Transmission noise

[Spital]

Hi everyone, I am new here. I have a Pilot 2011 EXL. I recently noticed that when I am about to take off, I am hearing a cluck noise from the transmission area. I took it back to the dealer and one of the tech told me it is normal. I don't think so. I have 3 friends with same Pilot and this does not happen to them. . Any suggestions

[mclairmo]

Cannot diagnose based upon your description. I recommend going back to the dealer you bought it from and make them fix it. If not, try another dealer but don't give up until it is fixed. They will try to delay fixing it until vehicle is out of warranty. Common tactic because warranty work does not make as much money for the dealer.

[ant-ny]

Spital:
good luck. I had several issues with my new 11 exl that I believe were transmission related. the dealer wanted nothing to do with it. after taking it back several times and having the regional service manager deny any problems, i gave up and traded my pilot in for a 4runner. I still visit this site every once in awhile and see threads all the time about transmission noises and other problems. keep on them and don't give up. i gave up finally, but fortunately, i got 33k for my trade in (paid 33500 originally) and it was the best decision i could have made. good luck

[Walk_the_Walk]

I haven't noticed this problem in my 011 Pilot AWD, with some 12.4K on it already, but had axle problems, so I can sympathize. I used to own an Isuzu Axiom that made noise like that and I was constantly worried about tranny failure. However, I got 120K out of it nonetheless before trading it in.

Dealer could not find the problem with the Axiom, but here's what helped (and might help you, or is at least worth a try):

1. Change transmission fluid every 30K miles and switch to synthetic transmission fluid.
2. Change rear end lubricant every 50K miles and switch to synthetic fluid.

If you have not done either yet, get them both done now. When I did both on the Axiom, the clunking sound went away, and rarely ever reoccurred. Other Axiom owners misread the manual and did not change their tranny fluid for first 100,000 miles and many had transmission failures prematurely.

So, even if this doesn't work for you, it will lengthen the life of your powertrain.

[samc]

How loud of a noise are we talking about?

Like the subtle noise you hear when you shift out of park (gear change) or a much more louder noticible noise?

How about taking a video of your car?

[theirishscion]

Originally Posted by Walk_the_Walk

2. Change rear end lubricant every 50K miles and switch to synthetic fluid.

If you have a 4x4 then don't use anything but the Honda VTM-4 fluid in the rear end, or you're liable to have problems.

Honda automatics aren't much like other manufacturer's either, so it's generally considered a good policy to stick with the Honda ATF, though plenty of folks don't and don't experience problems.

[Spital]

If you stand next to the car you will hear it.
The noise appears to be coming from the driver's side front next to the transmission. Remember this only happens when the car start rolling.
I understand that when you engage the car in gear it does make a noise. This is different.

[TomStromie]

Any chance this could be from a broken motor mount?

[rocky]

Pls go grab your camera do a video post it to youtube and give us a chance to listen