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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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