A/T Or Engine Noise At 4,200 RPM

SOURCE:
Honda Service News September 2004

TITLE:
A/T or Engine Noise at 4,200 RPM

APPLIES TO:
2003-04 Pilot

SERVICE TIP:
The sound from the engine morphs from a mild purr to a rather loud roar when the VTEC kicks in at 4,200 rpm. This change in sound has been mistaken for an A/T problem that won't be fixed by replacing the A/T.

To check if the VTEC is or isn't the source of the noise, hook up the HDS to the 16P data link connector, and monitor the VTEC solenoid and pressure switch. If the solenoid and pressure switch change at the same time you hear the noise change, then you're just hearing the VTEC engage. It's a normal characteristic of the vehicle and not a problem with the A/T.