is this normal?

I have a an 96 accord lx non vtec, automatic. When I put my key in the car
and tap on the brakes theres a clicking sound in where the shifter is at.
Why is this? Or is it normal?

 

You're hearing the shift release. That is the mechanism that prevent you
from shifting out of park without having the break pedal pressed. I've
heard that sounds on older accords before. As far as being normal though,
I'm not sure. Did you just buy the car and are wondering about the sound or
did it just sounds making it?

 

no i had it for awhile i also put a different gear shifter on it. But i
noticed it for awhile but wasnt sure if its normal. Like i said i tap the
brake pedal and sounds like somewthings hitting that stick but you sound
right.

 

A lot of cars do that. As stated, it's the shift release. Don't worry
about it.

 

It is actually a solenoid, not a relay.

 

thanks guys for the help.

 

Yeah, it's normal. I have the same sound on my 98 accord. It's a relay that
switches on and off depending if you're holding the pedal up or down and
works in the way the previous poster described. You can even open it up and
see exactly where the relay is (relay is an elecromagnetic switch). Kind of
like a transistor but it uses different principles to switch on/off.

--Viktor

 

Same thing.

--Viktor

 

No, Viktor, they are not the same thing. A switch can be either mechanical
(relay) or purely electrical (as some transistors are) but a solenoid (by
definition) must incorporate both an electrical and a mechanical component
(such as the actuating mechanism on an auto starter). I agree that both
perform the same basic function and that the difference is really rather
picayune but there is a difference.

Dave D

 

Yes, Dave. I agree. I meant it in terms of practical use they are the same.
They both do the same thing. Of course their mechanisms are a little
different but that's not important for this discussion. The reason I
mentioned relay is because most people know more about relays than they do
about solenoids.

--Viktor

 

From your other posts, Viktor, I was fairly certain that was what you meant
but I thought I would get a kinder, gentler disagreement put in before
certain others here attacked with vigor! (Hehe, if you get my meaning). I am
sure that more are familiar with relays than solenoids (or at least they
think they are) because they use the term relay and solenoid interchangable
rather than correctly but you are correct in the fact that the technical
correct term should take second place to the function as that is what is
important. Keep up the good work.

Dave D

 

I've been around, I know the risks, trust me

interchangable

I agree. In order for people to relate, you have to mention the more used
term and I'd think more people know/think they know what a relay is compared
to a solenoid. I'm sure you understand.

Right. Technical advice is good for people who want to learn or might have
tech background. If someone wants to get a quick-fix I don't give them all
the tech-talk unless they specifically ask for it. I agree with you though.
This newsgroup is about learning and tech-talk is preferable. Glad you
pointed that out. Keep the information flowing. That's why we're here
afterall!

--Viktor