pri

Hey Guys,

Been having this weird noise recently coming from underneath the dash. Specifically, it would be under the steering wheel column or in that general area. Sounds like an old cassette player (best way i can describe it) or random scrolling sound. Its intermittent but it drives me NUTS! Sometimes it goes for a few seconds and other times for 15-20 min. Can't seem to figure out what it could be. Any ideas??

Also, I have noticed that the acceleration is sluggish in my TSX. I recently changed the spark plugs but can't figure out what could be causing it. It starts slow from stop and then once it goes its fine for the most part. Sometimes I can tell its sluggish when I try to overtake someone on the highway. Any clue what the cause of this may be?

I have a 2011 Tech and its got around 168k miles on it (I drive a lot :p)

Thanks

t3hhcaptain

Is this a 4 cylinder?

Any clips of the sound?

BROlando

Is there a check engine light on?

Why did you change spark plugs? What type of plugs did you replace them with?

When is the last time you did an air filter change?

WheelMcCoy

Maybe one of the new spark plugs is mis-firing? Or not firing at all.

cu2wagon

Under what conditions do you hear the sound?

pri

I don't have any clips of the sound. It sounds like when you first put a floppy disk into the drive from back in the day. when its trying to read the floppy disk. I will try to record a sound today.

I changed the spark plugs because my acura dealership told me they haven't been changed in 150k miles and needed to be changed. However they wanted to charge me 280 bucks. So I did it myself. I changed the air filter out when I changed the spark plugs. I replaced them with NKG Iridium spark plugs. I think those are the OEM ones that came out as well. There are no check engine lights.

How would I figure out if this is the case?

The sound happens randomly. It can go on for seconds or last 15-20 min. It is not related to the A/C or anything. Tried turning the A/C off and still persisted.

ssjoeboe9

Your car will throw a check engine light if it was detecting a misfire.

You could also check your spark plugs and look at the color on all 4. They should all look even. There are plenty of guides on the internet to reference for how to judge how your engine is performing based on your spark plugs.

Check all your inlet hoses and make sure you have no vacuum leaks (my OEM hose was cracking where the hardline PCV hose attached)

Did you do the normal 100K service? Might wanna adjust your valve clearance, they could have gotten sloppy at this point,

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

be wary! ticking noise can indicate a spark plug ready to eject!!!
Go back and check your work, especially the torque settings on each PLUG!!!!!!!!!!!!

(This sounds the most PLAUSIBLE, as you recently did work on the engine and you're getting poor acceleration. Plus, the tapping, or floppy disk noise.)

pri

I did the spark plug replacement in early July. This is just a recent development that i noticed a 2-3 weeks ago. Nonetheless, I can go and check it. I don't really hear a ticking noise. The noise inside is underneath the steering wheel in that general area. I can't really pinpoint it. It literally sounds like a hard drive scrolling or a floppy disk.

I have done all the services at Acura thus far. I am even going there to get my oil changes done. I will have to ask them about the valve clearance.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

axles or cv joints then.

ssjoeboe9

Valve lash gap specifically... when you go and ask Acura.

t3hhcaptain

+1

Guanacoracing

In my 1G I had something perhaps not quite the same but the acceleration suffered intermittently (no noise under the steering wheel or anywhere else though) and this was all of sudden, not after any service or repair. At first I thought the air filter so I cleaned and lubed it (K&N) and vacuumed the air box of all debris. This worked for a day or two. Turned out to be a defective throttle position or acceleration sensor. Replacing it solved the problem. Ordered one and quick 10 minute change. However, having said this, I cannot tell you how to diagnose it to make sure this is the culprit.

SharangCU2

Might be a little late but I think I know what the sound is coming from under your dash. It could be your heater A/C air mix motor. I have the same problem in my TSX and even my 2007 Sienna. I haven't done anything about the issue yet but I also don't notice any sluggish acceleration. Might want to get Acura to get that part checked out. I might do the same as well.

TSX1012m6

I have no experience with these engines, but I know doing a valve adjustment on my motorcycle made a night and day diffrence. Idles better and had a lot more torque. I did it myself on my bike but if I had to do it again I would gladly pay a professional.

knavekid

^^^ This is the likely cause of the noise. If it sounds like a mechanical "hunting" sound, this is the common cause. These HVAC actuators consist of a motor, gear drive, and a resistive feedback surface on the bottom of the large gear. Metal fingers rub on the surface to provide a resistance value indicating the position. Over time, the grease can get thick, preventing good contact between the fingers and the resistive surface. The actuator then doesn't know where it is and keeps cycling back and forth. These actuators can be replaced or you can try to repair them yourself by disassembling the actuator and cleaning the resistive surface. If you attempt to repair this yourself, mark the motor position before removing it because if installed wrong it will turn the wrong direction.