I recently purchased an `03 LX automatic. During cold starts, I notice more noise and roughness/vibration from the engine than I expected. After the engine warms up for several minutes it seems to settle down and sound and feel smoother.

I noticed a few other threads discussing a "rattle" under similar conditions, so maybe this is somewhat normal for this engine? I only have 1000 miles on the car so far, so maybe this is a break-in situation? I'm coming from a Grand Prix 3.8 L V-6. I do expect a bit more noise and vibration from the LX's I-4.

Also at freeway cruising speeds (65 to 75 mph), I'm getting a noticeable amount of vibration through the accelerator pedal. I guess that the gearing of the automatic is such that the engine is getting to a bit of a high rev.

Any comments from other owners out there? Is there something that I should have the dealer look for? I love the car overall, but I hoped the engine was going to be a bit more refined. Thanks for any suggestions or comments!

 

The "engine rattle" is normal. It just the VCTS system rattling against the stops. There have been TONS of posts on this topic, as you have seen. There's nothing the dealer can, or will do about it at this time.

As for the vibration through the pedal, I couldn't tell ya, but I'd have to say that it was due to the auto tranny.


Also, welcome to the forum

 

Thanks for the welcome and confirmation about the noise. I'm sure I can adjust over time.

 

Hey Sohl

Once you begin to drive your car
you won't even notice your car is shaking or have high rpms
I don't and I have a 1.6L engine(plus, it's my 1st car)

You have a great car, great suspension and great looks.
hook it up, and you won't even notice

generally, it is a good idea to let the car warm up before driving it, I always do that, winter/summer whenever, good for the engine.
hope it helps

p.s. Welcome to the club

 

you get used to it after awhile...i'm used to much better engineered 4 cylinders that were no where near as thrashy as the 2.0 in these cars...but i bought the car for its mix of handling and hauling capacity and not its engine

 

True, my last car was a volkswagen golf and let me tell you that I am a little bit frustrated about this engine. With my last car I was able to do 700 Km with a small tank of 40 liters, it was more nervous, the sound was 100% better and the best part is that this engine was 14 years olds...This engine liked to be beat badly, but the mazda engine is capricious and doesn't like to take a beat-up. I will try to put a better intake because the stock intake look restrictive and I save money to get the 1.8T GTI for my next car. I just dont have the feeling that this car can take a beat up and survive longer than 4 years.

Sory, but this is my 2 cents dont take it personnal.

 

vw isn't know for its engines either...the 1.8t and maybe the vr6 are good engines but the 2.0 n/a four just sucks

 

If you dont like the rattle, take it to you dealer. They will reprogram the ECU and your rattling will be gone, I did it and I it sounds much better.

 

Hows your fuel economy now? I've heard the ECU flash will cure most of the cold engine VTCS rattle, but gas milage goes to hell.

This is why I just disconnected my VTCS vacuum hose....