FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Honda/Civic/10th Generation (2016-2021)/why is my Honda Civic making a whining noise when I accelerate

why is my Honda Civic making a whining noise when I accelerate

Honda Civic 10th Generation (2016-2021)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
442 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix whining noise during acceleration in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

Component
Engine
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.
  • ⚠Allow the engine to cool before inspecting or replacing components to avoid burns.

Symptoms

  • •Whining noise becomes more pronounced when accelerating
  • •Noise may vary with engine RPM
  • •Possible loss of power during acceleration
  • •Increased engine vibrations
  • •No check engine light illuminated

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Inspect the serpentine belt for wear or damage.
  2. 2Check the tension of the serpentine belt and adjust if necessary.
  3. 3Examine the alternator and power steering pump for signs of failure.
  4. 4Listen closely to locate the source of the whining noise (engine, transmission, or differential).
  5. 5Check fluid levels in the transmission and differential.
  6. 6Scan for any hidden error codes using an OBD-II scanner.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather tools and parts needed for the repair.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal to ensure safety.

2. Inspect and Replace Serpentine Belt

  1. Inspect the belt: Look for cracks, fraying, or signs of wear.
  2. Remove the belt: Use a socket wrench to relieve tension on the tensioner and slide the belt off.
  3. Replace with a new belt: Ensure it matches OEM specifications. Install the new belt, following the correct routing.

3. Check and Service Alternator

  1. Inspect the alternator: Look for any unusual noises or movement.
  2. Test the alternator: Use a multimeter to check voltage output; it should be between 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
  3. Replace if faulty: If the alternator is defective, remove it by unbolting and disconnecting wiring, then install a new one.

4. Examine Power Steering Pump

  1. Inspect the power steering pump: Look for leaks or unusual noise.
  2. Check fluid level: Ensure fluid is at the correct level and top up if necessary.
  3. Replace if necessary: If the pump is making noise, remove it by unbolting and disconnecting hoses, then install a new unit.

5. Transmission and Differential Inspection

  1. Check fluid levels: Verify that transmission and differential fluids are at the correct levels.
  2. Inspect for leaks: Look for signs of fluid leakage around seals and gaskets.
  3. Replace fluids: If low, drain and refill with the appropriate type of fluid as specified in the owner's manual.

Tools Required:

  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Multimeter
  • OBD-II scanner
  • Screwdrivers

Parts Required:

  • Serpentine belt
  • Alternator (if needed)
  • Power steering pump (if needed)
  • Transmission fluid
  • Differential fluid

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

  • Disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.
  • Allow the engine to cool before inspecting or replacing components to avoid burns.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Multimeter
  • OBD-II scanner
  • Screwdrivers

Parts Required

  • Serpentine belt
  • Alternator (if needed)
  • Power steering pump (if needed)
  • Transmission fluid
  • Differential fluid

Additional Information

Component

Engine

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

5 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why does my Honda Civic have a rough engine noise when idling

    Learn how to diagnose and fix rough engine noise when idling in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Engine noise that is loud or irregular when idling
    • •Vibration felt in the cabin or steering wheel
    • +{count} more
  2. how to fix the P0133 code on Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)

    P0133

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0133 oxygen sensor issues in Honda Civic 2012-2015. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructio...

    Component:Exhaust System
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Decreased fuel efficiency
    • +{count} more
  3. why is my Honda Civic's fuel gauge not working properly

    Learn how to diagnose and fix fuel gauge issues in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Fuel System
    Symptoms
    • •Fuel gauge shows empty even with fuel in the tank
    • •Erratic fuel gauge readings while driving
    • +{count} more
  4. why does my Honda Civic feel like it's losing acceleration power

    Learn how to diagnose and fix loss of acceleration power in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Reduced engine power during acceleration
    • +{count} more
  5. how to fix P0420 code on Honda Civic 9th Generation (2012-2015)

    P0420

    Learn how to diagnose and fix P0420 catalytic converter issues in Honda Civic 2012-2015. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair inst...

    Component:Exhaust System
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Decreased fuel efficiency
    • +{count} more
  6. why does my Honda Civic make a noise when I accelerate hard

    Learn how to diagnose and fix noise during hard acceleration in Honda Civic. Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and repair instructions.

    Component:Exhaust System
    Symptoms
    • •Noise increases in volume as acceleration intensifies
    • •Possible vibration felt through the steering wheel or pedals
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation