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OnlineMasterTech, Honda Technician
Category: Honda
Positive Feedback: 98.9 %
Satisfied Customers: 1453
Experience: 12 year Master Tech and ASE Certified.
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smooth..sort of slight rough vibration like when you ride a clutch

Resolved Question:

okay here's my second worry. Its not a problem just an issue. When I put the car into drive, the engine sort of changes from a smooth idle to a sort of slight rough vibration like when you ride a clutch. It feels as if the clutch is almost semi engaging. Honda told me it was a work belt tensioner wheel or something but I dont think so. Any advice

Submitted: 1 year ago.
Category: Honda
Expert:  OnlineMasterTech replied 1 year ago.


slonneman95 :

Hello let me help you with any of your Honda problems.

slonneman95 :

Ok your Accord is an automatic correct?

Customer :

yep. accord Euro LX

Customer :

I ment a weak belt tensioner wheel

slonneman95 :

Ok it is possible that one or more of your motor mounts are weak and starting to collapse which in turn will cause a rough idle.

Customer :

nope. all checked by Honda

slonneman95 :

And they think the tensioner is causing a rough idle?

Customer :

Sometimes it also happens in Park. the engine sort of sounds like rough

slonneman95 :

I believe that the tensioner may be weak and need to be replaced but it will not cause an idling problem.

Customer :

Yep. That is what they say. I have my doubts

Customer :

What do you think it may be

slonneman95 :

I would have my doubts also.....I would also get a second opinion on the mounts also if that is the same place that told you they were good.

slonneman95 :

Any check engine lights on?

Customer :

no

slonneman95 :

What year model is this Accord?

Customer :

all seems good but for this slight change in idle. When I shift from drive to neutral the engine goes back to smooth

Customer :

2003 Honda accord euro. 2.4

slonneman95 :

It may just be as simple as resetting the PCM and re-learning the idle.

Customer :

Does it have to go to a mechanic or can I do it

slonneman95 :

If the IAC valve is not opening all the way it can cause a drop in idle which can cause this rouger idle. Usually you would need a Honda scan tool to reset the PCM but some local independent shops may have the equipment to do so.

slonneman95 :

Idle Learn Procedure: When

and How to Do It

All Honda models with programmed fuel injection

(PGM-FI) have the ability to learn and adjust the

engine idle speed to optimize engine idle

characteristics.

The idle learn procedure should be done

whenever you do any of these actions:

• Reset, replace, unplug, or reprogram the ECM/

PCM

• Disconnect or replace the battery

• Do engine work that requires R&R of the

intake manifold or the throttle body

To allow the ECM/PCM adaptive idle speed

system to learn and adjust the engine idle speed,

here’s what you do:

• Make sure all electrical items (A/C, audio unit,

defogger, lights, etc.) are turned off, then start

the engine.

• Let the engine reach its normal operating

temperature (the cooling fans cycle twice; the

coolant temperature is about

194° F

).

• Let the engine idle for at least

5 minutes

with

the throttle fully closed and with all electrical

items turned off.

• If the cooling fans cycle on while doing an

adaptive idle learn, add the time the cooling

fans are on to the 5 minute adaptive idle learn

time.

slonneman95 :

You should be able to disconnect the battery for approx 5 minutes to reset the PCM and then complete the idle learn procedure.

slonneman95 :

Still with me?

Customer :

okay can you simplify that.

slonneman95 :

Basically disconnect your battery for 5 minutes and then re-connect. Start the car with all electrical items off and let it reach operating temp.

Customer :

all I have to do is let the engine warm up with no accessories running, then disconnect the battery and reconnect aye

Customer :

and if the problem still exists

slonneman95 :

You then let it idle for 5-10 minutes after reaching operating temp with the throttle fully closed to complete the learning procedure.

slonneman95 :

If the problem still exists I would have someone pry up on each mount as you have the car in drive with your foot on the brake and see if the vibration changes any.

slonneman95 :

If it does that tells me that one of the mounts are starting to collapse which I see a lot of over here in the US.

Customer :

Hey solonneman95 you know what I like about you? You respond soo quick unlike my last chat regarding the starter

slonneman95 :

Well I am glad to hear that and I appreciate the comment. I strive to make the customer happy the best that I can.

slonneman95 :

Do you notice any difference in the vibration when the A/C is on or off?

Customer :

Okay can I give it a try and get in touch with you after. Also if I have any further queries and want to chat with only you how do I go about it?

slonneman95 :

You should be able to request your professional/expert when you open your question.

Customer :

yep but the difference is so slight only a mechanic could tell. Its not normal though

slonneman95 :

Ok that sounds good just let me know.

Customer :

Just going down to try it okay

slonneman95 :

Try those recommendations out and let me know if you see any difference.

slonneman95 :

Ok sounds good.

Customer :

hi you still there slon

slonneman95 :

Yes I am here.

Customer :

tried that but no difference. you know it seems as if the clutch wants to engage before time. Its all good in neutral and changes the idle as soon as i shift to drive

slonneman95 :

Yes the idle drops when the transmission engages. Were you able to pry up on the mounts to see if there was any change?

Customer :

no not yet. I did try and shift the engine to see if the mounts moved sort of

slonneman95 :

Ok that would be the next step in the process. If moving the engine around does not change anything there is the possibility that the Idle Air Control Valve is starting to fail and not keeping the engine at the proper idle speed.

Customer :

ok. you dont think it could be anything with the clutch

Customer :

reason being the car seems to want to move even at idle

slonneman95 :

You have an automatic correct?

Customer :

yes sir

slonneman95 :

Well that is a completely different setup and although this is very rare you could have a torque converter clutch that is locking up when it should not be. The only way to know this for sure though would be to have your local Honda dealer check the data list with the Honda scan tool and monitor the shaft speed sensors to see if there is any difference between them. I have only seen this problem a few times over the years but when it does happen the car will feel like it is rocking back and forth while sitting at idle.

Customer :

okay so its not that. anyway just one last problem

Customer :

can I ask you?

slonneman95 :

Yes sure.

Customer :

My steering feels quite tight. About a month back Honda did the service on the car and also flushed out the steering system. Since then it seems to have gradually got stiffer

slonneman95 :

OK have you checked the fluid level?

Customer :

yep its right on the mark

slonneman95 :

Ok there is the possibility that the pump has a pressure relief valve that is failing internally. I would also make sure they used Honda Genuine fluid to flush the system.....sometimes a dealer will use a different type fluid and it will cause these types of problems.

Customer :

and can it be solved

slonneman95 :

Yes you can have the fluid flushed if they used the wrong kind and put Honda OEM fluid back in. If the pump itself is starting to fail which I have seen in mostly Odyssey's here in the U.S. you can replace the pump, flush the debris from the system and then replace the resevoir as it has a filter/screen in the bottom of it.

Customer :

thank you very much slonneman. You are the best. I'm sure I will be in touch with you again. We need more of you for the price we pay. You are worth all them dollars and more. Cheers XXX XXX for now

slonneman95 :

Ok no problem at all and I will be glad to help in the future.....just let me know. Good night and please remember to hit accept and leave positive feedback. Thank You again for letting me assist you today.

Customer :

I sure will sir. Unfortunately its good morning here in Brisbane, Australia. A very good night to you

slonneman95 :

Lol......Well good morning to you and we will talk again.

OnlineMasterTech, Honda Technician
Category: Honda
Positive Feedback: 98.9 %
Satisfied Customers: 1453
Experience: 12 year Master Tech and ASE Certified.
OnlineMasterTech and 3 other Honda Specialists are ready to help you

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