I have an '04 rear wheel auto sedan and i've been noticing a unusual grunt out of the drivetrain. It occurs when i put the car in drive and drive about 20-30 feet. It sounds as if the rear end is engaging or something that that nature. It also happens when i go from reverse and put the car in drive and drive a few feet foward. Is this a normal sound?

 

You should get that checked out. I never had anything like that when I had the auto.

04 Sedan 6MT | Diamond Graphite/Graphite | Premium

 

Are you sure this isn't a sound that happens at around 7mph? That would be the antilock brake system initializing itself. I think they all do that

2003.5 5AT Sedan Black/Black Premium/Winter Packages

 

Its probably just the ABS system doing its diagnostic. I wouldn't worry about it, mine has been doing it for almost 2 years with no problem. Mention it at the next service just to be safe, but I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

 

Its ABS? Sounded to me like the Timing chain. I get the same sound.

 

I get that sound when I start out on a down hill.
My Accord did the same thing.
It sounds like the trany gears engaging.

2003.5~AT~S~Carribean Blue~Graphite Leather~Premium Pkg.~Winter Pkg.~Wood Trim~Xpel Clear Bra "You can't win if you don't play the game" (New England)

 

If it sound like the tranny gear engaing and it is everytime you start the car and go a few yards (7mph) then its got to be the ABS. Yes it is kind of loud

2003 G35 Black Sedan

 

i've talked to a friend and he also said his has been making the noise since day one. the dealer said that it was just the abs system engaging itself.

 

then its all good

 

I had a similar experience except I have a 6MT. I had done a particularly spectacular donut that left really thick tyre marks on the ground and after that the car had a squeaking sound from the rear axle area at really slow speeds. I just let the car sit for a few hours and once it cooled down it went away. I'm guessing it was the diff overheating. Hasn't happened since although I haven't done anything like that (or at least that heavily) since that time.