I just got a 2008 Acura RL. I really like this car...but, I have noticed a random pulsating vibration coming from the gas pedal. It usually occurs between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm. The vibration doesn't last long (maybe five or six "cycles" [vibration for a second, then no vibration for a second, then another vibration, etc.]) I have searched the Internet for the answer and have noticed references to drivelines but it seems that these all reference TL's or MDX's...not RL's. This vibration is irritating to say the least.

I went back to the dealership and they took it for a test drive but did not notice any problem...probably because the problem is random (maybe happens every two days or so).

Does anyone have any ideas on this? Thanks.

 

I just got a 2008 Acura RL. I really like this car...but, I have noticed a random pulsating vibration coming from the gas pedal. It usually occurs between 1,000 and 2,000 rpm. The vibration doesn't last long (maybe five or six "cycles" [vibration for a second, then no vibration for a second, then another vibration, etc.]) I have searched the Internet for the answer and have noticed references to drivelines but it seems that these all reference TL's or MDX's...not RL's. This vibration is irritating to say the least.

I went back to the dealership and they took it for a test drive but did not notice any problem...probably because the problem is random (maybe happens every two days or so).

Does anyone have any ideas on this? Thanks

 

Does it happen when the car has been sitting for a while? Perhaps the tires are getting a flat spot that goes away when they warm up a little. I'd imagine this would be more possible in the winter but worth a look. How's your tire pressure?

LL

 

Thanks for the idea. That;s something I never thought of. It happened yesterday when the car had been sitting for a few hours but happened again when the car had only been sitting a few minutes. The tire pressure seems fine...at least that's what the display says.

 

i havent noticed it with my RL, but my 2003 TL developed flat spots on the tires. Vibration was an issue for the first 5 minutes. If the car sat for a week it became very rough.

 

Hi
I believe if you'll search the thread, you'll find a lot of quotes with respect to vibration on throttle pedal.
Same as you I also own 2008 RL, and have noticed the vibration on 2- 3rd gear approx 2000 RPM. (it is very noticeble if you drove different brand in the past - in my case BMW)
Complained to dealer. Had full inspection in the shop for a week (along with other warranty problems). Was quoted, that this is "NORMAL" behavior for the RL.
Again while car was in the shop, had 2008 TL loaner for a week, and noticed that TL has more vibrations on throttle pedal than RL.
Anyway, after 3 month and 2500 miles I barely notice it.

 

Welcome to AZ!

I merged your two threads.

 

Hello Vladfrenkel,

Thanks for your reply. Was your vibration like a pulse (on for a second, off for a second, on for a second, then off, etc.)? I could not find any threads regarding RL vibration. Bill

 

Thanks. I wasn't sure where to put it.

 

Yes,
It was pulsating type of vibration. I believe it is still is (I do not pay attention to it anymore, but if I do, I still can encounter it sometimes). Was really bugging me, once I've bought the car (and yes, I did not noticed it during the "TEST DRIVE" - cause I usually test cars much more agressively then I usually use them in the real life - 80% of the time I do have 2 yrs. child riding with me...) Again, after 6 yrs of owning BMW brand it was very obvious.

In my case, my type of vibration can be easily replicated - BTW this is how I've noticed it at first....

Try this - going downhill, approx 50-55 MPH, switch to NEUTRAL. When you hit flat spot reduce speed toi 40-45 MPH and sitch back to DRIVE. Wait 1-2 seconds before applying throttle, do you encounter vibration on throttle pedal, while applying it?

Anyway, this how I first noticed the "problem". There is another test with approx 35-45 MPH speed 3rd gear flat highway, try to keep speed constant (simply lay your foot on throttle pedal) - same type of pulsating vibration can occur.

What I've learned - if you drive more aggressively bypassing 3rd gear, you'd rarely notice it. Again, with "NEUTRAL" trick I still use it - why not save gas for 1.5 mi piece of straight downhill highway Anyway, when I switch back to "DRIVE" I'd wait 3-4 seconds before applying throttle.

Hope this helps.

 

Anyone think this is related to the driveshaft bearing?

 

I hope not. We're talking about 2.5K mileage NOW, bought with 50 miles on it. Again vibration was noticed since day one... (hopefully trasmision driveshaft bearing wore out does not apply here...)

 

Oh, forgot to mention, with respect to vibration I experience, I had a chance to drive 2008 RL loaner as well this weekend during Parking sensors installation performed.
Same type of vibration existed on loaner vehicle.

 

My wife bought a new Audi A4 Avant AWD. The rear diff failed (groans and whines) before 1500 miles. It was replaced by the dealer for no charge.

NOTHING is 100% all the time and sometimes there are failures even in new cars.

 

Agreed.
Had transmission problems on Mitsubishi before - know what you're talking about.
Again with my case:
1) It was addressed with the dealer - car was in the shop for a week...
2) It is a brand new vehicle
3) The other vehicle tested has the same type of vibration (2008 TL. 2008 RL loaners...)

With driveshaft bearings wore out, one would experience dynamics on those particular problems, such as problem would become worse, unless it is failed since day one - as you mentioned.

Even though with all mentioned, I tend to believe my dealer, that this is the normal behaviour unless:
a) problem was there from the day 1
AND
b) my dealer is fully incompitent and for a week cannot fix the problem [ again, in my case I don't have to point it out, my symptoms was "explained" to me before test drive with the TECH was even performed]
AND
c) loaner 2008 RL and 2008 TL had the same type of problem as my RL [ I believe TL had 680 mi and RL had 2400 mi on it]

Statistically it is possible, but this is very "RARE" type of statistical occurence.

 

One pays a lot of $ for a machine and wants it to be right, can't disagree with that.
I have an 06 and do notice what I think is an exhaust harmonic that sometimes can be felt in the accelerator pedal. It seems to be related to engine RPM and load; low or no load, no vibration. I'm not sure if this is the "pulsating" vibration you describe but to some people it might be annoying. I have learned to ignore it.

I also had an 03 TL that had the tire flat spot vibration described by another but that is more thumping than vibration and I have no experience at all with the driveshaft bearing noise also described by others.

 

I believe "wmengel" descrived vibration as "pulsating".
THat is why I propose couple of "experiments" to see if it is the same type of harmonic distortion on throttle pedal as you and I are experiencing.

 

Thanks for replying everyone.

Not only is the vibration a pulse (pulses on for a second, then off for a second, then on for a second, etc.) but it does not occur every day. I took my car back to the dealer again today for them to look at it in addition to:

1) A humming that seems to be coming from underneath the car (I know I am not going nuts...my wife and daughter both heard it)
2) The car seems to be hesitating when I press the gas pedal

They will probably have the car for a few days testing it out...Bill

 

Hi Vlad,

When you have your pulsing vibration, is it more intense than other vibrations that come through the gas pedal? Mine is. What did the dealer say causes your pulsing vibration?

I also have a droning noise / humming coming from the bottom of the car? Do you have that as well?

Thanks, Bill

 

Hi
First second question - droning noise/huning from the bottom of the car - no never had one, sorry, hard for me to say.
First question - I believe foam4me described it pretty well - this is exactly what I was told by dealer - exhaust harmonic and engine RPM/LOAD can cause this type of distortion on throttle pedal and this is normal behaviour for Acura brand in common and for RL as well.

Vlad

 

I don't recall ever feeling a pulsation as you guys describe on the accelerator. I wouldn't think that was normal if I did.

 

Me neither. Never experienced anything like that. Also, can't imagine how it's even possible. The RL go pedal is all electronic. There's no old fashion push rods or anything physical like that leading from the pedal into the engine compartment. What could possibly be transferring a pulsing sensation to that particular pedal?

 

Tricky question. Rite now, I'd tell you the same - I cannot notice any vibration on the throttle pedal.
But...
Try the following if possible, drive other brand for a week or so - BMW, Audi, etc..
and come back to RL,TL, Accord and then listen.
The actual harmonic amp of the vibration is not large at all, but you can notice it compare with other vehicles - at least this was my experience.
My wife drove our X5 for a week - noticed vibration on our friends new Accord after that and our RL as well... Week later - she cannot "hear" it anymore...