Dan_Honda

My Accord is starting to make a strange noise on acceleration and I'm looking for advice as to what it might be. I prefer to take her into a garage only as a last resort.

• 2008 Honda Accord EX-L Sedan
• 2.4L I-4
• 125k miles

When the car is idling and at higher speeds the car sounds and operates as normal, but going from a stop and during initial low speed acceleration (0-25 mph ish), the car makes a "revving" sound as if the RPM's are increasing, but the tachometer indicates they aren't increasing at all.

I just had the 105k mile maintenance done at around 109k miles and they did a transmission flush as well as changed the spark plugs, tightened bolts, seals, etc. However, about 6 months after the 105k mile maintenance an oil-change shop told me the transmission fluid looks dirty so I'm starting to suspect maybe the issue could be the transmission, but I'm not entirely sure. They also mentioned there is a small valve cover leak and the cv boots are starting to crack. I'm familiar with the clicking sound that accompanies a bad cv axle so I can't imagine that's the issue and it doesn't appear the valve cover leak is very serious yet. Just keeping an eye on it and oil levels.

Any thoughts on what this "revving" sound could be?

95accordCE6

If the rpm isn't increasing then it's not a transmission issue (like a slip) ...the shop that told you the transmission flush after the 105k svc was most likely trying to get their flush numbers up (it's sad, but it happens all the time). I would lean toward a possible exhaust leak, as they're more noticeable at accel and during cruise speeds sound normal

johnsc2235

All transmission fluid looks dirty after 30k, if everyone would change theirs every 30k or less you wouldn't see such a high failure rate on our transmissions.
I doubt it is your transmission because like the previous poster said, your rpm would flair and as you describe it does not sound that way.

Dan_Honda

Thanks for the input! Definitely figured they were trying to get their flush numbers up and I pretty much ignore them every time. From what I've been told by numerous people around me, the transmission system is a "closed" system and shouldn't really EVER have to be flushed. I don't know if I buy that 100%, so I atleast like to get mine done every 100k miles just to play it safe. More I'm sure would be nice, but cost then becomes a factor along with all the other maintenance and care.

Going to take it in to a Honda specialist shop this week that I've worked with in the past and I'll post what they find.

Anybody else have any ideas?

95accordCE6

I wouldn't say it should never be changed, but certainly not after less than 50k. I hate doing trans flushes at work because we use valvoline ATF rather than oem fluid (unfortunately it's not my choice) but keep us updated on what you find out

johnsc2235

The reason most transmissions fail is fluid breakdown. If people would just change their fluids a lot of the tranny failures would be avoided. ATF gets hot and breaks down, then does not lubricate properly, thus the parts start breaking apart, torque converter starts breaking apart and clogs up the screens and the little passages and causes the shifting issues. Say you keep your car/van/suv for 150,000 miles, If you changed your transmission fluid every 30K you would have changed it 5 times, which depending on where you get it done would cost you anywhere from $350-600 for 5 atf fluid changes, you would still have a good working transmission, and it only costs you some maintance costs. Now if you need a new transmission because you thought the "maintance" costs too much wait till you see that a new transmission costs $4500-5500. Almost 10 times the cost.

Dan_Honda

For what it's worth. Took the Accord into a specialist the last week in April and they couldn't find anything and said the car is in fantastic shape. In fact, it wouldn't even make the noise for them while they had it. Drove it to Galveston and back with no issues.

The temperature had changed from being really cold to somewhat warm in the area just when it stopped making the noise so it's possible that temperature had something to do with whatever it was that was making the noise. Guess I'll find out when it gets cold again.

Thanks for the input everyone!

momcar

Hi, did you ever figure out what's making the noise? Our 2008 honda is doing the same thing.

tdawgindahouse

Hey, I just had the exact same issue on 08 Accord 2.4L the past two weeks, and come to find out it was just my spark plugs. Once I changed them the problem went away. Hope that helps

naveenhonda

well done. Will try the same as I am having the same problem.

belizond

Did this by any chance work for you as well? I am having the same exact issue with my 2008 Honda Accord. Thank you.

Briecheese

Hi - Did this fix work for you? I'm also experiencing this problem and am looking for a solution