Honda Car Forum

So, I have been getting this whirring sound, which seems like it might be the alternator, when I start my 2003 Acura MDX. In addition to that, I have had battery problems recently. I have replaced my battery, because when they tested my old one, they said it was trash (basically they couldn't recharge it). The whirring sound is still there when I start the car and I am afraid that if it is the alternator, my new battery will be shot shortly. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? If so, what was it? If you haven't experienced this with a MDX, but have with another vehicle, what caused the problem? Thanks for any help....

Hey,

Anyone out there that can help me with this......???? I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

HELLO THERE!

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 ACURA MDX AS WELL AND I HAVE JUST STARTED NOTICING THE NOISE TOO. IT MAINLY HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS COLD AND AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF HOURS. I TOO WONDER WHAT COULD IT BE..

Hi,

I had the same problem on my Mdx that I just bought used. It seems to be a common problem with starters on this vehicle.

Anyways, I opened took the starter off the vehicle and found that the gear mechanism was clogged with dirt and grease. When cold, the starter engages but fails to disengage when the engine starts, thus hanging on to the flywheel for a few seconds before backing off.

I noticed that the flywheel was chipped a little, but not too bad. Glad I took a look.

After an hour or so of cleaning the unit with gasoline (you could use WD40 ) and lubricating it with some high temp grease (from autozone for $3) the problem was fixed. Now it starts up with no noise

It is not an easy job - probably for the mechanically inclined. I should have taken some pictures in hindsight.. but can help you with questions. It takes about 4 hours to get it all done.

Good luck!

Ram

Hi,
I just bought a used 2003 Acura MDX with 77k miles.
Everything was working fine, but I decided to take it to a local Honda/Acura Mechanic to replace the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, VTM Fluid, and the air filter. Also, I had the front and right engine mounts replaced.
After I got the car back, I noticed a strong odor of coolant, like it was burning. I checked the engine and there was coolant that had splilled by the radiator and on the grill. I called the mechanic and he said that in order to change the front engine mount they had to disconnect some hoses and that coolant had spilled a little. He said they try to spill as little as possible but that it happens. He assured me that nothing is leaking. So far, I don't think it is.

The same evening, after the car was cool, I started the car and it made the whirring sound that is being described here by others.
It only lasts for a second, but its there. It happens multiple times when turning the car off and on. But, I did notice that it only happens when the car is cold. After I have driven it for a little while I can turn it off and on with no noise.

I called the mechanic and he doesn't know what it is, of course he said to bring it in.

Is is possible that some coolant or other fluid got into the starter and that is what is causing this?
The engine made no such sound upon startup before I took it to this mechanic.

This just started happening on Saturday, is there a possibility that the flywheel, starter or transmission has been damaged?

Any help or further detail would be GREATLY appreciated because this has got me worried.

Thanks!

Does anyone out there have any more info about this problem?
I'm going back to the mechanic tomorrow and any more info would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.