Hi everyone. This is my first time at this forum and first post.

I have a 2009 Honda Accord, automatic transmission that has a strange noise that comes from under the hood when I start my car cold.

If I restart the car after it's been driven in the past few hours, it doesn't make any sounds. This just happens after it's been sitting for a while.


Any suggestions?


VIDEO: The sound occurs around 0:03-0:04, immediately after starting the engine. IMG_0228.MOV - YouTube

 

I'm going to assume you have checked the oil level.

 

It is hard to hear the sound from inside your cabin, it would have been better from the engine compartment. Regardless, even though I can't hear it that well from your video, it may be a faulty VTC actuator. But, also check your oil level like poorman212 stated to be on the safe side.

http://mordor.rutgers.edu/accord/tsb...4%2009-010.pdf


Poorman212,
I hope you have the sound level on low if anyone is sleeping, even though it is not that loud from the video.

 

can't hear well, a guess: almost sounds like you're giving it gas on start-up - if so don't. FI cars are started w/o touching gas pedal

 

sounds like upper end oil starvation, what kind of oil are you using? is it full?

 

Thanks my friend, I needed a good laugh today.

Also for helping on the TSB, I was thinking there was one but could find it, kind of figured if I moved this thread here you'd see it and help out

 

vtc actuator, had it replaced. sure recognized that noise.

 

In these other two videos examples, you can distinctly hear the faulty VTC actuator on cold start up.

2008 Accord VTEC Grind Noise - YouTube


2008 Honda Accord cold engine start rattle - YouTube

 

thanks for the suggestions guys. i think it's the vtc actuator being faulty.

i heard the noise when i was approaching the need for an oil change, so I got it done thinking it might help but hasn't.

and UhOh, yes.. i am certainly not hitting the gas as I start the engine.

 

The above service bulletin I linked above is outdated regarding the time for the VTC actuator replacement (4 hours). There is a revised TSB which shows different procedures which reduced the estimated time to 2 hours.

Some Honda techs can even do it quicker. So, before you bring it the dealer or independent shop, you may want to check what the estimated labor hours will be and if they are aware of the revised procedures.

Here is the revised TSB (which has a video sound clip included):
http://www.driveaccord.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40662&d=1324885692

Here is a thread from a Honda tech (see post # 8); poster 99blackcivicSi for how he even does it faster
VTC Actuator Rattle - 2008 Accord L4 - Honda-Tech