Just got my first Acura. 2016 ILX premium A Spec. I always had crappy cars before so this is my first nice one! Has 23k miles, one owner and no accidents.

I may just be making something more than it is in my head, since I have always had terrible, unreliable cars.


It just seems like when I am going slow and gears are shifting down, that it makes a "tick" noise. Not a loud thud but a tick or kick down. Also when I am idle and tap the gas, it also makes a little noise like that. Is that normal? I mean, do gears make noise when shifting down? When I tap the gas when going fast I don't really hear it, only when at like a stop sign (rolling stop). I don't know, I just get nervous with a new car and want to keep it in as good as shape as possible. It almost sounds like running over a small twig or something, when It shifts down or something. Again, not familiar or a mechanic, I just want to see if SOME sounds are normal. Thanks

 

Did you get this TSB performed?

Your ILX has a DCT which is different than a standard automatic. I have noticed that in low speeds, such as stop 'n go, it sometimes feels a little "clunky" and not perfectly smooth. But this TSB supposedly helps to smooth it out. I had it performed just because it was free and I can't tell any difference.

 

Welcome to electronic control. Relays, solenoids, et al do make some noise. I just hate the way throttle by wire reacts.

 

Don't forget about the Front Passenger Axle recall


Recall #G54 2016-19 ILX Driveshaft Separation
http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/B19-035.PDF

 

Just had oil changed and recall done, not falling out

 

No I haven't. I entered my VIN on the Acura site and it said no recalls. But man, I need to do this. Thank you for your response!

 

How do I get that performed? The links your provided didn't lead anywhere. Do I have to take it to a dealer and what would the cost be?

 

What do you mean by that? Maybe it will sound like what I am experiencing? Thanks. I do want to call Acura about the recall and let them know the noise I hear, which does sound like underneath. Not a lot, but some when slowing up almost a clinkk but not a deep thud. Maybe an axle sound now that I read the recall

 

And my carfax says At least 1 manufacturer recall requires service. Locate an authorized Acura dealer to obtain more
information about this recall but when I enter the vin it says it checks out? How do they know my car is fine? I see nothing in the carfax that shows it was fixed by the dealer. I would hate myself if I have to start kicking money into this 2 weeks after I bought it, with 23k miles!

 

a TSB is not a recall.

A TSB is a "Technical Service Bulletin" which basically means some work is required to fix non-safety issues.

a recall generally involves safety issues.

also realize that you dont have a "normal" automatic transmission....it's a DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION, or DCT...which will behave and sound VERY different than a normal automatic transmission

 

Thanks, I only mentioned the recall because someone else said it here and it was on the carfax, but nothing came up when I searched by VIN

 

And can you give examples of sounds I may hear that I am not used to in this type of engine? Thanks again

 

I didn't understand the "not falling out" part? What do you mean? Also if my carfax says the model has an active recall but my VIN shows it doesn't what do I do. Especially if it seems like what I am hearing is related to the recall reason?

 

I dont have a ILX.
but you can visit a dealer and test drive other ILX's to check.

This would be more ideal than asking how to describe noises through text...
because there's only so many words for clicks,thumps, clunks, electrical whirs that one can write out.

Test drive other ILX's to see if yours sounds similar.

 

tongue in cheek.....
he's saying, his car is in perfect condition...the car did not breakdown

 

I looked at the .PDF that outlines the recall...

it's an axle recall. the axle might have not been properly installed and may popout which would lead to loss of power, not driveable....and may move when parked.

You are correct that bad axles make a clicking sound. but like stated above, noone can describe noises properly through text.. IF YOU ARE concerned, visit a dealer.

 

thanks for the help! I have one other question. If the model does have that recall and my car is experiencing symptoms in line with the recall but my VIN doesn't show that is is part of the recall, will I have to pay for whatever needs fixed or does the powertrain warranty cover any of that? Thanks again

 

Visit a dealer! I can't answer that

 

Can you post a video of the noise... That way we can tell you weather you should definitely go to the dealer or not...

 

What I mean is, there are clicks, pops, buzzes, and whirs not normally heard in mechanically controlled cars.
The TSB (that my VIN was covered under) is for an axel coming out (falling out). It's only a small number of cars that may need repaired.
The transmission is a computer controlled manual transmission with a lockup torque converter. It will make gear clunk sounds like a manual with quick throttle input.
From everything I've read, it is one of the best dual clutches for driving in traffic.

 

Assuming the car is still under warranty, $0.

 

The link works for me. It's the TSB instructions for the tech to perform.

Also, please understand the difference between TSB and recall. TSBs are like small problems that are discovered early on. These do not affect safety. If you are under warranty, they are free to perform. Even if you're out of warranty, they might still do it free. This DCT is indeed very smooth. Just be aware it does not feel like a conventional automatic.

Recalls are safety related and regulated by the government. They are free regardless of warranty.

 

Hey, thanks! That helps and I think that sounds like what I hear, I am just not used to a newer car or this engine. Been driving a beat up CrV 2002 for 10 years so I am not sure what a decent engine even sounds/ffels like. I just want to make sure that I have a good car! Thanks again!

 

I've been chasing after this exact noise on my 2018 since I purchased it new. 5 visits to 2 different dealers and I was told its normal. Emailed acura Canada and same response. Had all TSBs performed included the new chain tensioner replacement one and the cv axle replaced even after being inspected and passing as ok for the recall. Not truly happy about it but guess I've got to live with it. Only strange that the 2.4l TLX doesnt do it with the same drivetrain.

 

Maybe the TLX has more sound deadening to "hide" the noise?

 

It absolutely does. I had a TLX as a loaner while my dealer was installing door edge guards and investigating a clunking noise of my own (diagnosed as a faulty front strut, replaced under warranty), and the difference in quietness between it and my ILX was night and day.

 

I just wish they used the TLX final drive ratio in the ILX, defiantly would have increased the fun factor. 4.57:1 rather than 3.94:1 would have made it drive as sporty as it looks.

 

what side strut did they replace? Someone else with a 2020 ILX told me he had his passenger front strut replaced due to a similar noise.

 

Um, that was me.

 

If you drive in S mode, it's really lively. It basically locks out the top two gears and doesn't shift as early. I imagine it destroys fuel economy though.

 

I drive in sport mode often, I just think the lower gearing would really wake it up. Gear ratios make huge differences. It would also play havoc with the AWD the ILX has (A wheel drive, as in single) and flashing lights on the dash don't make it launch better.

 

How do you deal with the injector noise inside the cabin while driving in Sport mode? All I hear is the ticking sound until you really rev it out.

 

I don't have usual injector noises, I use Aces IV fuel additive. So much goodness in that bottle. And yes Quantum Blue motor oil. BND knows how to make the Earth Dreams happy.

 

Nice! I just googled what those things are. I just use Vpower and let the Acura dealer do the oil change.

 

I get my oil changed at the dealer, I just bring my Quantum Blue. There is a lot more to Aces IV than the Vpower has. I use Costco premium and Aces so cost per gallon is about the same (but 102 octane).

edit: I understand it's tuned for 92 octane, but it really makes a difference in how well it runs.

 

since i have not made any mods to my car for performance , do you actually think that It would actually make any difference

 

I haven't made any engine modifications. I tried an AEM intake but didn't like what it did to my oil test results so I removed it. I've only done a cat-back of my own design/build. You would have to test for yourself, but I'm really happy with how much quieter the engine is and how much better it responds. I haven't dynoed it or anything that would give a scientific comparison, but with my 60 years of car tinkering, I love the results. The oil test results really convinced me.

 

I will definitely try it, even if it is a one-time thing, just to experiment. My really only complaint about this car is the engine noise. If I can get around with the Quantum Blue and Aces, I will be very happy
Thank you for taking the time to explain these things

 

I hope you are as pleased as I am with it.

 

By the way, Honda engines do have a fine ticka-tacka when valves need adjustment.