CIVIC 98 EX problem

I own a Honda Civic 98 EX. I am experiancing a strange problem the past few days. Sometimes when I press gently on the gas, I hear a metal-to-metal or metal-dragging-on-floor sound. It doesn't always happen. When it does occur, it usually happens when I move from a stop position to an accelerate condition. It would make the noise for only a few seconds or if I press hard enough on the gas, it goes away. It seems to occure more often on a cold start, or when I accelerate in a turn. No warning lights light up on the dash when this happens. I don't see anything hanging under the car. Anybody have any idea what it could be?

Thanks

my first guess would be to check the cv boots and joints. after that move to the axles and to the transmission. make sure everything is still connected together tightly and lubed up.

i've had that problem before ....my car was rattling and the problem with mines was the head shield u might wanna check the heat shield .....mines did the exact same thing rattles then stops after u push hard on the gas.......

yea mines did the same thing.
My heat shield was bent and i took it to honda and they fixed it for free.

Honda has a recall on 99-00 headers because they can start to make some noise and then crack completely, i dont know but it should include 98s as well. Oh and they can replace it if you experience problems and its covered by warranty. It's prob not the noise you hear but im takin a stab at it.

Locate where the odd noise is coming from first... before jumping into conclusions...

Locate where the odd noise is coming from first... before jumping into conclusions...

Yep, could be anything... Open your hood and start tapping to see if you can duplicate the sound. If not, just sell the car... its your last hope...

Here is more details of when the problem occurs. Every time I rev the engine up 2.5K RPM and the let it coast back to just above 1K RPM and then press gently on the gas, I hear the metal-againts-metal scratching sound. It always seem to happen when I do this.

dont do that.

i'm pretty sure it's something wrong w/ ur heat shield but like xivera said locate where u hear it from first.....

Originally posted by Pilot
Honda has a recall on 99-00 headers because they can start to make some noise and then crack completely, i dont know but it should include 98s as well. Oh and they can replace it if you experience problems and its covered by warranty. It's prob not the noise you hear but im takin a stab at it.


u got any more info on that recall???

Thanks for the help everybody. Looks like you guys were right. My heat shield was damage. Anybody got any reasons as hot it got damage? Is it just normal wear and tear?

Originally posted by JuMBoBeaTS
u got any more info on that recall???

I don't know but it may just be in Canada...if you're worried just call your local honda and ask em. They told me that I should come back when my car's at around 100km , or if I hear any noise.

Since it is under your car you may have hit a bump. My cuzzin was drving my car without his glasses and it was at night and ran over the sidewalk. I was pissed, but i had to forgive and forget.

I have a 97 EX and i have the same problem the heat shield on the catalytic converter rusted off the bolt in one corner so it vibrates now. This is normal wear and tear especially if you live in the north with winters. Just bring to the dealership and make replce it for free since it is technically part of your emmisions equipment so the government makes them warranty it.