Howdy - been struggling trying to find out what the issue might be with my 2014 rdx, but at around 1.5-2k rpm, the car starts making a hum sound (not sure exactly where it's coming from) but the closest I can describe it to is the sound of the old school automatic radio antennas on old cars. I initially started experiencing it after i got my A123 done at the dealership, and when I brought it back, the issue couldn't be easily replicated. Initially told me it couldve been because I was using aftermarket oil/filter (mobil1 for both), but when I went back again for another change to see if that was the cause and used their OEM parts, the problem persisted. its since become a little more frequent to my knowledge or at least I'm noticing it more. I'm thinking it may have something to do with the AWD transfer case fluid that was done at a123. Any thoughts? or tips on how to better diagnose it?

 

I would suggest that you ask them to check the condition of those fluids changed. it is possible they over/underfilled or forgot to refill at all.

 

How many miles are on your car?
You can aid in the diagnosis by determining if the noise is engine rpm related or drive train speed related. If your car is coasting in neutral, does the noise persist? At what speeds (or all)? Does its pitch or volume change with the speed you are driving/coasting? If you raise the engine RPMs while the car is coasting in neutral, does the noise change? Does the noise stop when you start to apply the brakes?

There is no way that using Mobil 1 oil and filter will cause a noise like you describe, and you should be offended that a professional service writer would suggest such a thing.

 

I know, this is a year and a half old. Still, it's worth saying that you would be well -served finding a dealer who doesn't employ anyone dim enough to imagine, much less suggest, that using an 'aftermarket oil/filter' could cause a humming sound in your vehicle.


RFT!!!
Dave Kelsen
--
Chop your own wood, and it will warm you twice. -- Henry Ford

 

Over 8,700 views and no solutions?

I have 2014 Acura RDX with the same humming noise described in the original post. The car has 85k, Non-Tech, and FWD. The noise happens just shortly after the car is started and is warming up. It sounds like it's coming from the drivers side engine bay. The sounds is most audible when I rev the engine just above idle, so approximately 1,000 to 1,200 RPM's. The noise will go away after the car is warm and drops to an idle. But as soon as I give it gas, the nose is back.

Thing's I've tested/trouble shot:
-It doesn't appear to be the the power steering. I've tried to replicated the noise by turning the steering wheel back and fourth with no change in the sound, so I can rule out the power steering pump or hoses.
-Also, it doesn't appear to the be the AC or Heat. I've tried toggling both of them with no change in sound.
-Doesn't sounds like a wheel bearing.
-It makes the sound sitting at idle or driving.

I'm 99.9% sure it's engine related. It sounds like a valve or vacuum is opening and closing. Could it be a bad bearing/belt/tensioner. Like I said earlier, I can hear start after I rev the engine past idling speed.

Thanks for you help!
Kris

 

I know that a single drain & fill of the automatic transmission is part of the A123 service. Have any of you ever had any subsequent fluid changes? Anyone had the trans service bulletin
performed? This includes a software update and a 3X fluid change. Frequent trans fluid changes are a regular Honda/Acura thing. Perhaps some of you are in your first and this is not
on your radar. An under or overfill may cause such sounds. The trans is on the driver's side.

 

In my prior car that noise was common from a belt tensioner/idler pulley. Have you tried to have someone listen with the hood up while you replicate it? Listening with a tube or a stethoscope will often help pinpoint the source, or at least narrow it down.

 

I have similar problem except instead of humming it’s a high pitch whistling sound, between 1.4K-2.5k rpm, letting gif of gas pedal and re-applying gas again makes it go away sometimes.

 

gotta narrow it down even more, my man.

could possibly be a heat shield rattling. could be an air leak somewhere. could be a belt or a tensioner.

 

I was thinking perhaps it’s some kind of coil or transformer in the dashboard or in one of the electronics control modules.

 

It could be something in the timing belt system. An idler or the tensioner.

There are also some models that have a hard drive in the audio system that holds the Navigation software and will copy songs from a cd entered into the cd slot.

Both of these have been issues in these cars.