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Jim
Grant has been working in the automotive industry for over twenty
years. In addition, Jim is an ASE Master Technician with advanced
L/1 certification. He works as manager and technician in his
family's automotive business in New Hampshire. He writes weekly
automotive consumer columns and is editor of an automotive newsletter
that is circulated throughout North America. |
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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
96
Honda Accord LX, BUZZZZZZZZ Kit?
Q: I have a good friend who purchased a
‘96 Honda Accord LX with 60k miles. It is a four door automatic with air.
The problem is that when accelerating she hears a "buzz" or washboard
sound between 5 and 40 MPH. This also occurs when making a turn in either
direction. The dealer installed a "buzz" kit somewhere on the exhaust
system and that seemed to stop the noise for a bit. However, it’s back,
louder than ever. What might be going on? Honda suggested everything from
a new buzz kit, to a special "b" pipe (what ever that is for $300 or just
live with the noise. Another suggestion by Honda Tech Support was to tighten
the emergency brake cables, but that has not helped.
A: Yes,
your friend’s Honda along with many others is known for having a most
annoying exhaust system buzz. ALLDATA Information Systems shows Bulletin
# 94-041 addressing a problem with the exhaust system buzz at 1,800 RPM
and a groan or drone at 2,000-2,400 RPM. In either case the fix requires
replacement exhaust parts. Maybe fix isn’t just the right word. Honda
sort of slipped in a disclaimer that sort of states that the fix, might
not fix it. Or is that, it works in some cases. In either case there is
a chance that the repairs will not rid the vehicle of the buzzing, groaning
and/or droning problem which your friend seems to have found out first
hand. Honda’s have a few oddities that really challenge you, but over
all it’s still a good product. By the way, if a real fix comes out I’ll
be sure to let my readers and customers know right off.
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