2006 Acura TSX makes a rattling type of noise when it is fist cranked after sitting overnight- local xperts think it is the catalytic converter.

Catalytic converter substrate may be making the rattling . Does it do it at idle in park ?

Under the car like the exhaust? Catalytic converters do that inside their metal shell or housing. Beat on it with your fist when it is cold to hear it. (Not running).

rattling noise in bell housing
lack of drive or acceleration overhaeting the transmission oil
try explaing the type of noise you have or the symptoms you have as it may not be a converter if it is not moving but a torque converter clutch solenoid /servo

only clickin i can think of that would make idling erratic is the timing has become out. and the pistons are hitting the valves. this would click or tap and eventually go bang. would not recommend reving or driving it till the timing has been checked.

I have the same problem with my 2006 acura tsx with the windows and cant figure it out...did you figure out what the problem is?...I think the child safty switch went thats all i can think of...pleasse write back thanks!

Generally when a catalytic converter is clogged, you will have backpressure issues. This would not be a random issue. Also, if the catalytic converter was failing to the point where the engine's performance would be affected the check engine light would come on. Generally it would trigger a P0420 catalytic converter failure code.

Is the check engine light coming on at all when the vehicle runs poorly? If you suspect that you converter is clogged due ot lack of acceleration, simply disconnect the catalytic converter to front down pipe and test drive. If you have more power and acceleration, then you know the converter is at fault. Sometimes a converter that is clogged will make a rattling noise if you bang on it with your fist.

Jack up front end so that you have room to crawl under vehicle to unbolt the converter from the down pipe. You will probably need to spray the bolts with PB Blaster or WD40 and allow to soak in before trying to unbolt. The exhaust hangers will keep the converter and rest of exhaust system up while you test drive. For extra security you can use a wire coat hanger to wire it up so that it doesnt drag when you take for test drive.

If the inside of the converter comes apart, part of it can get stuck in the exhaust pipe and clog it, other parts will stay in the converter and rattle if you hit. Other times the inside will either break up in two large chunks and turn sideways and clog it and it might not rattle when you hit it, or the inside melts and wont make any noise.

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i have a 2006 the catylic converter went bad thats why it smells i have to reaplce mine so its gottta be the same problem i bet! lemme know how it goes! but HAS to be IT i had the same problem

It is most likely an exhaust heat shield or a catalytic converter that is breaing apart inside. Get underthe van when it has cooled off and "thump" the exhaust with your fist to see if you can locate the rattle. Often, the heat shield welds break where they are attached to the catalytic converter. I have fixed many of them by taking 2 or 3 large screw-type hose clamps and screwing them together to make them long enough to reach all the way around the catalytic converter and tighten them down to stop the rattle. If the noise sounds like it is coming from INSIDE the converter, you will have to replace the catalyst. (or ignore the noise)

I would take it apart and try a new battery. Make sure there is no corrosion on the contacts where the battery sits. If that doesn't fix it time for a new remote. Unless you have a bunch of miles on it it may still be under warranty. See your Acura dealer.

I owned a 2005 TSX. They are great cars!

Bob

midas just wants to sell you a diagnostic. just leave.

you can either shop around the internet for a cheap aftermarket catalytic converter and order one... or just go to a local muffler shop and buy a cheap universal cat, have them install it, then wheel back to autozone and clear the engine code.

if you want to check the cat, bang on it with your fist from underneath and listen for loose material bouncing around... if you want to fix it yourself, you should be able to find one by typing "acura TL catalytic converter" into google and following the links to all the different online dealers. you should be able to find one for around $40... hope this helps...