I have an '09 base Fit auto trans with 23k miles on it. I've been noticing an occasional raspy-sounding "squawk" noise which sounds like a dry bearing coming from the engine at times. Been doing this ever since I got it with 15k miles on it. Had it in 2 months ago for the LMS recall, but they didn't find anything then.

Doesn't matter whether the motor is cold or hot. It won't do it when idling or if you blip the throttle. Doesn't matter whether the A/C or headlights are on, and since there's no P/S pump that's out. Most times it does it during light acceleration, usually when the trans is about to shift from 2nd to 3rd, the squawk lasts 1 or 2 seconds then it's fine. Not every time, but often enough it isn't "normal". If I were to guess, it sounds like the serpentine belt tensioner bearing may be worn or dry, and as the engine rocks a little due to torque during a shift, this changes the load on the tensioner. Any of you guys ever had this going on?

I tried putting my camcorder inside the engine bay to record the sound, but there's too much background noise. I'll try to record it another way so you can hear a sound clip, maybe that will help pin it down better.

 

only noise I've heard from mine (09 Base auto) that approaches "raspy squawk" is the door lock periodically. Thought it was me passing gas.

Automatic transmissions are actuated by solenoids controlling valves switching fluid pressurized by pumps and maintained by accumulators. Plenty of opportunity for odd noises.

I'd probably get the fluid changed early. The current AT fluid Honda uses is a better quality (so I've read) than the factory fill in 09s. Can't hurt and it might clean out some gunk.

 

My door locks are prob the quietest thing on the car . The trans shifts perfectly under all situations, including if I hear the noise.

I drive pretty conservative, but I wring it out for fun on occasion, not a hint of anything wrong. I'll floor it on a freeway on ramp all the way to 70 or so, sounds nice, very smooth.

Last month I had it in the mountains on some very steep grades. The trans actually seems "intelligent" how it shifts. Even at 70-80% or more throttle on a long uphill hard pull, it keeps rpm down when possible without straining. I feed her premium then to avoid any chance of detonation (none ever on 87 anyway).

I'll prob go ahead and do the trans fluid at the next oil change, 40% left now. Switching to Mobil 1 0W-20 and Honda OEM filter. Clowns at Carmax put bulk oil and stupid CarQuest filter on when I got it

 

Any updates? Mine has a similar problem.

 

Serpentine belt?