I have an idea what my problem might be but want to see what some of you guys think.

We have a 2003 Accord and it's smooth as silk in park and neutral but when you put it in drive there is a lot of vibration felt through the steering wheel and dash, etc... The idle is fine, it isn't running rough or anything but just the vibration. We bought it new and it was never like this. Thoughts?

 

Could be tires or axles or alignment or something along those lines.

 

No it's when the car is at a complete stand still, when I put it in drive everything starts vibrating..

When you're driving it seems fine.

 

could be the tranny or the motor mounts, but I would not expect either from a fairly new car.

 

I sure hope it isn't the tranny, from what I understand this gen of Accords are starting to have tranny problems like the previous. I was thinking it was a motor mount but didn't want to lead anyone down that trail from me pulling them. My wife hit a curb last winter and they had to replace part of the engine craddle, A arm and various other parts. I think maybe a mount was broken at the same time and wasn't found.

 

when you start the car does the engine jerk really hard?

 

Nope.

 

Is there any vibration when you shift? This happened to me and my previous Honda. I opened the hood and got someone else to shift and checked if the engine made any unusual movements (it shook more than usual). That was my case, not sure if your situation is the same, but thats what it sounds like and I don't think alignment would cause any problems like that.

 

Ok i have your answer, there is a service bulletin on this it is 04-024 it is for all 03 accord L4 a/t, it says engine vibrates while idling in gear, the symptom is excessive vibration is felt in the seat and steering wheel when the trans. is put in drive or reverse. The vibration may be worse in colder weather or with loads, such ad the a/c on or when the steering wheel is turned. The probable cause is not enough engine dampening, the corrective action is to replace the front engine mount and loosen and then torque all engine mount bolts, if this doesnt fix it they also will install an engine idle smoothing kit ( which contains 4 bolts, 2 lower radiator mounts, 2 upper radiator mount washers and 1 front bumper mass) so if you are still under warranty you can get this fixed for nothing just mention this bulletin or the tech's will firgure it out, if not under warranty you might be able to get this goodwilled by the service advisor if her is nice enough!

 

take it to the dealer and have them do the bulletin