13th Nov 2005, 19:17
I have owned '97 Passport for 2 years, with increased ticking. I became afraid, had engine checked, was told it was o.k. Engine Restore removes ticking. I am now happy.
25th Dec 2005, 14:50
I have a 1994 2WD Passport. I currently have 229,000 miles on the original engine and tranny. I get the ticking noise, especially when the weather is cold (Oregon). The oil weight really seems to play in this. I use 10/40 normally, but when I use 10/30 during winter you can really hear it banging away sometimes.
I had the timing belt along with water pump and related parts changed by the dealer at the 100k and 190k mile points. Both times it was under $900. I've never been stranded or have had any leaks. On the down side, I've had to replace the brakes every 60k. Maybe that's not bad. The transmission is just starting to show signs of wear and I had the starter replaced once. The driver side is a little cramped for me at 6ft and 250 after a lite lunch.
The body and paint are in great condition. I'd like to get a new car, but the thought of $300-400 payments when all she needs is maybe $1500 work...
11th Mar 2006, 18:35
My '95 had the same occasional ticking noise, usually worse just before oil change, and went away after. Interesting how it happened right around 3000 miles. Had belts, waterpump, and timing belt replaced at 198000 when the timing belt tensioner went out. The heater didn't get very warm, and the defroster was slow. Otherwise a great car... I think I just needed a new thermostat. Some of the window switches burned up, but it was like that when I got it, so I'm not sure what happened. Then I slid on ice and slammed into a guardrail, so it's not a problem for me anymore... I miss the truck.
25th Oct 2007, 09:19
I have had my 1996 Honda Passport for 7 years now. It has 112,000 miles. It's white with black trim. I put a bug deflector on and a snowboarding rack which looks really good. This truck is very good in the snow. It's gotten me out of many sticky situations. Every winter, the ticking noise seems to get worse, and it's good to know that it is not a big deal.
Lately my passport has been making another noise. It's coming from underneath the front passenger side. It sounds like rocks in a tin can. It's especially loud when I push the gas at 45 mph. It's loud and sometimes a little embarassing. If you have any ideas let me know. Thanks.
10th Sep 2008, 09:31
I bought a 1994 passport and when I drove home for the first time I noticed that sound. It has 220000on it and the water pump leaks a little. I can say that its the best car that I have ever owned.
11th Sep 2008, 13:07
The noise from underneath your truck is the muffler separating. It rattles like crazy.
20th Sep 2008, 22:30
I have a 1994 LX 4x4 with the 3.2 litre motor.
Yes the ticking is very widespread for this vehicle. Mine has 169000 miles on it. I have managed to get most of the ticking to stop though when I tried "Royal Purple" oil. I am not trying to advertise for them in the least, just stating my own experience. I use 10w30 April through October and 5w30 November through March. And yes; I shudder every time I change it (every 3500 miles) as I pay almost 8.00 per quart.
If you go to replace the clutch in the manual 3.2 litre, check Wiki answers on 1994 Passport clutch. The Haynes manual is missing information on the release bearing that will drive you crazy trying to figure it out.
19th Dec 2008, 06:30
The tapping noise coming on the 3.2L V6 is probably the idler gear. I posted a few years back (or only a few post ago) and forgot to mention that when I had my timing belt replaced the noise went away for 100,000 miles or so. I had 220K when I sold mine for a Trooper.
I also found out that replacing the transmission filter does wonders. It really brings back performance but can be pricey. The 3.2L engines is a little weak but much more reliable than the 3.5L which is still under powered anyway. The slight hp increase isn't worth the expense, in my opinion. They both burn a little too much gas.
That being said I really like both the Passport (Rodeo) and the Trooper, especially in snow and ice. You'll learn to feed them with silly little parts to keep them happy and you'll also need to spend a few minutes each week checking the oil level. I'll end by saying buy the best shocks and brakes you can afford and stay away from trees!
3rd Feb 2009, 21:03
I'm glad I found this web site. My 94 is green with grey interior, 3.2 has tapping sound and window button problems also, so I guess that all is well.
Looking forward, to putting another 100,000 miles on her as it is at 163,450.
3rd Mar 2009, 16:41
Nice site... I bought my 1997 Honda Passport about 5 years ago. December 08 it had 148,000 miles on it, and up till then took me back and forth with several 1000+ mile trips back home to Kentucky from Alabama. That baby could eat up some road.
Up till then I put on an alternator, also a starter.
One night, while on the way home from work, it made a loud squealing sound and started running hot then stopped! I did a good job on my brakes and bearings because I almost coasted all the way back home. I got it into the garage, and stated how dare you break down on me. Not knowing the engine well, but confident in my skills, I took it down. The idler pulley failed, spitting ball bearings that flew into the water pump pulley and shredding the belt and top belt pulleys. Glad I was not at high speed because I think it is a interference engine.
Since I had more time than money, I have spent the better part of 3 months tearing it down. I am now happy to say I am at the point of putting it back together. New oil pan gasket, all timing belt pulleys and belt, new head gaskets and bolts, valve cover gaskets, replaced some bad water cooling hoses. All new fan pulley belts. Not to mention will recharge air and do full oil change. Engine parts painted valve covers timing belt covers upper and lower and mounting brackets painted red.
She sure is pretty and she will run again! I love my truck because I can save labor costs! Too bad this site won't allow photos.
22nd Sep 2005, 19:32
1996 Passport, 3.2L.
I do like this SUV... It sure does eat a lot of oil and the ticking noise fluctuates a bit, sometimes it's there, sometimes not so much. Sounds like I shouldn't sweat the ticking noise so I'll just make sure it's maintained properly. Also the passenger window switch (on the driver's side switch panel) won't send the window down. Not sure if I'll go ahead and pay $200 for a whole panel of switches on account of one lousy switch. Thanks for the comments!