Ringing/Humming Noise on Long Drives and Maintenance

MOUNTAIN123PEAK

MEMBER
2010 HONDA ODYSSEY
21,000 MILES

Hello,

I noticed that my 2010 Honda Odyssey EX makes a ringing/humming noise at high speeds (over 65 mph) on long drives (over 140 miles of constant driving). Is this normal? Can I still drive without fixing the problem and without causing long-term damage to the vehicle?

My second question is, what is the best way to maintain my A/C system so that it lasts long without giving problems? Is too much local driving with A/C turned on a burden on the compressor? Are there other things I should avoid doing in order to keep A/C system in good shape?

Thanks.

3 Replies

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

1st question: I really need a little more detail from you in order to answer that question. Other wise I'd be guessing and that wouldn't do you any good.
A. Can you tell where the noise is coming from: Front, back, engine compartment, wheels/tires?
B. Does the noise increase with speed, temperature? When you step on the gas, apply the brakes?
C. Are there any warning lights on the dashboard? If so, have you had the computer scanned?

2nd question: Your vehicle owners manual will state all manufactures recommended service intervals. They should always be followed. Other than periodically replacing the serpentine belts and cabin air filter (If included), there's no maintenance for the A/C system. Also, your A/C system is a "Sealed system", meaning if it ever becomes necessary to add refrigerant, then there's a leak in the system that needs to be fixed.

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 10:47 AM

MOUNTAIN123PEAK

MEMBER
77 POSTS

I can't really tell where the noise is coming from. It seems like it might be coming from the sides. It's not too loud and not too annoying, but is noticeable. It also seems like it happened on one part of the highway but not the other. I am thinking, maybe it has to do with the road type, like how newly paved it is? Or maybe it was the fact that I drove over that part of the highway where the noise happened after about 3 hours.

The noise neither increases nor decreases when I step on the gas or apply the brakes. But it seems like if I have been driving at less than 60 mph for a while, it disappears. There are no warning lights on the dashboard. When I went to the shop to rotate and balance my tires (I did this before noticing the noise), the mechanic looked over everything and said the van was in very good condition (we have had this car for about a week now so mechanic thought it would be a good idea to look it over). I might just leave it and ignore it for now because this noise might be common to Honda Odyssey vans.

I will read over the Owner's Manual to make sure I know the service intervals, etc. Thanks again for your advice.

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 11:11 AM

ERNEST CLARK

MECHANIC
1,730 POSTS

On your next drive, take someone with you and try to recreate this issue. Your passenger can help you safely pinpoint where the noise seems to be coming from, as well as help describe what it sounds like. In the meantime, take note to what exactly you need to do to recreate this sound, for example: How long have you been driving, how fast are you going, what temp is the car running at, are you on a highway, street, etc. The more details you can supply me with, the more accurate my information will be to you.

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Tuesday, June 11th, 2013 AT 11:28 AM