Jim Grant's Tech Tips

96 Honda Accord LX, BUZZZZZZZZ Kit?
Q: I have a good friend who purchased a ‘96 Honda Accord LX with 60k miles. It is a four door automatic with air. The problem is that when accelerating she hears a "buzz" or washboard sound between 5 and 40 MPH. This also occurs when making a turn in either direction. The dealer installed a "buzz" kit somewhere on the exhaust system and that seemed to stop the noise for a bit. However, it’s back, louder than ever. What might be going on? Honda suggested everything from a new buzz kit, to a special "b" pipe (what ever that is for $300 or just live with the noise. Another suggestion by Honda Tech Support was to tighten the emergency brake cables, but that has not helped.

A: Yes, your friend’s Honda along with many others is known for having a most annoying exhaust system buzz. ALLDATA Information Systems shows Bulletin # 94-041 addressing a problem with the exhaust system buzz at 1,800 RPM and a groan or drone at 2,000-2,400 RPM. In either case the fix requires replacement exhaust parts. Maybe fix isn’t just the right word. Honda sort of slipped in a disclaimer that sort of states that the fix, might not fix it. Or is that, it works in some cases. In either case there is a chance that the repairs will not rid the vehicle of the buzzing, groaning and/or droning problem which your friend seems to have found out first hand. Honda’s have a few oddities that really challenge you, but over all it’s still a good product. By the way, if a real fix comes out I’ll be sure to let my readers and customers know right off.