I concur with braddonc. I own both 97 prelude and 01 S2K ... the sound is normal for the ABS systems... Happens every time.

 

00SType, been think about this a little more now that you brought it up, if it is indeed the ABS system making this noise, I wonder if it's not a self test at all but actually a sequence to exercise the ABS solenoids or valves or ???????...

You know like the old rules that you're supposed to switch on the A/C once in a while or engage 4WD periodically to exercise and keep seals wet or whatever. I don't know, maybe??????

 

Hi RT,

Good point. I finally decided to 'RTFM' about the ABS System, and my take is that the self-check is performed right after start-up (while the ABS dash light is on) & the ABS light will not turn off is something is wrong. Since this 'groan' occurs after the ABS light has turned off (i.e. after the self-check is complete), perhaps this *is* some systematic cycling of the ABS (and the high frequency brake pulsing results in the 'groan').

Another data point...I spoke with a friend today that owns a '96 Odyssey and a '99 Prelude, and both cars exhibit the same thing (apparently, the Odyssey's 'groan' is *very* loud). From memory, however, my friend seemed to recall that the sound in both cars occurs shortly after start-up; without waiting for the car to roll forward. Maybe different system algorithms in these cars?

I still have several questions about this...

o why would this be necessary?
o why must the S2000 be rolling forward?
o why didn't I feel this in three Accords with ABS?
o why ...?

Now, I'm not saying that this isn't the ABS, but I just want to understand what the Honda brake guys were thinking...and I've never been good at accepting 'just because' for an answer.

Thanks so much again for your inputs (as well as everyone else's). Again, my mind has been put at ease knowing that this 'groan' is not abnormal...so now I only have to worry about how to avoid getting my first door ding! :-)

Take care.

 

Instant fix for your problem:

Turn up your stereo really loud before you depart or get some ear plugs.

 

Are you my sister? Or maybe my mom?

BTW 00SType, mine will do it rolling backwards too.

 

I may have the solution. Mine is pretty damned loud because I damaged it. Then again, it may not be this... Is it coming from the front of the car, in front of the driver side (US) wheel? Have someone listen or listen yourself outside the car.

It may be....
The Secondary Pulsed Air Intake Pump
(18760-PCX-003 - $378.00).

According to Honda's paper "Development of the High-Power, Low-Emission Engine for the 'Honda S2000'" (available at SAE.org for $10 / PDF download):

"6.2. AIR PUMP SYSTEM

 

Now *this* is interesting...

I don't know exactly where this is coming from, but the friend of mine with the Odyssey & Prelude and I both "feel" this through the seat, steering wheel, accelerator, etc. I don't really hear anything, but I'll have to check it out.

BTW RT, mine only happens going forward. This happens after...

o pulling back about five car lengths out of my driveway,
o pulling back about one car length from the parking spot I use at work, or even
o pulling straight forward after getting gas.

From all the little 'experiments' I've tried, I've concluded that my car only exhibits this going forward, and this is not time-dependent. The saga continues! :-)


Thanks again, you guys!

 

The situation I get it going backwards is when backing down the driveway, at relatively high speed, with the clutch depressed (like 10 mph).

Try going faster in reverse, just to see.

 

It could also be the Limited slip differential.

 

Yeah, at first I thought this may be the LSD, but I couldn't explain why the car would exhibit the problem when going straight. Also, do Odysseys and Preludes have LSDs? Recall that my friend's Odyssey and Prelude do the same thing.

And I stand corrected, RT...I tried backing out a little quicker/longer in the parking structure today at work, and guess what? I've got it in reverse, too. Being packed in like sardines here in the Bay Area doesn't leave too much room for long driveways! :-)

Thanks again.