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So whenever the car is cold (usually mornings or sitting for a while), when I put it in reverse I heard a loud rattle noise coming from under the hood. It usually occurs or is loudest when the car is cold and i also have the air conditioner running when i put it in reverse. It isn't as noticeable in drive and eventually goes away. Also, when the car has been running for a while or is hot, the noise doesn't occur at all in reverse (even with AC on). I looked under the hood and I THINK its coming from this component. Anyone have any experience with something like this? I had a mechanic look at it when he was doing an oil change but wasn't able to figure it out (probably because the car had been warmed up and i wasn't able to leave it there for the problem to be replicated).
I have had the same issue, same year and EX, and have taken to starting my car a few minutes before I'm ready to leave. Unfortunately, I haven't found a fix.
Mine's worst in reverse with the AC on, but it's still there without the AC on.
I've read about replacing the tensioner, the idler pulley, and/or the belt as possible fixes, but have done none yet. I get annoyed every time I leave my house, because I have to back up a hill of a driveway to get out, and usually forget or don't care enough by the time I get home.
I'll update if I try replacing any of those possible problem parts, but I doubt I'll get to it anytime soon. The belt looks fine, and the pulleys aren't wiggling!
On one of my vehicles I had a terrible rattle while turning and not moving and also sometimes when the a/c was on. My issue turned out to be the accessory belt tensioner was basically maxed out due to the belt stretching over time. I believe the tensioner also wasn't OEM and didn't have as much travel. I replaced the tensioner (with OEM) and a new belt, never had the issue again. Could be something similar to what you're experiencing. A new belt is cheap.
Yeah you guys got it right... i actually just took the car to Honda last week because I couldn't stand the noise anymore. It was the tensioner. The noise is completely gone now and I can back up my car in peace and quiet again.
