vibration/chatter issue - Honda Pilot

ebuss · 01-22-2012, 10:03 PM

I recently purchased a 2005 Pilot with 95,000 miles. I've noticed a vibration or chatter at times with the vehicle. It's most noticable when cornering during an accelleration 20-25 mph. As the weather got colder last week, it was more frequent. Seems to get better as the vehicle warms up. The dealer replaced the Rear Differential fluid, but that didn't fix it. Mainly there when accellerating into a turn from a stop, then goes away as I hit a straight stretch. Any ideas? Engine mount? Transmission?

Hap · 01-24-2012, 10:27 AM

does it sound like you are going over a rumble strip only quieter? It could be your torque converter

N_Jay · 01-24-2012, 10:54 AM

Since it is in corners and when accelerating, I would go with a wheel bearing, a hung up caliper, a bad transmission or engine mount, before the Torque Converter problem.

ebuss · 01-24-2012, 08:32 PM

Took it back to the dealer today for the chatter issue. I felt the chatter probably 6 times on the way there. With the mechanic sitting next to me, it would not do it.!They took it for sevaral rides today and couldn't replicate it, so I was sent on my way with no resolution. I'm taking it to my local trusted mechanic on Friday. Is there any way to know if the TC is bad, other than pulling it out? After reading all the problems with Pilots, I'm afraid to take it on a long trip.

rocky · 01-24-2012, 08:46 PM

Leave with dealership especially if the event occurs most frequently when the car is cold.
If you think it's the tranny, my universal recommendation applies, change the fluid.
Assume of course that the chatter Isn't as a result of traction control kicking in as a result of over enthusiastic throttle usage.

N_Jay · 01-24-2012, 10:16 PM

The test for the TC is to find a very flat and level road.

Set the cruise control at 35, 40, 45, and 50 and see if you feel it when letting it maintain the same speed for about 1/2 a mile.

ebuss · 01-27-2012, 04:54 PM

Well, my local trusted mechanic confirned my worst fears. It's the transmission. He can make it repeat the symptoms every time. Strange that the dealership (who's on the hook for the fix) couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle after having it for an entire day. Now comes the fun! To anyone out there looking at a higher mileage Pilot, buyer beware is all I can say. Test the heck out of it. Mine felt beautiful during the test drive.

xGS · 01-27-2012, 05:25 PM

First change the transmission fluid, then try replacing the pressure switches.

Sporadic vibration at low speeds

DIY: Replacing Transmission Pressure Switches

01-22-2012, 10:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
ebuss Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	vibration/chatter issue I recently purchased a 2005 Pilot with 95,000 miles. I've noticed a vibration or chatter at times with the vehicle. It's most noticable when cornering during an accelleration 20-25 mph. As the weather got colder last week, it was more frequent. Seems to get better as the vehicle warms up. The dealer replaced the Rear Differential fluid, but that didn't fix it. Mainly there when accellerating into a turn from a stop, then goes away as I hit a straight stretch. Any ideas? Engine mount? Transmission?

01-24-2012, 10:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,544 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Since it is in corners and when accelerating, I would go with a wheel bearing, a hung up caliper, a bad transmission or engine mount, before the Torque Converter problem. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

01-24-2012, 08:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
rocky Super Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Red Sox Nation Posts: 7,172 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Leave with dealership especially if the event occurs most frequently when the car is cold. If you think it's the tranny, my universal recommendation applies, change the fluid. Assume of course that the chatter Isn't as a result of traction control kicking in as a result of over enthusiastic throttle usage. __________________ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chris...19131498101662

01-24-2012, 10:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
N_Jay Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Chicago, NW Burbs Posts: 13,544 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The test for the TC is to find a very flat and level road. Set the cruise control at 35, 40, 45, and 50 and see if you feel it when letting it maintain the same speed for about 1/2 a mile. __________________ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results. Sir Winston Churchill

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01-24-2012, 10:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
Hap Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: southern NH Posts: 18 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	does it sound like you are going over a rumble strip only quieter? It could be your torque converter

01-24-2012, 08:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
ebuss Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Took it back to the dealer today for the chatter issue. I felt the chatter probably 6 times on the way there. With the mechanic sitting next to me, it would not do it.!They took it for sevaral rides today and couldn't replicate it, so I was sent on my way with no resolution. I'm taking it to my local trusted mechanic on Friday. Is there any way to know if the TC is bad, other than pulling it out? After reading all the problems with Pilots, I'm afraid to take it on a long trip.

01-27-2012, 04:54 PM	#7 (permalink)
ebuss Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: wisconsin Posts: 6 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well, my local trusted mechanic confirned my worst fears. It's the transmission. He can make it repeat the symptoms every time. Strange that the dealership (who's on the hook for the fix) couldn't find anything wrong with the vehicle after having it for an entire day. Now comes the fun! To anyone out there looking at a higher mileage Pilot, buyer beware is all I can say. Test the heck out of it. Mine felt beautiful during the test drive.

01-27-2012, 05:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
xGS Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,054 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	First change the transmission fluid, then try replacing the pressure switches. Sporadic vibration at low speeds DIY: Replacing Transmission Pressure Switches

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