I have just over 10,000 miles on my 05 EX. Intermittently I turn the ignition to start up the E and I hear a buzzing sound. Any ideas? I want to take it back to the dealer but since it doesn't occur regularly I'm not sure what to report as the problem.

bring it in, explain it is intermittent and let them run diagnostics on it. could be something easily fixed.

I have this same issue with my '04 E. About 35% of the time, the ignition makes a buzzing sound, kinda like an electrical fry, when I turn the key to start it. I have tried overturning the key to see if that is the cause, but it is not.

Well, today I took my E in for 20,000 service. I asked the service department to check the ignition. Thank goodness, it even fried right at the shop on the third turn of the key. They heard the sound.

When I picked up the car, they told me they had nothing to do for the ignition. According to them, there is a service bulletin out on this issue, but there is no recommended repair. They claim it is normal to sound like this. Does not seem right to me. I didn't think quickly enough, but now I plan to call back on Monday and ask them to fax me a copy of that service bulletin so I can read it for myself. Does anybody know anything about this?

The ignition makes a noise. But does the car start every time?:confused:

Gee, I usually let go when I hear this noise. I'll have to pay attention and see if it is starting or not. Today, it made this noise quite loud. I find it difficult to believe that an ignition is really supposed to sound like this. It sounds like static. Is anybody aware of a service bulletin re this? I have been thinking about this. I think I need to call the service department on Monday and ask them to give me the number and/or date of this bulletin. It would just help me feel better to see it myself.

Off the top of my head: solenoid?

I googled Honda Element Ignition Buzz and didn't get a lot, but I found this interesting site that lists many recalls, lawsuits, "issues,", etc for many auto manufacturers:

http://www.weldreality.com/Bad%20Weld%20Trucks,2,htm.htm

Both my firend and myself have this ignition start buzz......

Of course - on and off.

When you find out about the TSB please post it.....

Thanks,
jurn

I have a new '06, and when I start my car, I usually turn the key to the first "setting" and let all the dash warning lights do their "test thing" --when I do this, I get an electronic sounding hum type sound that lasts about a full second or so. Then I turn the key to start the car. It happens every time, so I just assumed it was normal (or, actually, it was one of the things I've got on my growing list of questions/concerns that I'll eventually post).

Is this the sound you're talking about? Or is it something different.

If it's something different, can someone tell me if the sound I'm experiencing is normal then? :?

Thanks!

I've heard it before on mine, as well. From an earlier thread, it seems to be normal - apparently due to a certain way you turn the key, as someone (I forget who) claimed to be able to repeat it at will.

I have a new '06, and when I start my car, I usually turn the key to the first "setting" and let all the dash warning lights do their "test thing" --when I do this, I get an electronic sounding hum type sound that lasts about a full second or so. Then I turn the key to start the car. It happens every time, so I just assumed it was normal (or, actually, it was one of the things I've got on my growing list of questions/concerns that I'll eventually post).

Is this the sound you're talking about? Or is it something different.

If it's something different, can someone tell me if the sound I'm experiencing is normal then? :?

Thanks!
Bloom,

The condition you describe sounds like the "singing dome light." There's a thread about it somewhere. I have grown used to it. Maybe that's the cause of Bronze's noise; maybe not.

I think I can put this one to bed:
I had the E in today for service, and one of the issues I wanted them to look at was the 'sizzling ignition' sound. Here's the official response ( they gave me a copy of the Shop Talk, Issue No 07-05, June 17, 2005:

Starter Relay Buzzes
If your customer complains of a buzz noise from the ignition area when the ignition switch is turned very slowly to start the engine. Do not spend your time trying to fix it, the noise is coming from the starter cut relay and there really is nothing wrong. Tell your customer to turn the ignition switch a little faster, and the relay will not buzz.

Well, duh.

[..., I get an electronic sounding hum type sound that lasts about a full second or so. Then I turn the key to start the car. It happens every time, so I just assumed it was normal (or, actually, it was one of the things I've got on my growing list of questions/concerns that I'll eventually post).

Is this the sound you're talking about? Or is it something different.

If it's something different, can someone tell me if the sound I'm experiencing is normal then? :?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

The sound I am talking about is a static, electrical fry, type of sound. I don't know if I'd call it a "buzz". It is like white noise static.

yup, that would be it....

Bloom,

The condition you describe sounds like the "singing dome light." There's a thread about it somewhere. I have grown used to it. Maybe that's the cause of Bronze's noise; maybe not.

I tried finding the thread about this on a search, but couldn't. Do you mean the overhead light that's on the roof of the car in the middle? The sound isn't coming from that. It sounds like it's coming from the passenger side of the dash (or perhaps the center of the dash, but from the driver's seat, it sounds like it's from the passenger side of the dash). It sounds like an electronic hum that lasts about a second. Is this the same thing you're talking about? :?

yup, that would be it....

Was this directed towards me or towards DOGBOX? :? :)

Either way, to clarify, for me it sounds like it's coming from the passenger side of the dash (or perhaps the center of the dash, but from the driver's seat, it sounds like it's from the passenger side of the dash). It sounds like an electronic hum that lasts about a second. It does not sound like it's coming from where the key actually is. :?

Also, are you supposed to turn your key all the way all at once to immediately start your car? I always thought you're supposed to turn it to the first setting (where I get the sound from) then once the warning lights go on and off, then start the car... :?

Let me know what you think -- thanks!

I tried finding the thread about this on a search, but couldn't. Do you mean the overhead light that's on the roof of the car in the middle? The sound isn't coming from that. It sounds like it's coming from the passenger side of the dash (or perhaps the center of the dash, but from the driver's seat, it sounds like it's from the passenger side of the dash). It sounds like an electronic hum that lasts about a second. Is this the same thing you're talking about? :?
Well, no. Your noise could be a relay.

FWIW, here's (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19909) the thread I was talking about, though the phenomenon is mentioned in passing in a couple of other threads. The singing dome light in my car is pretty high-pitched, and sounds like it's coming from the back of the car (sound is funny that way).

Well, no. Your noise could be a relay.

FWIW, here's (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19909) the thread I was talking about, though the phenomenon is mentioned in passing in a couple of other threads. The singing dome light in my car is pretty high-pitched, and sounds like it's coming from the back of the car (sound is funny that way).

What's a relay? And does this mean it's not normal and I should get it checked out? If so, is it something that can wait for my 10K service (when I give the dealership my list of issues that need to be addressed, as they suggested)?

Can someone go and test their car and see if they hear an electronic hum from the passenger-side dash when they turn their key to the first position (not starting your car)? Any takers? Thanks! :)

What's a relay? And does this mean it's not normal and I should get it checked out? If so, is it something that can wait for my 10K service (when I give the dealership my list of issues that need to be addressed, as they suggested)?

Can someone go and test their car and see if they hear an electronic hum from the passenger-side dash when they turn their key to the first position (not starting your car)? Any takers? Thanks! :)
A relay is an electrically operated switch. There are five relays (on AT cars) behind the glove box, all of which turn on with the ignition.

http://www.skidmore.edu/~pdwyer/e/images/always_relays02.gif

If everything is working, I wouldn't stress about it too much. It would be easy enough to pull one relay at a time to isolate which one is making noise (if indeed that is the cause). Why don't you release your glovebox so you can hear if that's really where the sound is coming from? Sier posted the following illustration glovebox-removal illustration in this thread (http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12594).

http://sier_element.home.comcast.net/glovebox.gif

.

If everything is working, I wouldn't stress about it too much. It would be easy enough to pull one relay at a time to isolate which one is making noise (if indeed that is the cause). Why don't you release your glovebox so you can hear if that's really where the sound is coming from?

I'll open the glove box and listen -- but I don't want to mess with taking anything apart. I figure I've got a warranty, let the dealership do that on their dime, eh? :) But I'll see if the noise is coming from there for sure and let you know.

Everything seems to be working fine, so I can probably just add it to my 10K service list of concerns and wait until then?

What would not be working right if there was a problem with a relay?

Also -- so your car doesn't make this noise when you turn the key to the first position?

Thanks!

Relays have electromagnets and moving parts, so noises can happen, even when they're working perfectly. This is what those particular relays control:

1. PGM-FI Main 2 (Fuel Pump)
2. PGM-FI Main 1 (FI Main)
3. Rear Accessory Power
4. Air Fuel Ratio Sensor
5. (empty)
6. A/T Reverse

Happily, you don't have to be a mechanic to release the glovebox; it doesn't even require tools!

No, my car doesn't make that particular noise.

Happily, you don't have to be a mechanic to release the glovebox; it doesn't even require tools!

No, my car doesn't make that particular noise.

Okay, thanks! So I'd just be removing the glove box to verify that's where the sound is coming from, right?

If yours doesn't make that noise, then I guess it's a problem with mine on some level. I'll add it to the list!

(Speaking of "the list", while I've got your ear: The financial person said to me when I got the car that rattles, etc. -- which this noise isn't, I know -- are only usually covered for the first 1-2K miles or so and to point them out right away. However, the service manager told me just to make a list of stuff and that they'd check it all out and take care of whatever at my first oil change. And since that could very well be not until 10K, I'm slightly concerend I'm going to miss out on something being covered. But I did mention this concern to him (though didn't say the oil change might not be until 10K, their service dept. said get the first one at 5K -- which I'm probably not going to do since the Element manual says 10K), and he said just make the list. I've got the emails, etc. where he said this, so I guess I should be okay in doing that? Any opinion? Thanks!)

AFAIK anything not specifically covered in the warranty or in a TSB is a "goodwill" item on the part of the dealership, which means it varies. Definitely the sooner you bring a rattle to their attention, the greater the likelihood that they'll fix it gratis.

AFAIK anything not specifically covered in the warranty or in a TSB is a "goodwill" item on the part of the dealership, which means it varies. Definitely the sooner you bring a rattle to their attention, the greater the likelihood that they'll fix it gratis.

Hmmm... I think I'll send another email to the Service Manager today and verify it will all be covered. Written evidence is always nice to have! :D

Thanks! And I'll let you know if the sound is coming from behind the glove box...

Just check your manual to see what it says is the warranty period (it's different here in Canada, so I don't want to give mis-information)
The warranty covers almost anything - the only things that are not covered, are parts that are designed to wear - brake pads, wiper blades, that type of thing. But almost everything would still be covered for about the first year, or about 10,000 miles, regardless, simply because they should not wear out in the first year of normal service.

Just check your manual to see what it says is the warranty period (it's different here in Canada, so I don't want to give mis-information)
The warranty covers almost anything - the only things that are not covered, are parts that are designed to wear - brake pads, wiper blades, that type of thing. But almost everything would still be covered for about the first year, or about 10,000 miles, regardless, simply because they should not wear out in the first year of normal service.

Will do! I sent an email too. The guy seems really nice and helpful, so I figure it doesn't hurt to double-check. Thanks!

:confused: Off the top of my head: solenoid?

I googled Honda Element Ignition Buzz and didn't get a lot, but I found this interesting site that lists many recalls, lawsuits, "issues,", etc for many auto manufacturers:

http://www.weldreality.com/Bad%20Weld%20Trucks,2,htm.htm



Hey there, I have th esame propb with my E. I took it in to two different Honda dealers. Guess what, they both say the same. nothing is wrong. They pretty much seem like doctors now. Its just a virus. Hell, it seems like its getting LOUDER!!!!!!!!:confused: WHEN THEY FINALLY FIND OUT, MY EXTENDED WARRENTY WILL EXPIRE. :shock:

Heard back from the service manager -- he suggested I follow the "severe" conditions track and get the oil changed at 5,000mph and said to make sure to send him my list before I come in, in case he needs to order any parts. Seems very helpful!

Back to the issue at hand -- my description wasn't accurate. It's the second key position when I hear the one second electronic hum (first position, no sound -- thrid position is starting the car). And it's actually that one second electronic sound followed by a very audible click. Any thoughts based on that?

Thanks!

he suggested I follow the "severe" conditions track and get the oil changed at 5,000
That's a good one.

I have the "buzz". Not every time. First time I heard it I was startled. Not expecting it and thought maybe car was running and I had tried to start again (ok I have done that a couple of times in my driving career)

Then the second time I realized it was an issue.
Figured I would mention it if I take into dealer for something else, because it did not seem to affect anything.

The car DOES start.

Happy someone decided to address it here because now I know I am not crazy, well, let me change that to say I am not mistaken about this particular thing.:rolleyes:

As everybody has said, the car does start. There is nothing wrong you are just turning the key a little slowly and it will sometimes buzz. They are all this way.

As everybody has said, the car does start. There is nothing wrong you are just turning the key a little slowly and it will sometimes buzz. They are all this way.

Why? Why are they all this way? What's so different about an Element ignition?

Go back and read my post number 11 to this thread please. Then read Dan's later post. Any relay is capable of making a sound, as it engages. If you turn the key slowly, all you are hearing is the sound of the relay, trying to engage.
To solve the problem, don't turn the key slowly.