[Gettin'AVan]

[note: I didn't find this on the search engine and I scrolled back through May, reading every transmission post I saw w/out seeing this issue. Apologies in advance if I missed it.]

My 300 mile old 2002 was parked in the driveway, nose down w/the parking brake on, and I turned 'er over. I happened to be standing outside the door (meaning to warm the engine so that when I put my 2 year-olds in the van the heat would be ready) so I know I didn't have my foot on the gas or do anything other than turn the key. About 1-2 seconds after the engine caught there was a grinding noise that lasted about 0.5 to 1 second. It has only happened this one time and I know if I bring it to the service dept they won't be able to replicate it.

I can't be 100% certain it was the tranny - it could have been the starter motor. It was so fast and I was outside.

Before I call them, has anyone had any experience with this or heard anything about it?

Thanks.

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dMax
'02 GG EX-L w/fog lights

 

[Walt43]

The next question: Was your defroster on at startup? If so, then the a/c compressor could be causing the problem. The a/c compressor runs when the front defroster is on. I've had this sound occur about 4 times in my 2000 Ody, but I've never been able to duplicate it at the dealer. One time the engine almost stalled. It only occurs if the defroster (or A/C in summer) is already on when the engine is started, and when the compressor clutch first engages the compressor momentarily seizes. Luckily I have the HondaCare 7/100k warranty which covers the components WHEN they fail, and I guarantee that my a/c compressor will eventually fail. BTW, this first happened with only 3k miles on the van, and has occurred only sporadicall over the past year and a half. I'm 95% sure that's your problem, too, if your defroster was on.

 

[Gettin'AVan]

Hmmmm...I can't be sure but there's a pretty good chance that I was in "full auto" mode so the a/c would have been on. That's where I've been leaving it a lot of the time but the van's so new that I'm still playing around. Thanks for the insight.

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dMax
'02 GG EX-L w/fog lights

 

[ExFordOwner]

Wow... I was beginning to doubt that I had heard that noise but it's happened to me also - only once of course.

We were recently on a trip up to Gatlinburg TN with out '02 Ody (2000 miles when we got there). I started it one morning to hear that same short grinding sound just a short time after the engine started up. It was rather cold outside and the A/C was almost certainly on defrost. My dad is in the A/C business and after discussing it we both agreed it must be the A/C compressor clutch engaging. I've only heard it once so it's certainly not the normal clutch engaging sound. There may be something to the locked compressor theory. Whatever the case it certainly seems to be a rare occurence.

I wouldn't necessarily assume this indicates that the compressor or clutch will fail soon or at all. If it happens rarely and doesn't present too much strain on the components, it may be nothing more than yet another strange automotive noise and there's no shortage of those.

Scott

 

[CJM02SSEX]

I think I experienced the same problem. To me it felt like the van jumps a little too or lurches forward a little. It seemed like tranny to me too. About a week ago I realized that "full auto" on the climate control includes the A/C when needed. Anyway, I make sure the "A/C off" mode is on or the whole CC system is off before I start the van and the noise hasn't happened since. I think it souldn't happen at all. Any one else?

[This message has been edited by CJM02SSEX (edited 01-04-2002).]

[This message has been edited by CJM02SSEX (edited 01-04-2002).]