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Does anyone experience what I would consider a audible humming noise at various levels of acceleration? Hum to yourself and the noise/vibration you feel in the back of your throat is similar to the noise I think I feel when accelerating. It's most noticeable at a low speed acceleration, usually 20 mph and again at 55- 65 mph. Otherwise, the acceleration sounds and feels fine. I initally thought this to be a tire issue but I don't think that's the case. I did replace the stock tires with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. Could this be a possible transmission problem? Should I have the dealer (Vandergriff Acura, Arlington, TX) look at the vehicle?
I really appreciate this website to get practical and useful information from new TL owners, but on the other hand, its caused me to scrutinize any and everything with the vehicle. I honestly feel I'm getting paranoid. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Doesn't Acura ever declare that this is the characteristic of 04TL?
Droning or lugging...
You feel it at the low RPM range, right? I mean you will feel this subtle tremble/sound in any gear's 1400-1800 RPM, and feel its worst at 1500RPM/5th gear/50-55MPH, correctly?
If so, this could be due to the early engagement of "low RPM" and "resonnance of exhaust" as MDX has... (MDX has this symptom at 2000 RPM)(besides, it could be caused by tranny, engine mounts, tires, etc.)
This droning sound usually happens on 5AT... if you drive 6MT, you will never upshift your gear to such low RPM. If you do, you will feel "lugging", the similar feeling as your 5AT's.
The early upshift would have the better MPG, but it will make problems. Perhaps, some ECU new flash firmware could lift this shift-points. I don't mind I have the current MPG -1.
However, I thought the new tires, such as Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, would help eliminate the certain level of vibration like this... maybe you don't feel any vibration now, but only the droning sound...
:o
Yes, the droning sound is a very good way of describing it. So, the question still remains, is there any way to eliminate or reduce the problem? Otherwise, this droning noise takes away a very pleasant driving experience.
I won't even start my tirade of how they should have left it as in '02 separate OD selector for when you wanted the better MPG. She rides around in too high of a gear. Yes droning is exactly a good way to describe.
People have suggested using the SS more - keep in 4th.
Originally Posted by waymay1305
Yes, the droning sound is a very good way of describing it. So, the question still remains, is there any way to eliminate or reduce the problem? Otherwise, this droning noise takes away a very pleasant driving experience.
Did you ever ride with the original stock tires, EL42s? Did you feel the vibration plus the droning sound with EL42s?
I heard some ppl replacing their tires have got rid of the vibration, there is the big difference btwn EL42s and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. Not only is the grip better, but also the vibration is reduced to the minimum. IMO, besides the possible unbalancing EL42s' vibration is resolved, replacing to better tires could mean your new treads have absorbeded some level of shaking waves and cushioned your car better, however, the real problem is still there... the droning sound is still there...
Without Acura's TSB or remount your exhaust (or engine mounts), I don't see it's will be fixed.
Acura hasn't said anything yet. Let's wait if Acura will do the similar recalls as they have done with thier light trucks now.
:o
I have the exact same noise you described especially when I accelerate slowly. Have not noticed this noise initially because I normally drive with my stereo on.
Plan to talk to my dealer on my next visit since it really is annoying once you know it is there.
One thing I noticed is that the 50-55 mph vibration is noticeable only when the car is cold but this humming noise is always there even after the car warmed up.
Acura states this is exhaust resonance, and is a "normal characteristic" of the car. (Just like the tires that flat spot in the morning) I do notice this, especially 50+mph, 5th gear, and about 1500rpm. Any pressure on the gas makes the droning noise. I can deal with it, but it is noticeable. Even my wife, who has driven the car maybe 4 times, has noticed it.
I hear the same droning or humming sound - it is more noticeable at lower speeds than at higher speeds - it seems that the car has bigger tires or something.
I only notice what I would describe as a "growl" during fairly strong accelleration. I read somewhere that Honda engineers actually designed the intake system to produce just the right "tone" and volume for that sound.
Since you described hearing it during acceleration, maybe you are hearing the car's normal roar it makes when you romp on it(?)
Not sure if those sound you've heard is similar to what we have known here. Could you mroe specify your RPM, speed, or when that sound would take place?
There are two references here, which ppl usually talk about.
I have the same problem "Humming sound" @ 1500 RPM. I had dealer checked and they could not find the problem ??????.
'Cause Acura Tech Dept. declares a state of "normality". They used to say it's characteristic of 3G TL (especially 5AT). Plus, they haven't figured out how to eliminate it yet.
This is caracteristic to many cars...for example my previous car, a 2004 Audi A4 1.8T was humming at around 55 mph and the dealer said that this is normal because the car was running at 1800 rpm. So it is not only TL...
That is why I always use SS until they (Acura) figure out the solution. I had owned many cars such as Toyota Supra, Nissan 300XZ, Maxima Etc... and never encountered this humming noise ( Vibration, noise???).
I have both and I feel and hear it most at idle with the radio off. Yes it's annoying and yes I've been to the dealer twice. First time, they told me they couldn't hear anything. Second time, they told me it was a characteristic of the car. Go figure.
I drop'd off my car at the dealer today, and test drove NEW 05 TL to check out another TL engine noise. for the 1st time I heard this noise on the NEW TL. WHAT DA HELL IS THAT? I don't have that sound in my car, but the NEW TL had it. Kinda sounds like torque conv. going out soon/turbo sound.
I drop'd off my car at the dealer today, and test drove NEW 05 TL to check out another TL engine noise. for the 1st time I heard this noise on the NEW TL. WHAT DA HELL IS THAT? I don't have that sound in my car, but the NEW TL had it. Kinda sounds like torque conv. going out soon/turbo sound.
Again, not every TL has this issue. Some cars' are slight, some are serious with vibration, others are noise-free. You're one of lucky guys without any sound/noise/vibration. My friend testdrove NEW 05TL and felt nothing on it.
okay..my car makes a "tone" at 1500RPM @ 50/60 MPH approx....If I downshift to 4th, no humming. I think it's just a biproduct of the car wanting to increase the MPG rather than some faulty part vibrating....Its definitely not a vibration sound [in my car] sounds more like a rumble...which I actually kind of like.
okay..my car makes a "tone" at 1500RPM @ 50/60 MPH approx....If I downshift to 4th, no humming. I think it's just a biproduct of the car wanting to increase the MPG rather than some faulty part vibrating....Its definitely not a vibration sound [in my car] sounds more like a rumble...which I actually kind of like.
Not sure if those sound you've heard is similar to what we have known here. Could you mroe specify your RPM, speed, or when that sound would take place?
There are two references here, which ppl usually talk about.
This thread is 18 years old lol. That being said the 3G bearings were definitely upgraded. One of mine barely started making any noise at 130K. Also Honda used the same bearing up until their 2015 Civic's. A statement of how well designed they were.
If you're looking at this thread because of that hum, its a characteristic of the 5AT 3G TL. Acura actually listed a TSB stating that adding a dampner would likely quiten things down. Although they were tight-lipped about telling customers about it back then. The part # is 50207-SEP-305. It definitely upshifts quite early in 5th gear, although on the plus side I get about 40mpg, when cruising at 50mph. I'm considering installing this kit myself, however worn out engine mounts are a bit more noticeable.
I can't find an actual picture of that subframe dynamic damper 50207-SEP-305.
With that said, I would think that once it is mounted to the damper mounting bracket, it would not jut down any
farther than the exhaust at its side?
well, I just new tires and I never noticed anything until after these tires were installed. And I notice the echoing hum sound in other gears. Almost even when coming to a stop. It does need a front motor mount but I think bad MM's tend to make more of a thud sound than humming. But I am still monitoring it.. It may subside after my tires wear in.
Thanks for the SB though... and Ps. my car is almost 20 years old. so ya, old threads still count
05-06-2004, 08:17 AM
especially 1500 RPM at 5th gear...
