mucter

This is all very ironic. When I was at the dealer buying my car last Friday, my salesman told me that about 2 months ago Acura put out a memo to all of the dealerships stating that now it was officially OK to put regular fuel (87 octane) in ALL Acura vehicles. Like they had re-programmed all of the ECU's to make sure that they'd pull back timing if run on regular.

He said they'd had a lot of problems with people coming in and immediately asking what kind of fuel the cars took, and when they said premium, people would just walk away. So Acura re-programmed the fuel injection on all the cars to make it ok to put regular.

Me personally, I'd never run regular in an 11.0:1 compression engine, that's just stupid. Besides you're probably robbing yourself of 20hp by running regular in this car since it would have to retard the timing so much to keep it from pinging.

Yes I know that many of you are experiencing the pinging even with premium fuel. I just thought I'd pass this information on. IDK if it means that the dealers could technically reflash your ECU to resolve the problem? Either way, I've only heard my car ping once since I've had it, doesn't bother me at all, it has to ping for the knock sensor to know to retard the timing. That's how Programmed Fuel Injection works.

And yeah, I have a 6MT.

Breako

It sounds like people are claiming to have had pinging even when running with the recommended grade of fuel or better.

the_razor

Hey guys I have a 09 5sp AT TSX and I am also experiencing rattling noise in my 09 tsx. Happens when I start accelerating uphill. Never herd it when I am straight. But when I go uphill I do hear that noise until my gear changes then that noise gone.
Any thougths why this might be happening before I make the call to my dealership.

stones3131

I Googled "2009 TSX recall"

The first few hits are sites that show whichever recalls are out there. Anyway, on the '09 TSX is says "Recall data coming soon" - I sure hope the recall is to fix this engine problem we're all experiencing.

LuvMyTSX

Please start a new thread on this problem. This particular thread is for the engine pinging noise.

HeavyDuty

The "rattling" above could be the OP's description of pinging. With a higher load (uphill) it could be the same problem.

melody

I think I have this pinging issue as well. I have a 5AT.

I'd love to start a new thread about this that just has posts of people describing how the problems manifests itself in their car - no discussion - so that it would be easy to pick out any common elements surrounding the problems. Just like the owner's sign-in thread. But the mods on this board always seem so quick to lock threads, so I figured I'd better not in case it did get locked.

Anyway, I'm going to describe how the problem manifests itself in my TSX below.

Also, Lukeatron mentioned it possibly being something to do with the timing chain. I found a sound clip of a VW with a rattling timing chain. I wonder if that is what I'm hearing in my car since I only seem to notice the noise at certain rpm's...

Sound clip of rattling timing chain. Engine being revved up and down - rattling only at certain rpm: http://www.agthompsonfamily.com/vw/TimingChainNoise.wma

Description of the problem and resolution in this thread:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1127339

I also checked out YouTube... here are some links to some people's posts of their engines knocking/pinging... my car doesn't seem to be making noises like this though... what about everyone else?

G35 knocking: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hk5A6...eature=related

Honda Civic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urcN6...eature=related

Dodge Stratus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6VMH...eature=related

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Description of my car & problem:

Transmission: 5AT

Fuel used: 91 since day one

Mileage when pinging first noticed: ~9,000 km

Noise noticed:
- In Park / Neutral: No
- In SS manual mode (AT only): Yes
- In following gears: 1 to 5
- In following rpm range(s): 2,000-2,500. I have also noticed it intermittently at higher rpms (3,500+)

Frequency of occurrence (every time car driven, most times, sometimes, rarely): Most times

Driving conditions when most often heard (driving uphill, slow acceleration, deceleration, cold temps, startup, afterwarmup, etc etc): Slow acceleration (especially between 2nd and 3rd), driving uphill, driving on flat road

Factors that do not seem to influence noise: Outside temperature, engine temperature, using D or SS mode

Breako

Would somebody please post a similar video for their '09 TSX? I have test driven the car a couple of times, have been listening for the sounds described here, and haven't heard anything like this! I'd like to have a better idea of what to listen for. Thanks.

cmasterchoe

It seems that some engines have a much bigger problem with this than others. Mine is EXTREMELY faint, and it only happens on occasion. I use 93 octane gas (exxon) and its nowhere even close to what these youtube videos are describing. What the sound reminds me of is the crackling embers of a fire that’s burning out. I have also heard people compare it to a single ball bearing rattling inside of a tin can, which also seems like an appropriate comparison. It's tough to get video since it only happens under load

Breako

cmasterchoe: The way that you make the noise issue sound, it seems like it's not a particularly big deal. But I could well be wrong because I haven't heard it, let alone like some of the bad cases mentioned in this thread.

09TSXCC

I've got the sound and I'm pissed, driving through town, its embarrassing to have a new car chatter like a 1980;s car!

Breako

Here is a thread over at Club Lexus that deals with an engine noise that, while annoying, apparently really is just a normal characteristic of the engine.
http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-s...he-engine.html
What is the possibility that what is going on here with the '09 TSX also really is just a normal characteristic of this engine as opposed to some kind of defect?

09TSXCC

Well Acura may say it's normal, but I've never had a new car that had a sound like this, like buying bad gas everytime sound. This is not good for Acura, hopefully they will read some of this and work on a fix.

Breako

It's frustrating. I would have thought that by now someone would have posted a video of the issue on youtube. But nothing under Acura TSX for ping, pinging, knock, knocking. What gives?

TSXding

Its not the DI. It appears to be some kind of combustion noise, there is a debate between pre or post combustion. At any rate, its a form a engine pinging. The Honda Euro has the same issue in OZ. According to their forum, Honda is releasing a fix in June or July for them, combination of software and new knock sensors. If they are changing the knocks, then this issue must be impacting the engine in some way.

Here is a copy of the Honda e-mail floating around OZ. It appears Honda is addressing the issue there as it was made very public, lots of compliants and media coverage.

Further to our previous correspondence we have just received some good news in relation to the software countermeasure.

Honda Japan has conducted extensive field testing to evaluate the countermeasure software under conditions in this country. As a result we have received confirmation that the software update is ready for release and that it will enhance the combustion sound. However, Honda Japan has also advised that in conjunction with the software upgrade a revised engine knock sensor is to be installed and both actions will need to be carried out at the same time.

These knock sensors are being fast tracked for manufacture and we will be in a position to attend to your vehicle as soon as possible around June/July at which time we will arrange for you to be contacted via your Honda dealer.

Meanwhile we do appreciate your cooperation while investigations have taken place.

Regards
HONDA AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Ken Sheppard
Client Relations Specialist
Customer Services

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthr...=99566&page=30

Breako

My point wasn't that the this deals with direct injection as the '09 TSX engine doesn't have this feature. My point was to ask whether, like the Lexus IS350 issue, this might actually be a normal characteristic of the engine (i.e., not actually a defect).

TSXding

If they are addressing it with a fix in OZ, makes it seem that it has some substance of being a defect of sorts. Honda would not waste its time or money to create a fix if it could write it off as "normal". They are replacing the knocks for a reason. From the OZ posts, they made a lot of noise about this issue. In the US, looks like we fell short and did not stir up enough to push for a fix. Pinging or knocking can not be considered normal in any form. Light or not, its still puts impact and wear on the engine.

Breako

Can we be reasonably sure that this email from Honda is genuine as opposed to some kind of hoax? Assuming it is real, it's both encouraging and disappointing at the same time.

TSXding

Chatting online with the guys in OZ and reading the press articles, the case in OZ appears to be legit. An article in an OZ auto mag, confirms that Honda is working to fix the ping in the Euro. As for the US, Acura is claiming it to be normal and nothing is in the works. At least that is the story I have gotten. Its too bad as with this kind of noise resale value will surely dip for this model year.

ctwickman

I have the EXACT same "problem." Only happens between 2000-2500 rpm's and during acceleration only. Doesn't matter the gear. Doesn't matter if the engine is warm or cold. Doesn't matter the fuel grade. I do hope they come up with a fix for this. It makes the car sound cheap.

Anyways already reported it to the dealer (McGrath Acura in Morton Grove) and got brushed off that they couldn't hear anything. But it is there, EVERY time, and you'd have to be deaf to not hear it. I rest knowing that it may not be bad but eventually within the next year they better come up with at least a service bulletin or ECU flash to get rid of it!

TSXding

I would be cautious on taking a fix, esp if its a ECU flash. Most likely they would try to retard the timing to get rid of the noise, that might have a negative impact on the performance specs of the car.

ctwickman

I would rather have less HP than have the car sound like a piece of junk. Besides the TSX is no speed demon to begin with.

nebt

From the info we got from Honda Japan, it appears to be a defect and not a normal characteristics of the car since they are working on a fix for it.

It's legit and not a hoax.

A fix is on the way but it's been delayed several times now. The most up-to-date info I've seen is that the fix will be available in june/july.

It depends. For example, some people have a bad case of engine knocking ie. louder whereas others are minor cases and then there are other people who don't have the problem at all.

the_razor

Guys, I took my car to the dealer and he suspects the pulley..but can't confirm yet so he is going to test drive some other ones and see if it is the case..

i also beleive it might not be enging pinging noise cuz when the car is in neutral or park i rev up no noise at all..

seems like a very complicated issue to resolve..i wish cars had logs like computers where it shows any errors it might encounter lol

TSXding

To my knowledge, engine pinging does not occur while in N or Park. It only occurs under engine load, which does not occur in those conditions. Have your dealer contact Acura Tech Line on the issue and let us know what they come back with.

ctwickman

Hopefully we can keep updated on this. I'm about to take my car into the dealer again. The noise is there now 100% of the time during acceleration between 2000rpm and 2500rpm. Never there at ANY other time. But it is getting worse I think because it is never NOT there. Every time you hit the accelerator from zero to 30mph, the noise is there once the tach runs through 2000-2500rpm. EVERY time. I've also tried every single different gas. No difference.

Has anyone else gotten anywhere with their dealership about this? At least acknowledgement about it? Last time I went in there they said they couldn't hear anything "abnormal," which had to be a joke.

ctwickman

Hey melody have you taken your car into the dealership yet for this? That is a really good description of the problem.

the_razor

After taking my car for road test by Acura dealer tech..they said they are going to see if other TSX makes the same noise..and today they confirmed that it's not only my car they have another new TSX which just came in and does the same noise. I don't know if I am the first one in Ontario Canada to complain about this but that noise does exist pretty much all of the 09 TSX. My Service Advisor said he already called Honda Canada and they opened a ticket..so lets see what happen. hope to get some news when I take my car for next service appointment. For now every one relax and lets see what Honda America and Canada comes up with ultimately they have to get the solution from Japan since their RnD guys are all there.

Mwing

im located in vancouver, bc canada, i posted on general forum earlier that i heard no pinging if i put chevron 94 octane, it may be there but i couldnt notice the sound at least, then i tried putting 92 again and the pinging was back, i dun consider putting extra octane is a fix so i took the car to richmond acura and the mechanic noticed that right away, he told me there isnt a fix yet and he is waiting for acura tech line or something to talk back to him. i think everyone should take the car in just to let them know there is problem even tho we all know there isnt a fix yet so that way we can push them to do something

melody

I did take my car in last week to the dealer (Downtown Acura in Toronto). They heard the noise and kept it for several days.

At first they thought it was the catalytic converter. Then they said it was coming from the exhaust system.

They replaced "Pipe A" of the exhaust (part number 18210-TA0-A02) and associated bolts / gaskets (all under warranty). Unfortunately when I finally made it to the dealer after work, the service people were all gone so I didn't get to chat with them about it.

I was happy when I got the car back because there was no noise. But now I think the noise is back, but it is much much fainter than before. I say I think because I can hear it but my fiance can't, and I'm not sure if I'm just imagining it.

I haven't driven the TSX in a few days (was having issues with my other car), so I can't really update too much.

I'm going to drive the TSX tomorrow so I'll let you know if the noise really is back, and if I think it's getting louder.

gejfay

The so called noise others have referred to is more like the noise an older diesel engine from years ago would make with acceleration. I use 89 octane regularly and accidentally used 87 once (Chevron) and I am certain the pinging was worse.

My TSX has had this noise since day one, but interestingly, 2 days ago I had an information warning that my gas cap needed to be tightened. This lasted about 2 hours (there was no problem with the gas cap) but during that time there was absolutely no engine pinging. Infact, the engine ran extremely well. This suggests that there is some computer-fuel sensor issue which gives rise to the problem.

davidspalding

I believe the strongly recommended octane is 91 or better. If you use 89.... :shakehead

nebt

I don't really think higher octane solves the problem since we're using 98 ron here in Aus and some CU2 owners still get the pinging issue.

Also, for us Honda recommends minimum 95 ron.

Breako

How does one go about comparing the Australian and US octane numbers?

HeavyDuty

http://www.refiningonline.com/engelh...ep/TCR4_29.htm

Breako

Thanks.

Breako

Again, I would ask that someone attempt to upload a sound file of the "pinging" noise. Assuming it is as loud and ever-present as it seems to be in come cases, this shouldn't be difficult to do.

HeavyDuty

My response wasn't intended to be a crappy answer but it kinda was. I don't believe there's any difference between RON+MON/2 in the U.S. and anywhere else. Whenever I have spoken to people from the UAE, Japan or Europe they've always used the same number reference. I could easily be wrong, and that does bring up a good question, if anyone knows different, please enlighten us.

NFTSX

Our best gas is only 91 octane, which I always use.

I do have the pinging, but if I put in an octane booster (just a single treatment of STP or NOS etc.), the pinging goes away.

Seems to have a little more response at low revs too (2000 +), but that could be subjective.

panta_

I have the same exact issue with my 2009 Acura TSX (presently 5k miles ). I can only hear the pinging noise ,when A/C and Radio off and drive at very quite place. I noticed that, when the car is in parked position and I accelerate it , it does not make the pinging. Very weird! I might be not a clear engine issue, because of that!
I took the car to the dealer and the technitian heard it! They check the computer for any problems and everything seems to be ok. And they contact the acura tech hot line with the issue and that is it.
The technition told me ,when he heard it ,that it sounds like valves cap, but I guess he never even took a look at it!
I am surprised how many people in US, EU and Australia complain about it and I think that the rest of the owners of 2009 TSX , just drive their cars with windows up, radio and a/c on, so never heard that noise.
I am curious ,how many people have experienced this problem and how many have not? Is there any updates of solving this or not? Any additional information? I noticed ,that this threat begins from 08/2008.
I personally will try to find out from other overseas sources information regarding this issue, reading that this problem is more discussed there and I believe that ,when you take a car to mechanic for a problem ,they have to open the hood and really check it out , not only scaning the computer!
Thank you everyone! Please, post anything you found out for the pinging 2009 TSX engine!