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1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise


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JamesT.
New User

Nov 26, 2009, 6:38 PM

Post #1 of 8 (4043 views)
1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

My car has the 3.8L V6 with automatic, 94,000 miles. I drive the car once a week.

When I start the car cold (40F or so), it makes an odd sound, a rapid erdle-erdle-erdle noise. Not very loud, but noticeable. It only does this at idle speed. I suspect it's the transmission because it's louder when I put the car in gear. It would be nice if it was something cheaper.

It goes away after 30 seconds or so. It's much more noticeable when I'm behind the wheel than it is when I'm listening with the hood raised, but it may just be masked by other engine sounds in the latter case.

When the temperature is closer to 30F, the noise is louder and lasts somewhat longer. It goes into gear harshly during that time, but I'm not sure the two are related.

Other than that, the transmission shifts perfectly, and is quiet when warm.
Does that symptom ring a bell with anyone?


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Nov 27, 2009, 6:58 PM

Post #2 of 8 (4034 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

Capt. Kirk; That's a tough noise to guess at. Does it make this noise when the ambient temp is warmer than 40F? You may want to leave it overnight with a shop so they can have it on a lift when cold to check underneath? Fluids, both engine and transmission, are thicker when cold. May be lacking lubrication on initial start up?
Loren
SW Washington


JamesT.
New User

Nov 28, 2009, 9:39 PM

Post #3 of 8 (4024 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

Thanks for responding, Loren.

I haven't had the car long, and I wasn't starting it early in the day. The noise may have been there when the temperature was warmer, but wasn't loud enough to be noticeable. I never noticed it after stopping for an hour or two, then restarting.

It may well be that driving only once a week is part of the problem. I was just hoping someone had heard the same noise and had found out what was causing it. I'll try starting the car and putting it in reverse and drive every day, to see if that makes a difference.


basudec1909
New User

Dec 19, 2009, 12:26 PM

Post #4 of 8 (3988 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

Driving only once a week might create the problem. I was just hoping someone had heard the same noise and had found out what was causing it. I'll try starting the car and putting it in reverse and drive every day. I hope it will solve the problem.


Please delete the link from your signature ASAP...... Links are not allowed

(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Dec 19, 2009, 1:11 PM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 20, 2009, 2:08 AM

Post #5 of 8 (3980 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

Noises are usually a guess and mine is belt noise but take belt off pulleys and check those too in cases where suspected. I think this car requires removing the motor mount bolt so you can get the belt off and on - PITA. If it's ready for one anyway and you take it on you support engine with wood and a jack. Both Goodyear and Dayco make a "Quiet" belt. To be sure that was it only test by spraying WD-40 on belt - if it shuts up a new belt should solve it.

Techs will disagree but I use a flux brush and pure silicone grease on belts and have for ions. It shuts them up for quite a while and is rubber friendly. Never had a problem with slippage except perhaps the first 10 seconds and it done. It must be rubber friendly pure silicone grease and just a dab on a couple pulleys and on belt - your call as I know others won't agree with me. If it did stay slipping the tensioner is bad or the belt had stretched to the limit of what tensioner's range is. It will get better but indicates replacement of belt is a must. You would notice power steering isn't right for a while. Just my guess especially for the once a week car,

T



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Dec 20, 2009, 5:07 AM

Post #6 of 8 (3971 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

Your right, I don't agree with putting anything on a belt. The problem always comes back worse.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Dec 20, 2009, 10:12 AM

Post #7 of 8 (3964 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

I knew someone would disagreeWink As said the right grease and didn't mention is that belt dressing makes things worse in my experience. It may make a belt sticky to get home but that stuff stinks,

T



Dieselrotor
User
Dieselrotor profile image

Dec 21, 2009, 5:34 PM

Post #8 of 8 (3954 views)
Re: 1998 Buick Park Avenue Transmission Noise Sign In

A possible but unlikely cause. On those motors there was a problem with the flywheels cracking and making noise. once started and warmed up, the the plate would flex and realign enough to clear. More than likely not the case though.
Could also be a sticky lifter.
If You are not going to take it to a repair shop who will be looking for the cold noise and ready with a set of either prepositioned electronic ears (i love mine,they are aligator type clips that connect to an object then connect to a distrabution box that lets You toggle through the colored chanels to hear witch clip is the loudest) or a simple mechanics stethescope to touch accessorys or etc, to locate sound. You can buy a very inexspensive mechanics stethscope You're self and have someone start the car so You can be ready and have the most time to try and locate the area by You're self. Once the general area is diagnosed,further diagnostics may be possible by others on this thread. Or if you find the source of the noise, You may diagnose you're self too. You never know.
Good luck.






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