QuestionI just bought a used Honda Accord 2000 (2-door) in May of 2004. I have three questions:
1. I am very aware of noises and have noticed a popping noise on the driver's side, behind me, when I go over bumps. I took it in because it is still under warranty, and they replaced the driver's side seatbelt. I thought that had fixed it, but it has started again. I don't exactly know where it is coming from since I can't really investigate it while driving. Have you heard of this before?
2. I can feel my car shaking through the steering wheel when the car is in drive, but I'm stopped with the brake on (at a light or stop sign). The shaking only gets worse when I turn the A/C on. Also, when the A/C is on, I heard the A/C motor running and it becomes louder when the shaking gets worse. I have taken it in a couple of times, and the last time they replaced a broke rear motor mount. I figured the shaking would stop, but it hasn't. They keep telling me a certain amount of shaking is normal, but this doesn't feel normal. I had to recently drive a rental car while my rear bumper got fixed and I had a Ford Focus. When I was stopped and the car was in drive, it didn't shake one bit. Is this a normal thing for Honda's?
3. I also have a rattling noise in the driver's side door. It is hard to hear, but of course I hear it. I don't know if it is the window or the door. It is close to where the door and window come together and on the far left, where the door closes.
Any suggestions would be helpful. These ongoing issues have really discouraged me from Hondas, but I keep hearing what great cars they are.
Thanks so much!
AnswerAmy:
The popping noise could be a lot of different things, I assume it is coming from the inside of the car; I do not understand why someone would change the seatbelt and not verify the problem was solved. Since it is still under warranty take it back and ask to ride with the mechanic or service writer so they can hear the noise themselves.
As for the shaking, it sounds like you still have a motor mount that is broken. I have two 2000 Accord and I can tell you they are very smooth at idle. Ask them to let you ride in a different 2000 Accord and see if it is the same way. If they don't have a 2000, find something close or go to another car dealer and find a 2000 and test drive. I know it is a hassle, but it will give you the proof you need to get them to fix the problem. The rattling noise could be anything inside the door that has become loose over time, they should be able to take the inside door panel off and tighten up everything.
Honda's are great cars, I have owned five, I still have four, but I do most of the work on them myself and what I can't do I have a mechanic I trust to do the work. I'm not sure if I would trust your mechanic that is why you have to go back to them with some knowledge.
Good luck Amy.
