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Honda Pilot issues

B

BetsyLaMae

Junior Member
Honda Pilot Issues 2004/140,000 miles
Two issues.
1) There is a static type noise coming from the engine sporadically. It almost sounds like a gust of wind hitting a metal can. It started months ago, only happening once every couple days. Now it does it quite often. It’s always when accelerating and stops when letting off the gas. Sometimes it’ll make the noise while at a steady speed but for the most part, only when accelerating. It causes the RPMs to flutter a tad, no more than a 300-500 increase.
2) Car shudders occasionally while driving, usually between 30-50mph. There aren’t any lights on other than the VTM-4 that occasionally comes on (but won’t go off until shutting the car off).

I had the timing chain tensioner replaced back in June/July and am wondering if the timing might be off? If so, would it cause either of these things to happen??

I realize this isn’t too informative but, I’m at a loss because I’ve had a diagnostic test ran on it and no codes came up. Anyone have any guesses??
 
Last edited:
Diagnostic test is only the start of troubleshooting, it rules OUT many possible causes. Now it is time to troubleshoot the old fashioned way, roll up your sleeves and get under the hood with your eyes and ears.
 
That’s good advice and all but other than changing my oil, tires, and checking fluids, I don’t know much else. I guess I should’ve mentioned that I’m a 29 year old woman with three toddlers and a husband who works crazy long hours. I was hoping to find someone who had similar issues and at least narrow it down to what it "could be".
My husband is really smart with vehicles and he has used the screw driver trick where you listen to certain parts thru the screw driver, kind of like a stethoscope but it didn’t help much. If he had more time it would make things a lot easier!
I’ll probably have to take it to the shop. Thanks for the advice tho
 
The transmission isn't one of those Honda 9-speeds from 2014-2016 is it?

The VTM-4 light coming on, a bit of googling indicates that can be caused by engine power loss. I would check the codes again, since almost anything that causes an engine power loss should be setting off a check engine light. (Your other symptoms sound sort of like a cylinder misfire, maybe.)

I doubt the timing tensioner is the issue - if the timing was off your dashboard would be lit up like a christmas tree, and it wouldn't still be running six months later.

If you're trying to find people with similar experiences, your best bet is usually going to be a Honda Pilot specific forum.

https://www.piloteers.org/forums/
 
BetsyLaMae said:
Honda Pilot Issues
Two issues.
1) There is a static type noise coming from the engine sporadically. It almost sounds like a gust of wind hitting a metal can. It started months ago, only happening once every couple days. Now it does it quite often. It’s always when accelerating and stops when letting off the gas. Sometimes it’ll make the noise while at a steady speed but for the most part, only when accelerating. It causes the RPMs to flutter a tad, no more than a 300-500 increase.
2) Car shudders occasionally while driving, usually between 30-50mph. There aren’t any lights on other than the VTM-4 that occasionally comes on (but won’t go off until shutting the car off).

I had the timing chain tensioner replaced back in June/July and am wondering if the timing might be off? If so, would it cause either of these things to happen??

I realize this isn’t too informative but, I’m at a loss because I’ve had a diagnostic test ran on it and no codes came up. Anyone have any guesses??
Click to expand...

What year pilot?

how many miles?

my guess it is a intelligent Vtec engine (variable cylinder management) related issue.

without out more details it is really difficult to help out
 
exhaust system makes noise . That's the muffler(s) and the attached tubes to it . The catalytic converter can also make a rattle . If you are beyond ignoring the sound , take it somewhere and have it put on a lift and checked out .
 
are we suppose to guess alot of things? age of car? miles? i guess its over 100k since the timing changed. IMO that sound comes from bent valve
 
killster1 said:
  • 2008-2012 Honda Accord;
  • 2008-2013 Honda Odyssey;
  • 2009-2013 Honda Pilot;
  • 2010 2011 Honda Accord Crosstour; or
  • 2012 Honda Crosstour
isnt it already to late for this?
Click to expand...
Why would it be? 8 yrs / 100k miles warranty from the day of purchase, so anything 2011-2013
 
Zivic said:
What year pilot?

how many miles?

my guess it is a intelligent Vtec engine (variable cylinder management) related issue.

without out more details it is really difficult to help out
Click to expand...


It is a 2004 but most parts are 2005 because it was made so late in the year. It just reached 140,000 miles.
 
dave_the_nerd said:
The transmission isn't one of those Honda 9-speeds from 2014-2016 is it?

The VTM-4 light coming on, a bit of googling indicates that can be caused by engine power loss. I would check the codes again, since almost anything that causes an engine power loss should be setting off a check engine light. (Your other symptoms sound sort of like a cylinder misfire, maybe.)

I doubt the timing tensioner is the issue - if the timing was off your dashboard would be lit up like a christmas tree, and it wouldn't still be running six months later.

If you're trying to find people with similar experiences, your best bet is usually going to be a Honda Pilot specific forum.

https://www.piloteers.org/forums/
Click to expand...


It’s a 2004 automatic. Thank you so much for your input! I may just take it back to the shop and have another diagnostic test. It’s jist driving me crazy that the only light on is for the air bag and the VTM-4.
I’m going to do some research on what you suggested and hopefully get some answers. Thanks again!
 
killster1 said:
are we suppose to guess alot of things? age of car? miles? i guess its over 100k since the timing changed. IMO that sound comes from bent valve
Click to expand...

All of that info is in there. If it’s not showing on yours then it must be something wrong with your browser. I listed above that it’s a 2004, but some parts are 2005 because it was made so late in the year. I also stated that it has 140,000 miles on it.
 
postmortemIA said:
Why would it be? 8 yrs / 100k miles warranty from the day of purchase, so anything 2011-2013
Click to expand...
Everyone's 8 year old car is over 100,000k I'm sure or problem free since small miles.. so funny .. and OP didn't have it clear what year or miles or everyone wouldn't be guessing the year etc
 
Zivic said:
What year pilot?

how many miles?

my guess it is a intelligent Vtec engine (variable cylinder management) related issue.

without out more details it is really difficult to help out
Click to expand...

For some reason, my edits to the post won’t update. But it’s a 2004, 140,000 miles
 
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