2001 Honda Accord popping sound

JSCHOF86

MEMBER
2001 HONDA ACCORD
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
203,000 MILES

Car makes a loud popping sound when initially placing into reverse and backing up. It only makes the loud popping when I actually press on the gas and move backwards and it is worse if I give it more gas and not as bad if I back up slowly. It also makes the noise when I initially place the car in drive and move forward but it doesn't sound as bad as when in reverse. I don't hear it after that first time I put it into gear. The transmission runs pretty good for as old as the car is, the only thing wrong with the transmission is every now and then it will hesitate when it needs to down shift and I give it a little bit of gas and it starts working normal again. I'm just not sure if the popping is from the transmission or another part. Hopefully you could give me so info that can help. Thanks!

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,867 POSTS

The best suspect is a collapsed engine mount. That's not a safety issue but the constant over-flexing of hoses and wiring harnesses can lead to other failures. One of the mounts limits how much the engine can rock when you switch between reverse and drive. It is two metal brackets with a rubber isolator in between to dampen engine vibration. That rubber part deteriorates over time, then the metal parts bang against each other.

You might be able to prove this by placing the transmission in "park", opening the hood, then trying to push the car forward and backward by hand. You'll see the engine rock a little, but if it moves a lot, you'll likely hear the mount banging too.