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2000 Buick sounds like a moped/lawnmower...
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aimi_m
New User
Jun 17, 2009, 5:36 AM
Post #1 of 2
(3779 views)
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2000 Buick sounds like a moped/lawnmower...
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My car is a 2000 Buick Century, with 150,000 miles. I apologize that I don't currently know the type of engine, but I believe it's a V4, and it has automatic transmission. Overall it's run great since I "inherited" it from my parents. I'd like to preface this by saying I'm a 25-year-old woman, and in the past when I've taken my car to the mechanic, I feel like I often get "the runaround" -- i.e., problems with the car are not explained in a specific, detailed, and easy-to-understand manner. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting ripped off, even though it may not be true. I'm a very smart cookie and while I don't know a lot about cars, I always appreciate frank and open advice. Reading through these forums a bit it seems like I'll get that here, so here goes!
About 3 months ago, the car had a problem with the catalytic converter. I was not driving the car at the time (my parents were using it) but my father said that it would not accelerate beyond about 60mph and shook when he tried to do so. The part was replaced and it seemed to run just fine when I got it back. About two days ago, however, just driving along at about 45mph, I noticed a faint-ish noise that sounded like it was coming from the engine. The best way I can describe it is like hearing a moped from a distance; my boyfriend says it sounds like a lawnmower engine (not the blades). The car drives fine other than the noise -- it accelerates and decelerates no problem, I can brake normally, I don't notice any shaking or knocking, and it starts right up hot and cold. I do *not* hear the sound when the car is just idling, it takes driving about 25mph before the sound is noticeable. After hitting 25mph the sound stays, I've driven it 65mph and the sound remains. If I brake to below 25mph, I don't notice it anymore. It doesn't seem to get louder or softer at any particular mph but does climb slightly higher in pitch if I am traveling at faster speeds. It's not a super-loud sound, but it is noticeable. I don't really know what could have caused it, it seemed to start randomly.
I am not sure if it's related, but also, the A/C does not work in the car. It's very possible that it just needs freon, though....
I am wondering if it could be a problem with the (now replaced) catalytic converter, or if it's some other kind of problem. After speaking to a mechanic friend, it seems like perhaps it's an exhaust problem? He said that it might be that the connection from the engine to the exhaust system/muffler could be broken or loose or rusted, or any combination of the above. Unfortunately, this friend is out-of-state and I can't take my car to his shop :) I intend on taking my car to the mechanic as soon as possible, though it's hard with my work schedule (and the fact that our other car decided to blow a head gasket yesterday... car problems come all together, don't they??). I want to be able to say something more than "Gee, my car sounds like a moped" and furthermore, if it's an issue of something like loose nuts or bolts... I have a jack, a good set of tools, and a very handy boyfriend, and I'm not afraid to use them! Any ideas, fixes, or ways to check on what the problem might be myself would be of great use to me. I haven't really done anything so far other than listen carefully as I'm driving to hear if the sound changes -- it seems pretty steady, but as I said, only a slight change in pitch as I drive at faster speeds.
Thanks in advance for time and any advice you have. This car has been good to me, and I would like to be good in return and get the problem fixed as best I can.
(This post was edited by aimi_m on Jun 17, 2009, 5:45 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jun 20, 2009, 1:53 PM
Post #2 of 2
(3767 views)
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Re: 2000 Buick sounds like a moped/lawnmower...
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Tag/decal underhood will say engine size.
Seems like an exhaust leak and without being there it's near impossible to suggesst what to do. If you see a spot describe it and perhaps we can help,
T
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