live on a freeway.
IMO, only once the mechanics at dealers service shops start to acknowledge the problem and start calling Acura engineers for fixes, it doesn't matter how many angry calls or letters you send to HQ.
Back in 2000-2001, most of us had THUD - believe me, a more annoying problem as every time you would go over a bump (or a bum), you would hear a metal clanking. It took over 6 months for Acura to come up with TSB.
No vehicle is perfect. You complain about your '40k purchase' seeing the shop too often. Yes, it sucks. It would suck the same if it was a '10k purchase', no?
What about my neighbour who has 95K AMG mercedes and is forced to ride dealer's E320 loaner cause he gets a check engine light every time he reaches certain speeds and mechanics unable to identify the problem? |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by sgtglok
IMO, only once the mechanics at dealers service shops start to acknowledge the problem and start calling Acura engineers for fixes, it doesn't matter how many angry calls or letters you send to HQ.
Initially my service manager did acknowledge the problem and called tech line immediately. But now, he too is singing the "Normal Design " tune and has suggested me calling Acura Customer Relation dept.
:28: |
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| longrfastr |
I bought an 04 (loaded, no option except navi here in Canada). I took an 04 demo for the usual loop arong the dealership area and due to the other overwhelmingly impressive characterisctics of this vehicle I failed to notice the dreaded drone noise. However, a month and 3,500km later and with one long trip under it's belt, I have the regret to say that I hear the same UNACCEPTABLE noise!!!!!!!!! I even feel it through the center console while resting my arm on it!! All at 2000 RPM under load and at any gear.
Even my wife (who has notoriously bad hearing problem) and my brother who took it for a test drive noticed the noise instantaneously. Pride of ownership was quickly replaced by embarassment while trying to come up with an explanation to a noise uncommon even on the most mundane econobox, let alone on a supposedly luxurious vehicle.
Count me in for any action you guys want to take. This vehicle cost me $60,000 (cdn) let's not Acura chalk it off as a characteristic cause it ain't.
Until they formaly fix this FLAW, I would never recommend the purchase of this vehicle to nobody!! The fact that the rest of the vehicle is outstanding should not alow this problem to go unoticed by Acura.
04 Silver on black (and not about to buy any other Acura stuff....unless they come through) |
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| longrfastr |
| Is there any way to at least forward this link to Acura? Maybe they would stop playing dumb. |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by longrfastr
a month and 3,500km later and with one long trip under it's belt, I have the regret to say that I hear the same UNACCEPTABLE noise!!!!!!!!!
May I ask you how come you didn't noticed it for first 3500 km, unless you just stopped listening to the Radio ? Otherwise X is so quite that as soon as you hit 2K rpm and stay there for a while this hum can not go unnoticed....
PS: Have you been to poll section for '04 hum issue |
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| longrfastr |
I meant the vehicle now has travelled 3,500km, I heard the noise well before then but, given Acura's reputation for well engineered and built cars, I figured that the noise may have come from the exhaust pipes being new and tight fitting!! or some other creative reason.
I would not have researched for help on the internet had there been no problem/flaw/drone/characteristic on the vehicle. And yes turning the music down also helped. |
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| CJB |
Just to jump back in this thread, I got the "vehicle characteristic" pitch on Friday. My dealer's best two service techs agreed my vehicle has a "problem". They replaced the rear differential in an attempt to clear the "problem". They replaced the exhaust system in an attempt to clear the "problem". I am told members of the service team took 5 other '04 MDXs for a test drive on Friday and all exhibited the same drone at 2000 RPM. Although the dealership put extensive time and effort into fixing a "problem", they are now pitching the "vehicle characteristic" explanation.
My drone is very pronounced at 2k rpm. No mistaking it, no ignoring it. Does this issue vary in severity that much that some vehicles barely produce the sound and others don't do it all? If so, seems like the universal "vehicle characteristic" would not apply. |
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| tax_atty |
After reading this post, I spent some time this weekend trying to produce the 2,000 RPM humming noise @ 70 MPH as well as 40 MPH. Fortunately for me, I did not hear it at all. The only noises I heard from the engine/exhaust were the "normal" sounds you would expect from a 265hp engine. I did not hear any humming sounds in the 2,000 RPM range.
For those of you who have the problem - did it start right away? My car has less than 500 miles on it. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by CJB
My drone is very pronounced at 2k rpm. No mistaking it, no ignoring it. Does this issue vary in severity that much that some vehicles barely produce the sound and others don't do it all? If so, seems like the universal "vehicle characteristic" would not apply.
I am watching this thread with some interest since I have an '04 on order. Some observations; it seems to me that only a few people are "worked" up about this. Even though the Poll indicates that this is a widespead problem, there does not seem to be widespead complaints. The title of this thread is "Low humming noise", so CJB asks an intersting question - just how loud is this hum/drone? |
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| CJB |
tax_atty wrote: "For those of you who have the problem - did it start right away? My car has less than 500 miles on it."
I noticed my drone on the way home from vehicle delivery.
-----------------------------
msu79gt82 wrote: ...just how loud is this hum/drone?
At 2k rpm under a slight load my vehicle sounds as though there is a hole in the exhaust. People in the vehicle look at you with a "what the hell is that" look. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by CJB
At 2k rpm under a slight load my vehicle sounds as though there is a hole in the exhaust. People in the vehicle look at you with a "what the hell is that" look.
Interesting, because that is NOT consistent with the threads title nor how everyone else reports the "problem". According to the poll - it is half and half "low" noise vs. "loud" noise. Clearly it is NOT the same with every vehicle; some w/ no noise, some w/ low noise, some w/ loud noise. |
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| kamalsyal |
I noticed this sound within the first month of owning my 2003X ! I got this noise to the attention of the dealer, and he defined it as a vehicle characteristic, and nothing that the dealer could do...so I just took it at that and did nothing about it.
Now as I read through this thread, the noise seems to become more and more irritating to me. Only yesterday I was on NJ Turnpike, and like clockwork, at 2000 RPM (which was about 70/71 MPH on D5) I heard this real loud drone....and it was enough for me to concentrate away from the music playing in the car and instead concentrate on the drone ! My wife though seemed oblivious to this noise...So now I am at a point where i really wish that we had a solution to this noise or drone or whatever the heck it is...
The next time I visit the dealer (which should be pretty soon, since now my headlights have moisture in them), I will be sure to point it out to them and have them do an "inspection" on this noise...
Will report back here when the dealer gives me some BS....
Thanks,
Kamal |
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| Sir P |
quote:
Originally posted by kamalsyal
Will report back here when the dealer gives me some BS....
They most definitely will give you some BS! Acura should really address this issue seriously and not let the dealers play the "vehicle characteristic" card anymore. |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by Sir P
Acura should really address this issue seriously and not let the dealers play the "vehicle characteristic" card anymore.
I guess since dealer is not getting any response from tech Line, in-turn selling Acura's BS. My service manager initially did acknowledge this but now he is clueless as he is tossed around in the tech dept at Acura. The GM of the dealership says it won't bother him and I can understand why, as he has not paid 44k for it. |
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| erck3 |
I have been reading the "drone" threads and I have a quick question (sorry if this has already been discussed). I was wondering if the fuel has anything to do with the degree of noise everyone is hearing. I am only on my second tank and have used premium on both accounts. I can barely hear the 2000RPM noise. Next time I will fill up with 89 and see if I notice a difference.
Anyone already have the answer to this one??? |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by hsj
I guess since dealer is not getting any response from tech Line, in-turn selling Acura's BS. My service manager initially did acknowledge this but now he is clueless as he is tossed around in the tech dept at Acura. The GM of the dealership says it won't bother him and I can understand why, as he has not paid 44k for it.
The only thing that gets a reaction is $$ (or loss of it). Mention to the GM how you have quite a few friends/coworkers/family members/etc. in the market for a similiar type vehicle and it bothers them enough to wait to see how Acura handles (fixes) the issue before they will even think about test driving an MDX (or buying any Acura for that matter). |
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| kamalsyal |
erck3,
I have been using Premium gas (93 Octane only) since the very beginning. I did get a "free tank of gas" with the new X and have no clue what the octane for that free tank was.
So if this drone exists when using Premium gas, I am pretty sure that it would exist for any other type of gas as well ! |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by erck3
Next time I will fill up with 89 and see if I notice a difference.
I have always used Premium on mine and I guess so does everybody .... |
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| Ronal404 |
I didn't think I would do this for another week or so but today the my wifes 04 MDX started fine but could not get the car into gear- the shifter was stuck in Park and the VSC warning light was on. Re-read the manual, try re-starting, all failing to fix the problem. I then popped off the little tab on the shifter panel, stuck in the key, as recommended in the manual, and was able to get the shift to move.
Called Customer Service, they said the car was safe to drive but would send a tow truck if we wanted one. My wife had meetings, so she drove to the dealer, dropped off the car , asked for a loaner and was told they had nothing to give her. Fortunately, I had called the service manager first, who I had set up an appointment with last week to have him drive the car today and hear the 2000rpm and 70mph drone, told him the car was coming in, and asked for his assistance in getting my wife a loaner. After hearing from the service writer that there were no cars, she asked for the manager and got a car. Thank you Service Manager!
6 hours later the Service manager calls me to say that the shifting problem was caused by a defective brake switch and that everything is now fine. He then said he drove the car and acknowledged that the sounds I complained about are real. Said they are the same 'sound' but at different frequencies. He called Acura Tech Line and said that they were receiving complaints about the sounds and that they were trying to figure out a fix, but had no status on when the fix would come in, if ever. So, at least Acura acknowledges the noises!
My suggestion to those who do have this problem- get the service manager involved, do not let the service writers tell you its a characteristic, call / write to Acura Customer Service and complain about the noise and stay on them until they fix it. If we make enough noise, maybe they will fix the noise. |
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| etwd |
WOW!
FLASH:
To all of you Cornballs ( Ronal404 / Rsj, to name a few) claiming UFN (Unidentified Flying Noise):
I'm amazed that this thread is still going. Don't you numbskulls have something better to do like a surprise appearance on Sci-Fi or something......(didn't you guys commit suicide in Santa Fe a couple of years back?)
NO Flames please, just callen'm like I HEARZ'em, or in this case... NOT hearz'em
PS: Curiosity.......do you 'HEAR' dead people too??:2: |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
WOW!
FLASH:
Don't you numbskulls have something better to do like a surprise appearance on Sci-Fi or something . PS: Curiosity.......do you 'HEAR' dead people too??
:ucrazy:
:xnuts:
We hear them now :D
U back .......AGAIN? Don't u have something better to do ? Looks like you are on payroll to whine at anybody who has this problem. How much are u getting ????
Just leave it to us and we'll sort it out.. |
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| ELP_JC |
I'm glad there has been some progress acknowledging our 'problem'.
For some of those asking, the drone has been since day 1 on my car, always use premium, and it's more annoying than loud, but can be easily heard unless you have the radio volume quite high. And I didn't catch it on the '03 test ride either. Wife wants the car anyway, so I'll patiently wait until problem is acknowledged via a TSB, rather than letting a clueless dealer replace parts left and right without positive results.
Made a quick ski trip over the holidays, and notice the drone is between 70 and 78 in my car (in 5th). But after 80, there's another drone (transfer case or shaft imbalance), slightly quieter than the 2K one, but still annoying. This, however, doesn't bother me as much, and my Navigator and Ford 4x4 trucks have it too, so this can be called 'normal' indeed. And that one doesn't go away with higher speeds.
What I did about the drone on my trip was shift to 4th when faced with constant 70-78 cruising, and interestingly, got the same dismal fuel economy of 17 mpg; try it next time.
I don't mind that one too much for obvious reasons, but 70 to 78 is right at highway/freeway cruising speeds.
Will continue to monitor this thread.
Happy new year to everybody.
JC |
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| MDXNH |
| I just bought A 2004 RES MDX - No drone at all.... |
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| blackx |
I can't add much to what has already been said, but I did want to post a "me too!" and add my own observations and experience with this damn awful noise.
Someone made the comment that this thread is titled incorrectly. I have to agree. What I experience is not a low hum. Under the right conditions it is an irritating low frequency resonance that is loud enough to give me a case of "buyer regret". It is an embarrassment to me and to Acura.
My Premium '03 is relatively new - less than 3K miles. I've made two interstate trips. The first was with less than 800 miles, and there was no noticeable drone. I just returned from the second trip and couldn't wait to log in here to see if anyone besides me had experienced this god-awful noise - didn't take long to find the answer to that question.
Some have said this is a 2000 RPM problem and can be duplicated in any gear. I can't say that is my experience. I notice only a very slight change in pitch at 2000 RPM in other gears, but it is not objectionable. Maybe that too will change in time. However, at 71-73 MPH, at a steady throttle in 5th, it becomes very noticable. Add a slight uphill grade to the mix and you have a noise that causes every passenger in the vehicle to wonder "what in the hell is that?". The first time I heard it I looked in the mirror to see if I had a tractor trailer bearing down on me.
I'm not sure if this is an intake or an exhaust noise, but I am convinced it is a problem with the X's respiratory system since the slightest bit of throttle kills the resonance, even before there is any change in vehicle speed. The biggest problem is that this noise is at it worst when I am at my most comfortable cruising speed. Anything faster and I risk getting a speeding ticket, go slower and I risk getting run over.
I have not taken the X into my dealer yet and even though I have a pretty good service department I suspect from what I've read here the most I can hope for is honesty and apologies. It may be several weeks before I go in for my first service, so I will let everyone know if learn anything new. |
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| chameleon |
| It happens exactly at 2000 RPM on my new 04 MDX, not on more or less. |
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| inky |
Hey Tex,
I was happy to pass over 68-72 for my 2k drone up to 80 mph on OK turnpike last week when lo and behold at 80 mph +- another shake, vibration irriatation. I thought wheel balance at only 80 mph, yet another drone. Not sure what causes it. This is my 3rd MDX and the first two 02 and 03 did not do this crap.
Anyone else notice the 80 mph thing. Man.
INKY |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by blackx
Someone made the comment that this thread is titled incorrectly. I have to agree. What I experience is not a low hum. Under the right conditions it is an irritating low frequency resonance
That could be a major clue - the human ear has very different low frequency responses. Each of us has different capabilitiies in the 20 to 60 hz range; most can not even hear below 30 hz and amplitude response varies across the entire range including the low end.
If this thing resonates at 30-50 hz then the "irritation" would vary by individual. Also the radios ability to mask the sound would depend on how the owner has the bass (low end) set. Perhaps Acura technicians need a sound engineer involved with a decible meter. |
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| etwd |
quote:
Originally posted by hsj
Just leave it to us and we'll sort it out..
Think McFly, Think!
??? Leave it to us?? With you included in the bunch, you 'all got as much chance as a snowball in hell!
Seriously though, remember the last time you told the Service Manager about the 'noise' and he politely zipped your 'white' jacket, gave you a lolly-pop, and asked you where your mama was? Can't you take a hint??
:2: |
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| msu79gt82 |
... if the childish/juvenile behavior were dropped and a serious discussion were to replace the garbage talk.:rolleyes:
Frankly I am skeptical, due to the tone of the overall discussion and the perceived maturity level of the participants (sorry, I just call it like I see it). However I am somewhat concerned/curious since I do have an '04 on order and the Poll response is somewhat disturbing.
I posted what I consider a serious and plausible explanation for why some and not others are bothered by this resonance - which may in fact be very real and related to the new intake system designed to boost horsepower. Yet not one reply:confused: , just more jabs and insults:3: |
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| rerodgers |
While I can't possibly talk for everyone who has an '04 MDX or any other model year MDX, I can for the record, state conclusively that I have a rather loud engine drone/resonance/hum (however you want to describe it ) at 2000-2100 rpm's. I know that while Acura might term this sound as a "normal characteristic," I have never heard such a sound/noise from any other car I have either owned or driven. The car sounds fine, very quiet and normal at any other rpm, but when the tach passes or stays at 2000 rpms the sound of the engine/exhaust changes to a different, rather irritating pitch.
Based on reading other discussions about past problems with MDX's (brake click/clunk, gas tank sloshing, tranny problems) I realize that Acura might never do anything to remedy this sound/problem. While I would not be happy if they do not fix the problem, it certainly does not mean that I don't have such a problem, or that I can't talk about it on a public forum designed to discuss such issues with other owners.
I don't see such flaming posts on other past problems. While I realize that many people get very emotional about their cars and their $40K purchase, it does not mean that they don't have a problem or that people should flame them about their problems.
In the end, one way to convince people on this forum that there is indeed a problem is to have someone record the sound while driving (preferably a passenger) and post it to this forum. I am not sure you can post sound files, so if not, someone should post it on some webpage and provide a link. I would do it, but I am not that technically inclined.
Time will tell if Acura does anything about it, but in the meantime if people want to vent their displeasure, let them. Based on some of the posts, some people confirmed their suspicion that there was an unusual noise by reading this thread.
My 2 cents!
:)
P.S. I love the car! I love its performance, versatility, and good looks. I am realistic and realize that every car is never perfect, some cars actually have design or assembly problems that cause buyers undue grief. |
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| etwd |
msu79gt82,
Agreed. I completely concur about the maturity level and apologize accordingly. However, I must share with you the fact that this vehicle is outstanding. Please understand that these 'negative' comments are a result of something much more involved than the 'so-called drone'. There are many 'followers' in this world. Proof in the pudding: " YEAH, I THINK I HEAR IT TOO". If I introduced something superlative like: the engine's cover is too large and I can't see the fan belts, I would have an influx of numbskulls agreeing and swearing to it. "LET'S GROUP TOGETHER AND ATTACK ACURA"!! "YEAH, WE'LL DESTROY THEIR NAME, UNLESS WE GET OUR WAY!!"
I live in Orange County CA and am amongst many 'wealthy' individuals, who could for the most part, afford just about anything in the way of SUVs. My partners have all 'dumped' their Domestic Dragons (Navigators, Escalades, & Range Rovers -*Ford*) and climbed aboard the MDX wagon. Not including my immediate family, I have literally, figuratively speaking, sold (7) of my colleagues on the MDX. Our employee parking lot looks like an Acura Dealership. One ride and the vehicles sold! My Mom & Dad, brother, and daughter all have the MDX. Never one problem. Ever.
I assure you that there is NO so-called 'drone'. I am great friends with the owner of Mission Viejo Acura and am, sort-of, in-the-know. Just for the record, the sloshing tank has NEVER been an issue, but Acura has indeed corrected the problem in late '03. The brake 'clunk' is not even remotely, a problem. The car is OUTSTANDING and approaches my LS430 in quietness.
Take a test run. You decide. It truly is an awesome vehicle. I sold our '02 for almost the price I paid for it. Please call your nearest Acura Dealership and ask for the Owner or Sales Manager. Ask if there is a 'demo' program for the MDX. Tell 'em about these 'problems' you've read about and are deeply concerned.
Pay attention to the idle, as you'll probably, non-intentionally, try to start it while its still running (I finally programmed myself to look at the 'Tach').
PS: Just to set the record straight............contrary to popular belief, I do not work for Acura. Thanks for the compliment though. |
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| msu79gt82 |
1 '01 owner reported a problem in a post, but could not vote.
1 out of 9 '02 owners report a problem.
11 out of 26 '03 owners report a problem.
20 out of 26 '04 owners report a problem.
I do not know what to make of this, except it does NOT seem to be limited exclusively to the '04, although the '04 may be somewhat more affected?? |
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| etwd |
It's only a problem because someone has taken the lead. The 'follower's" have followed accordingly; it's just a fact of life.
Like I said earlier, introduce something superlative and sit back and watch. Go to the Edmund's forum for the Lexus 330. All kind's of transmission problems and engine drone. There's always one in the crowd.
One 'demo' drive will help in your decision. These forums are helpful and for the most part, amusing, but are not to be taken too seriously. Remember, take everything with a grain of salt.........
(I stand corrected) |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
One 'demo' drive will help in your decision ... Please email me. I would love to help in your decision.
I Have demo'd the '04 - I HAVE one on order already!!:1: |
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| rerodgers |
etwd,
I am not sure how you can say that there is no drone? Based on the poll and posts, people are hearing something. On top of that, they have had service technicians, service managers, sale managers, drive other cars and hear the same unusual sounds and agree that there is something not quite right. It was enough to warrant a call to the Acura tech line. Two possible answers: 1) they are all lying about the fact that they had someone from Acura hear the problem and call the tech line and/or 2) they are all crazy and hear all sorts of strange sounds when they drive and don't really know how a luxury car should sound or any car for that matter.
Moreover, I guess all of the previous posts from owners about gas tank sloshing not only from MDX's, but also from Odyessy's are also just crazy and are hearing things. Just because Acura decides not to do anything about the issue, does not mean that it is not happening. Acura might be right in saying that there are no performance/safety issues with those "problems" and therefore they do not constitute a problem, but that doesn't mean these "problems" are not bothering people. The very fact that people can hear the gas sloshing in the gas tank on Honda cars says something (but again, maybe they are hearing things as well). I have never heard it on any other car I have driven. Because Honda decided not to put any baffles in the tank like other manufacturers, I think is a problem, they are just choosing not to address it.
Come on, to say that they don't exist is just ludicrous! |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
These forums are more of an amusement element and are not to be taken seriously. Remember, take everything with a grain of salt.........
My MDX was in the shop 3 times for warranty repairs; SRS light twice and Trip Computer malfunction once. Threads by others were very helpful to me and threads I started were helpful to others. This .org is VERY much MORE than amusement and people (as well as Acura Corporate) take it VERY seriously:1: |
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| Sir P |
I have not heard the drone during my first test drive (it was very short and I was not paying attention to any drone assuming this was an excellent luxury car). I am holding off with my decision to confirm or object the existence of the problem until I give MDX a thorough test drive which should happen in the next two weeks. Until that second test drive happens I am trying to get as much info from this forum as possible about the drone problem so I go to the test drive prepared.
I can rely on your ETWD opinion that there is NO drone as much as I can rely on others' opinions that the drone exists. Hence ETWD you should not expect that once YOU said that the drone does not exist people will believe you 100% and stop inquiring into the problem. So please be patient and let the doubters figure out what they want.
EDTW, Is this a fair comment? If yes, please provide only constructive input, not bashing, questioning others' expertise or calling people names. |
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| etwd |
Please people,
Let's take a different approach here.
I have a 'real' problem with SUV's in general. I hate the fact that the 'higher' the vehicle, the more the tendency to tilt occurs. DAMNIT! The 'higher' the vehicle the more the cornering characteristics suffer. DAMNIT! The 'heavier' the vehicle gets, the worse the stopping distances are. DAMNIT! Let's all crusify ACURA because their stopping distances are not on par with the NSX. Let's all crusify ACURA because the 'cornering' abilities are not on par with the NSX. Let's crusify ACURA because the 'height' of the ACURA is not as low as the NSX and therefore, could roll easier.
My point Gentleman is that this vehicle is not perfect; nothing in this world is. It's a matter of substitution people. For the money, ain't nothin' out there better; not yet anyway. I'm sure Acura is working on it though.........:2:
PS: SirP..........I'm not telling you to believe me. Take the 'demo' for a spin. YOU MAKE THE DECISION. That's what convinced me; not this forum. I took everything with a grain of salt; exactly what I suggested! |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
My partners have all 'dumped' their Domestic Dragons (Navigators, Escalades, & Range Rovers -*Ford*) and climbed aboard the MDX wagon. Not including my immediate family, I have literally, figuratively speaking, sold (7) of my colleagues on the MDX. Our employee parking lot looks like an Acura Dealership. One ride and the vehicles sold! My Mom & Dad, brother, and daughter all have the MDX. Never one problem. Ever.
I am great friends with the owner of Mission Viejo Acura and am, sort-of, in-the-know. Just for the record, the sloshing tank has NEVER been an issue, but Acura has indeed corrected the problem in late '03. The brake 'clunk' is not even remotely, a problem. The car is OUTSTANDING and approaches my LS430 in quietness.
Your dealer must pay a WHOLE lot more for a referral than mine does:rolleyes: Since you have referred a minimum a 7 sales (colleagues) and possibly up to 10 (incl family) sales and are NOT a salesman, then you must spend a lot of time working for that referral fee:o That could explain your wealth.
Also I am confused about the gas tank slosh; since "for the record" it does NOT exist - then WHY did Acura correct this non-problem??:confused: Since you are "in-the-know" with Acura, I for one would like to know why they correct problems that do not exist? |
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| etwd |
[B]I assure you that there is NO so-called 'drone'. I am great friends with the owner of Mission Viejo Acura and am, sort-of, in-the-know. Just for the record, the sloshing tank has NEVER been an issue, but Acura has indeed corrected the problem in late '03. The brake 'clunk' is not even remotely, a problem. The car is OUTSTANDING and approaches my LS430 in quietness. [/B
msu79gt82,
Where did it I say that the 'slosh' problem does not exist? I said that it was never an issue. Once again, perfection is taking it's course.
:D |
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| hsj |
Lot has been said, But those who disagree, I wanna ask them something. When you put the car on cruise and gradually accelerate from 65 mph-75mph, do hear any thing different ?
What would cause the serine environment inside at 1900 rpms to sound like a base from 30000W speakers and then turn back to Serenity after 2200 rpms. It can't be Normal design or somebody would put there on purpose.
If the dual exhaust is the problem (which they claim so far) then this should happen on all Honda's products having dual exhaust , Consistency's is the name in the game with acceptable limits of +/- 5%.
My service manager was unable to "reproduce" the same noise in the first test drive on another X in the lot. He is considered to be very good in his job, If he admits that he never heard anything like this before then I would assume so. Can Acura point out the component that would produce this kinda characteristic, then try replacing it by custom component that should eliminate the characteristic. Can they do it ? |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by msu79gt82
My MDX was in the shop 3 times for warranty repairs; SRS light twice and Trip Computer malfunction once. Threads by others were very helpful to me and threads I started were helpful to others. This .org is VERY much MORE than amusement and people (as well as Acura Corporate) take it VERY seriously:1:
Exactlly! Not to mention all the help we have received with installatoins of accessories, and maintenance. And the list goes on! |
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| etwd |
quote:
Re: BTW, my '01 MDX was NOT perfect
Exactly my point.............NOTHING's PERFECT, BUT WORKING ON IT!
PS: SirP go buy that Infinity! Then do everyone a favor and climb up Infinity's a#@ with a microscope. PLEASE! |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
Not including my immediate family, I have literally, figuratively speaking, sold (7) of my colleagues on the MDX. Our employee parking lot looks like an Acura Dealership. One ride and the vehicles sold! My Mom & Dad, brother, and daughter all have the MDX.
Mine has the opposite effect on people who ride in it. It has sent 10 or 12 people initially interested in the MDX to other manufacturers. |
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| Fabvsix |
| It's the Tourqe Converter ! Get over it, it the nature of these transmissions ! If you want "silence" buy a Infinity ! :1: |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by etwd
Please people,
Let's take a different approach here.
My point Gentleman is that this vehicle is not perfect; nothing in this world is. It's a matter of substitution people. For the money, ain't nothin' out there better; not yet anyway. I'm sure Acura is working on it though.........:2:
Good to hear that you acknowledge it now. You are right, nothing is perfect in this world but there is always room for improvement. Acura has been working on refinements (with new Acoustic wind shield and additional magnetic padding) to reduce the external noise but this drone alone could set them aside. Even the best systems I work on had issues, needed tuning to get the peak performance.
BTW, thanks for providing internal info that Acura is working on it. They have yet to admit it officially but if your info has bit of truth in it, this could be due to word spreading out about this dreaded drone in 04s( although some people are enjoying it). If you need to add more character to the X, I can give them over 100 feature ( Very little $$$) and that change the face of the already great car.
Fabvsix, you claim to have all information about this resonance/drone. But why are we hearing it more in 04s than any other car ( Including previous year models). Is it because the torque has incresed in 04s ? There has to be way to put silencer on it. Now I have some more information about the torque converter.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/torque-converter1.htm
If I get chance I would love to record the sound level inside the X with/without the resonance and post it. |
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| tonsaphun |
| "I'm nobody and if nobody is perfect.....then I'm perfect" |
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| ownaccord |
I am waiting for a fix from Acura on what is a ridiculous drone at 65 mph (2000 RPM). This is absolutely a problem....
The gas tank slosh is also in the 2004 still... I know, I hear it everyday when I back out of the garage! This I can live with but it is absolutely there as well....
Reading some of these posts makes me realize that you have to view all information as suspect and then confirm it on your own. I have now done this and assure you the problems of drone and slosh exist... i have no motivation for saying this. I love the MDX. I am disappointed in Acura but will wait since I expect they will "have" to fix this. |
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| mdxdave |
I too will be looking forward to a fix for this problem.
We have had our '04 MDX for a week now and on the highway at 70-75 mph it sounds like I'm driving on the rumble strips.
We love our MDX - this is our 14th Honda/Acura vehicle but none of our previous cars had a noise like this.
It shouldn't be acceptable in a 40k+ car. |
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| ownaccord |
I wanted to point out that I am a Honda fan. I just made the transition to Acura thinking I was just stepping up to the next "level".
I have owned only Honda ever since I could drive.. this has included
81 Honda Accord
89 Honda CRX Si
91 Honda Civic SI
97 Honda Accord
99 Honda Accord
... and now 2004 Acura MDX.
Let's see how I feel about my next car. I am hoping Acura can turn this around. |
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| 04SSMDX |
I don't know if it is the extreme cold around here and/or the mufflers breaking in after 3K miles, but I have the drone now also.
You can play around with the RPM/Speed to make it going away but it is there around 2K . Hopefully it will go away once the weather warms up since I did not have this when it was brand new.
I will also say that I have Mustang that I put a hi flow exhaust on and this drone noise became apparant on that car also. With that, I would fully expect this drone to be related to the mufflers on the X. |
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| hsj |
quote:
Originally posted by ownaccord
I am waiting for a fix from Acura on what is a ridiculous drone at 65 mph (2000 RPM). ....
Have to spoken to the Client Services / Tech support at Acura ? |
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| Fabvsix |
No pun intended, but calling Acura Client Services would be a waste of time, other than "simply" documenting your complaint. Those folks are NOT Acura employees and really don't care. They are simply to push or document your complaint. One can only hope that enough complaints would warrant a resolution. Trust me, these guys that answer your phone calls are NOT there to bang the Acura decision makers walls down !
LOL........;) |
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| hsj |
Thanks for the tip. But as ownaccord pointed that he is "waiting" , I thought he might have got some response earlier. I'll be calling them shortly, if its waste of time then we got nobody left to complain. Its matter of initiative, if I had couple of friends together in my state then story would have been different. But, even now don't count me out. Definitely 'll give hard time to Honda if they couldn't get a fix (fix for "nothing" to few maybe). I just haven't got the time to concentrate on this but once I'm on it, be assured that its not easy for them to brush me off...
:29: |
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| Fabvsix |
Hsj:
By all means everyone complaining needs to call in and hope that someone within Acura gets wind of it and a fix it implemented.
How would like a job that most of the callers are rude and yelling at them.......and they just clamp up and then say WHATEVER ! You can hear it in the tone of their voice when they answer the phone and it ain't positive and pleasant "MOST of the time" ! What happened to "Customer Service" in the country ???????:mad: |
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| hsj |
| There must be 2nd layer of support. If they try to be pushy at first has anybody tried taking it to next level of support. I guess we are not just talking to complaint boxes there. Can we ask for the supervisor or somebody higher up and keep a documentation (tape/video of all conversation) than talking to dumb reps. It could come handy if ever it has to be taken into legal tangle. While selling your X, if somebody listens to this first and doesn't buy 'normal design' concept that means serious loss of $$$$.. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by hsj
While selling your X, if somebody listens to this first and doesn't buy 'normal design' concept that means serious loss of $$$$..
Use that same concept to get your dealer to help you out with Acura - complain to your dealer that your vehicle is causing friends/relatives/coworkers who are in the market to look at any manufacturer but Acura after they hear the noise in your vehicle. It generally helps when they realize they are losing money also. |
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| CJB |
I've made a couple of posts to this thread stating a significant, unmistakable drone at 2k RPM in my 4-week old '04 MDX. In my case the noise heard could not be ignored (even by the dealership).
Well, I'm happy to report it's fixed! I just got back from a test drive that included a 70 mph highway run (up a slight incline) at exactly 2k rpm with zero evidence of the drone. I ran through all gears at 2k rpm and no drone. I'm convinced they figured it out.
Sorry for the suspense here but I don't have all the details of the fix. I was out of town today and my wife took the vehicle in for me. I can tell you that the service manager told me prior to bringing it in that it involved a resonating exhaust hanger. I'm not a mechanic but I'm sure there are multiple hangers and I don't know which one or what they did with the specific hanger (modify?, remove?). The service manager informed me that they worked with an Acura design engineer who suggested this (among a few other things) to check.
I will be honest. I had little confidence that this was the cause but the service manager stated their service team was able to reproduce the drone on all five '04 MDXs on their lot and that this "hanger fix" resolved the issue. To their credit, they were right!! I applaud their efforts.
I apologize for not having all the answers tonight but I will call my dealership on Monday to get the details and will post the pertinent information. I just wanted to share a little good news for the weekend. |
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| DaleB |
If they did in fact work this with an Acura engineer, they are certainly to be applauded for their efforts. Dealerships should be praised when they go 'beyond' the norm to satisfy a customer.
Let's hope the engineer has a new TSB issued for the anomaly. May not happen until there are a sufficient number of complaints, whatever that number happens to be. |
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| rerodgers |
YIPPEE! YIPPEE! YIPPEE!
I am almost to giddy to type!. Great job CJB! Try to scan a copy of your work order or make the dealer give you the exact fix so the rest of us can get it done.
YIPPEE! YIPPEE! YIPPEE!
:2: |
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| mdxdave |
We just returned from a 3 hour road trip in our '04 MDX and I was wondering how long I could tolerate that noise while cruising.
It's great to hear that a fix has been found - sounds like it is relatively simple. I had a nightmare that it was going to require a transmission change.
Please post more information so we can all get this fixed.
THANK YOU!!
Soon our love affair with the MDX can continue. |
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| Sir P |
CJB, Waiting desperatelly for further details from you!
Please also post the name of your dealership. May be it is close enough to NYC (where I live)!
THANKS!!! |
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| jhayes |
Congratulations!!!!!
I can only hope that Acura shares the "Fix" with the dealer network soon.....
Every day on my way to work:
Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....
I'm due for my 3750 in 500, and hope to have them fix the problem then.
Your dealer deserves a great big thanks for digging in and pushing for a fix. |
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| erubenst |
| What a great way to start the weekend, please do post the dealership info when you can ... |
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| hsj |
I hope Acura can put it in their TSB. I can't wait to drive it without the '(ab)normal feature'....
:7:
:awais: |
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| blackx |
It is good news that we now have one owner who has reported having his resonance problem eliminated. However, I am going to contain my excitement until we get more success stories. It will be far more reassuring when we hear of other dealers applying the same corrective action and achieving the same results. So far dealer actions have been all over the map. They range from "its normal, forget about it" to a number of different corrective actions that have not eliminated the problem.
A few more reports of dealers applying this same fix and all achieving the same results will be reason for celebration! |
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| sgtglok |
| ...or until Acura releases TSB for drone fix. |
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| longrfastr |
If anyone hears about Acura taking any action on this, please let us know, I still think this noise is unacceptable (mine is very loud!!). But I don't want to go to my dealer and have them unnecessaryly change a bunch of parts for no reason or hear from them that it is a characteristic of the vehicle.
Thanks
04 Silver |
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| longrfastr |
Oops!!
I should have reade the previous page, I guess there is a possible cure, You just made my day. Thanks |
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| ELP_JC |
I agree 'Acura client' reps answering our calls in Cambodia, or God knows where else, are of little help, and why I didn't even bother.
However, I'm elated to hear a fix for this most annoying problem.
I just want to comment I can live with all other... quirks, including the slosh, reverse-forward brake 'clang', etc. The only other problem other than the soon to disappear drone (fingers crossed), is numerous simultaneous rattles coming from the sunroof cavity. I expected a rattle with the sunshade open, like even in previous lexuses, but the numerous rattles on this thing, sunshade open or close, is ridiculous. Even my 'rattle-proof' wife is annoyed by this. I'll start a new tread on this issue.
Take care gentlemen.
JC |
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