When I fire up the RDX, I get a couple of thunk thunk noises, then the engine starts. Its like: <turn ignition key> thunka thunka <engine starts>
This is way different than any way my accord or civic start .. they seem much quieter and quicker. This RDX is only a week and a half old. Is this normal?

 

Are you releasing the emergency brake at the same time? Maybe it's the ABS initiating...that's the only thing I can think of that makes the "thunk thunk" noise....but that's a shot in the dark.

The first time I ever started my RDX, I thought it was going to die on me. It doesn't have a strong growl like the bmws or infinitis.

 

Yes, I think it's normal. I have had many hondas and they all started faster than the RDX. It almost sounds like it doesn't want to start. You'll get used to it.

 

Over the internet, it's difficult for someone to convey exactly what the car is doing. My advice would be take it to the dealer and have them look at it if you're at all worried about it.

 

thunk thunk turn, sounds about right.

 

ya i thought i was the only one, my other hondas started alot smoother.

Its sounds like a car with a very weak battery that is gonna die the next time they start lol.

 

yeah! that is exactly what I thought ... sounds like a weak battery ... but I guess its the norm. You think those Acura engineers would have thought out a more confidence inspiring start sequence. And a push button starter would not have killed those guys to put in either.

 

Any MDXers out there ... wonder what that sounds like when starting ...

 

The wife's 07 MDX sounds completely different. It sounds like it is turning at twice the speed of my RDX.

The one nice thing is that on the MDX the key start is automated, that is you turn the key, let go quickly and the starter stays engaged until the engine starts. This all happens so rapidly that you do not notice. I tried this with the RDX, but we do not have this feature.

 

This seems to be very normal, as mine did that somewhat when new, all the way to about 1000-1200 miles. It turns over much better now that I think the engine is "broke-in"! It's also, maybe, the reason the RDX gets such low MPG when it's new. Now that I'm over 5k miles, the mileage has def. gone up!

 

2007 Accord and 2007 TSX both sound exactly the same as my RDX.

 

my rdx 21k still does that, however, it does start every time!

P.S. i liked the smiley what can i say

 

I turn the key and the engine starts.