Cold start engine noise, getting the runaround from local dealers

shamusl

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For a few months I have been getting this noise when I cold start the car in the morning. It has gotten worse over time, and two local dealers have said they cant duplicate the issue.

At first, it only happened some of the time, only lasting about 5 seconds and was quieter, but now it happens 95-99% of the time and it is much louder and lasts about 30 seconds to a minute.

Any ideas on what this noise could be? It has since gotten louder and lasts longer. I thought it could be a heatshield rattle but theres nothing loose anywhere. My other thought is an issue with the valves/timing system. The car has all the most recent TSBs/recalls done and has less than 10k miles, and is a 2017.

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SCcivic

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My 2018 HB does the same thing since I bought the car. Purchased it with 3 miles. Now has 8,000 miles and I still have the same noise as you.

My civic doesn't have any TSBs or recalls.
 

CVCTURBO

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For a few months I have been getting this noise when I cold start the car in the morning. It has gotten worse over time, and two local dealers have said they cant duplicate the issue.

At first, it only happened some of the time, only lasting about 5 seconds and was quieter, but now it happens 95-99% of the time and it is much louder and lasts about 30 seconds to a minute.

Any ideas on what this noise could be? It has since gotten louder and lasts longer. I thought it could be a heatshield rattle but theres nothing loose anywhere. My other thought is an issue with the valves/timing system. The car has all the most recent TSBs/recalls done and has less than 10k miles, and is a 2017.


I really think it's just the injectors or valvetrain. These engines are noisey AF in general unfortunately
 
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shamusl

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I really think it's just the injectors or valvetrain. These engines are noisey AF in general unfortunately
It's noisy, but that's not what's bothering me. When its colder outside that rattling noise is about twice as loud. It just doesn't sound healthy to me at all, and its definitely gotten worse
 

julianzh

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Sound just like my Civic and every Honda...
 


airgas1998

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early production 17' owner here....same noise I have. this noise has been around for awhile that's for sure.
 
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shamusl

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I really think it's just the injectors or valvetrain. These engines are noisey AF in general unfortunately
For reference, this is what it used to sound like every single start, but now about 4/5 starts are the other noise. Here, everything is perfect. Direct injection is noisy, but I'm not complaining about DI noises. I know what I signed up for.

I only drive the car short trips, and from the Canadian TSB for oil dilution it mentioned an issue about ice forming around the camshaft was a rare thing that could happen, messing up the timing and sounding like the other above starting noise. At least, that's my theory.

 
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Wow, this was the first thread that I saw when coming to this forum. It's actually the reason why I was coming here too. Mine is having this same exact issue so thanks for posting the video. I was planning on taking it to the dealership today to see what they say.
 

CVCTURBO

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For reference, this is what it used to sound like every single start, but now about 4/5 starts are the other noise. Here, everything is perfect. Direct injection is noisy, but I'm not complaining about DI noises. I know what I signed up for.

I only drive the car short trips, and from the Canadian TSB for oil dilution it mentioned an issue about ice forming around the camshaft was a rare thing that could happen, messing up the timing and sounding like the other above starting noise. At least, that's my theory.

Thanks for the second video. I can hear the difference better now. So from working on cars as a tech for 10yrs it kind of sounds like the A/C clutch. Have u tried starting it with the AC already on and then starting it with it off? Sound differently?
 

Troy Jollimore

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If it’s the A/C clutch, he should be able to control that sound by turning off the climate control system. To me, it just sounds like a shield rattle. Mine still sounds fine, but I’m only at 35k after 3 years...
 


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Here's mine that I mentioned from yesterday. Took this this morning.

 
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shamusl

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Here's mine that I mentioned from yesterday. Took this this morning.

I got my car over to another Honda dealer 100 miles away. They heard the video and immediately agreed that the car shouldn't be making that noise. I guess it's wait and see time, but hopefully they fix it, and I'll let you know what was responsible.
 

parshisa

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mine sounds exactly the same on cold start. drive on, forget about it. don't fix it if it aint broken
 

darkness975

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I have no idea if mine does this or not although I have heard weird noises now and then.

My OCD nature is tough, I find myself having to consciously not worry about every rattle or sound I hear or I'll never sleep. :confused:

But I will have to see if I hear this sound (normally I remote start from inside - thus far I have not heard it though).
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