2002 Honda Civic Engine Knock

HONDA CIVIC
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ALLANC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2002 Honda Civic EX coupe. It has 25,000 miles on it. It's a good car but recently I have been having this problem with it - knocking noise coming from the engine when pressing on the gas pedal at freeway/highway speeds. I recently had the power steering and pump replaced and after that, I started experiencing this problem. I took it to the dealership for a diagnostic test and they said all the readings from my car match Honda's specifications. Now it doesn't mean that the knocking noise is not there but if everything is normal, then why am I hearing this knocking noise from the engine? They charged me $110 for the diagnostic test jus to tell me they couldn't figure it out, basically. I feel I was ripped off.

I don't know what else to do, please help.
Mar 17, 2006 at 10:19 PM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
No knocking noise is good. With that many miles I doubt if it is an engine knock. I suspect when they replaced the power steering pump they either left the pully loose or it isn't aligned. Look in the yellow pages and find a non factory Honda shop and get them to listen to the noise. They like to find things the Honda shop can't.

Get a work order verifying the noise and return to the Honda store and speak to the Service manager-NOT a service advisor. Speak loud and upset!

Before you do that, see if you can "wiggle" the power steering pully. Let me know!
Mar 29, 2006 at 8:25 AM
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MACAT
  • MEMBER
  • 17 POSTS
good call could be power steering pump going out but also check the fuel grade requirment, some vehicles will just not run properly with a lower fuel grade and will sometimes knock/ping on acceleration.
check it out.
Jun 6, 2006 at 4:34 PM

Suggested Repair

After the power steering pump replacement, check whether the power steering pulley is loose or misaligned and have an independent Honda shop listen to and document the noise. Also confirm the vehicle is using the required fuel grade, since lower-octane fuel can cause ping or knock on acceleration.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 Honda Civic EX with 25,000 miles developed an engine knocking noise when accelerating at highway speeds after the power steering pump was replaced. A dealer diagnostic found readings within Honda specifications but did not identify the noise. One reply suggested the pulley may be loose or misaligned and recommended an independent shop inspection and a documented work order. Another reply suggested verifying the correct fuel grade because lower-grade fuel can cause knock or ping on acceleration.

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