I have a new AC 500 Auto and when starting out, or travelling at low speed in high range, the transmission or something in the drive train makes sort of a buzzing noise. It sounds sort of like a garbage disposal with walnut shells dumped in it. As soon as the speed reaches 5 mph or so, the noise goes away. Not having another AC auto transmission quad around, I don't know if the noise is normal or not.

Just wondering if anyone else has the same noise, or if there's something wrong with my machine?

Thanks,

Bob

 

That noise does not sound normal!!! I have heard of bolts in the belt housing backing out and creating havoc such as you are describing. I would suggest take it to the dealer or pop the cover off and take a
look-see. How many miles? Did it just start making this noise?

 

i have a 2001 500 auto and mine started doing the same thing...turned out to be dirt in the drive cluch and it was an easy fix check and make sure your belt housing is not leaking

 

It could also be vibration, AC's vibrate. My 500i vibrates at certain speeds.

 

Thanks to all who replied. It only has 50 miles on it and I think I first noticed the noise right away. It's more of just a noise than a vibration, and I don't think I can feel it. I'll pop off the cover and take a look. I've been real curious what it looks like in there anyway. I've worked on a lot of two wheeled bikes and this is my first 4 wheeler but I guess bolts are bolts and I can figure it out.
I'll check the oil in the gears and differentials to see if there is any metal in any of it too, since I'm not exactly sure where the noise is coming from. It's the same in low range or high range.

Other than the funny noise at low speed, I really like this thing. I've had a few second thoughts about the automatic, since even with trucks and cars I've always been a die-hard manual shifter. But I think I'm going to adjust to it.

Thanks again,

Bob



Thanks again,

Bob

 

I think it would be pretty easy to narrow down the source of this noise; you could leave your transmission selector in neutral and rev up the engine slightly (enough to engage the drive clutches), if the noise is not present then that points to a 'drivetrain' problem (IE, driveshafts, axles, wheel bearings, even brake discs..) Try driving in reverse at slow speeds to isolate the noise (if present in reverse)..If you can eliminate a 'drivetrain' problem, then next investigate the belt housing as a possible source. (Try removing the drain plug at the bottom of the housing, and revving the engine fully several times to 'dry out' the belt drive clutches, then re-test for the noise. I believe this is mentioned in the manual.) If you can eliminate the belt housing, it's probably internal, inside the engine case....In which case GET IT BACK TO THE DEALER!!

 

Thanks Delta. It looks like your machine is identical to mine, and you clearly don't have this noise. I want to make sure I have a good idea what is causing the noise before I take it to the dealer, so they won't be able to give me the usual runaround "They all do that."

It's never been in the water, so I don't see how the clutch pack could be wet, but I'll check it anyway as part of the process of elimination. Since the noise goes away at a speed of over a few miles per hour, it does sort of seem like it might be from the clutch chattering until it's fully engaged. It does it both accellerating and decellerating though.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Well, I went for a ride after work today, and it was making the same buzzy noise at low speed, but then I noticed that it disappeared after a few miles as the machine warmed up. When I got back home I couldn't make it make the noise even by trying. I think this is a good sign, that it disappears as it warms up, that confuses me even more about the cause. Definitely somewhere in the drivetrain, and not the engine.

Bob