Hello everyone,

I just noticed this last month when the weather got warm enough. Just after I start the car in the morning (and sometimes later in the day too) I hear a "growl" noise from the engine just after I turn on the A/C...Then it seems to go away. Does anyone know what this may be?
I have an '04 Accord EX-L sedan - 4 cylinder with 86,500 miles on it. I bought the 100,000 mile warranty from the dealer, so I hope this can be fixed with it.

I thought maybe it's the compressor going bad??

Anyone??

Thank you.

 

Describe your growl noise. Does your engine RPMs drop when this happens like the compressor is trying to kick on? If that is the case then I think its normal, my car does the same thing and has been doing so forever I think.

 

No, it's not that, and I know what you are talking about, mine has always done that too. This noise happens just after turn the car on and then put the A/C on. It's hard to describe. literally sounds like a growl like from some sort of animal. Something I've never heard before.
It's only there for a few seconds, then it's gone.

 

I know exactly what you are talking about. Is this more likely to happen when your car is on an incline? It sounds like everything in your engine is being rattled around in its mounts? I know the sound you are describing and I've yet to figure it out.

 

does this happen while idling in gear?
only two things I can think of at this point.
1. loose heat shield 2. not enough engine dampening
if it's loose heat shield, then tighten, if it's 2, replace the front engine mount. Loosen and then torque all engine mounting bolts.

 

I just bought an 05 accord from my uncle was grandma's car it has less than 20k and it has this same problem. Up for any more answers/ideas.

 

I'm also seeing the same thing with my 05. Only has 55K and it sure seems like it "rattles" too much for its age. Sure would like to know what any of you find.

 

Usually on the heat shield might of bottomed out or a loose bolt. Happened on my old 4cyl. just ripped the heat shield off. lol

 

No, this is not a rattle on the heat shield, this is a low growl or grumble noise, it happens when it idles or the a/c is turned. It just started happening.

 

Any way you can record and host the noise so we can hear it? We can guess all day...

 

sounds like a tensonier. those are comon on the k24s. maybe even water pump. since you one drive belt it might sould like the noise is coming from the a/c cause you hear it more when there is extra load on it.

 

Is there a way to check the tensioner or do you just replace it.

 

put an screw driver on it and listen also there is a mark on it. find it and take a picture and post it.

 

My 06 has been doing this for as long as I can remember, I bought it with 9 miles on it, and now it has 30,xxx. I think it is simply the sound of the compressor kicking on.

 

I had a similar problem with my GSR. Initially, there was a screeching sound that lasted about 5-10 sec when I first turned on the a/c - usually in the mornings. The screeching progressively got worse to the point where people would look around at stoplights...lol.

Turned out in my case that the radiator fan motor bearings were toast. If the noise only comes on when your compressor clutch engages or when you're idling at a stoplight, you might want to check the fan motor first. It's quite easy to check/confirm - just remove the fan connector and turn on the a/c.

Good luck.