How to Fix Battery Rattling Noise on Your 2020 Honda Fit

How to Fix Battery Rattling Noise

Experiencing a rattling noise related to the battery in your 2020 Honda Fit can be frustrating. This guide aims to help you diagnose and resolve this issue based on owner experiences and common problem areas. As one owner said, "The car sites say both the H6 and the H7 fit? I hate the stop start thing but like to keep everything in order on my cars so will get the Aux battery to."

Symptoms

Owners have reported several symptoms that can indicate a battery-related rattling noise in this vehicle. One of the primary indicators is a distinct clicking noise, particularly during starting or when the engine is running. This noise might be intermittent or constant, varying with the vehicle's operation. The sound often seems to originate from the engine bay, specifically near the battery location.

Voltage drops are also frequently associated with battery issues. If you notice that your car's electrical systems are behaving erratically, such as dimming lights or a struggling starter, it could be related to a loose or improperly secured battery. These voltage drops can lead to the car not starting reliably, adding to the concern.

Corrosion around the battery terminals is another symptom to watch for. While some corrosion is normal, excessive buildup can interfere with the battery's ability to maintain a secure connection, potentially causing it to vibrate and rattle. Keep an eye out for white or bluish deposits on the terminals. As one owner noted, "That is the kind of corrosion that should be cleaned off, but that doesn't look bad enough to cause problems. There are low-cost ($4-6) brushes designed for battery terminals."

In addition to the noise, owners have mentioned experiencing a general vibration noise. This can be subtle or quite noticeable, and it may be more apparent when the vehicle is idling or driving over rough terrain. The vibration, combined with a clicking sound, strongly suggests a battery that is not properly secured.

Most Likely Cause

Based on owner data, the most likely cause of a battery rattling noise in your 2020 Honda Fit is a loose or improperly secured battery mount, often related to the fuel system proximity. While the fuel system itself might not be the direct cause of the noise, its components' location near the battery can influence the mount and securing mechanism over time. This can lead to the battery shifting slightly within its tray, resulting in a rattling sound as the vehicle moves. Over time the plastic or metal components holding the battery in place can become brittle or corroded, resulting in slack and movement.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing a battery rattling noise involves a systematic approach to pinpoint the exact source of the problem. First, gather necessary tools, including a wrench (usually 10mm or 13mm), a socket set, gloves, eye protection, and a battery terminal cleaner or brush. Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is turned off.

Begin by visually inspecting the battery and its surroundings. Look for any signs of corrosion, loose connections, or damaged battery terminals. Check the battery tray for any cracks or damage that could prevent the battery from being properly secured. A quick visual assessment can often reveal obvious issues.

Next, try to manually move the battery within its tray. If you can easily wiggle or shift the battery, it indicates that it's not adequately secured. Pay close attention to the battery hold-down mechanism, which usually consists of clamps or straps. Make sure these are properly tightened. Also, check for slack in the cables attached to the battery terminals; loose cables can contribute to vibration and noise.

Start the engine and listen closely for the rattling noise. If the noise is present, gently press down on the battery or try to stabilize it with your hand (while being careful not to touch any metal parts of the vehicle or battery terminals simultaneously). If the noise diminishes or disappears when you apply pressure, it confirms that the battery is indeed the source of the rattle.

Finally, check the fuel system components near the battery, as any loose or vibrating parts in that area could potentially transmit vibrations to the battery tray. Although the fuel system might not be the direct cause, its proximity can exacerbate the issue.

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing a battery rattling noise involves securing the battery properly and ensuring all connections are clean and tight. Here’s a step-by-step guide to fix the issue on your 2020 Honda Fit:

1. Gather Your Tools: You'll need a wrench (usually 10mm or 13mm), a socket set, gloves, eye protection, a battery terminal cleaner or brush, and potentially some shims or rubber padding.

2. Disconnect the Battery: Before starting any work, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery first, followed by the positive terminal. As one owner cautioned, "Because of the curtain airbags, you will also want to follow the proper procedures for removing interior trim panels, beginning with (obviously) unhooking the 12v battery so you don't have a nasty explosion in your face." This prevents any accidental electrical shorts.

3. Clean the Terminals: Use a battery terminal cleaner or brush to thoroughly clean both the battery terminals and the cable connectors. This removes any corrosion that might be interfering with a secure connection. As one owner mentioned, "There are low-cost ($4-6) brushes designed for battery terminals. One end is designed for cleaning the battery post, the other (in the handle/cover) is the proper size to clean inside the terminal."

4. Inspect the Battery Tray and Hold-Down: Carefully inspect the battery tray for any cracks or damage. Also, check the battery hold-down mechanism (clamps or straps) for signs of wear or corrosion. Replace any damaged parts.

5. Secure the Battery: Place the battery back into the tray and ensure it sits snugly. If the battery seems loose even with the hold-down mechanism tightened, consider using shims or rubber padding to fill any gaps. These can be placed between the battery and the tray or around the hold-down clamps.

6. Tighten the Hold-Down: Secure the battery hold-down clamps or straps, ensuring they are firmly tightened but not overtightened. Overtightening can damage the battery case or the hold-down mechanism.

7. Reconnect the Battery Terminals: Reconnect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal. Make sure the connections are tight and secure.

8. Test the Battery Connection: Gently try to wiggle the battery to ensure it is now securely in place and does not move. If there is still movement, re-check the hold-down mechanism and add additional shims if needed.

9. Start the Engine: Start the engine and listen for the rattling noise. If the noise is gone, you have successfully resolved the issue.

10. Drive and Re-Check: Take the vehicle for a short drive and then re-check the battery and its connections to ensure everything remains secure. As one owner shared, "After replacing the battery, you need to drive around for like 30 mins for the warning lights to clear. Did you drive around or did you just swapped battery and expected all the light to clear up?" While this quote refers to warning lights, it underscores the importance of real-world testing after making repairs.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Wrench (10mm or 13mm)
• Socket set
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Battery terminal cleaner or brush
• Shims or rubber padding (if needed)
• Replacement battery tray or hold-down mechanism (if damaged)
• Dielectric grease (to prevent future corrosion)

Real Owner Costs

The cost to address a battery rattling noise can vary widely depending on the extent of the problem and whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional. Cleaning the battery terminals can be a very low-cost fix. Battery terminal cleaner or brushes can cost around $4-$6.

If the battery tray or hold-down mechanism is damaged, replacement parts can range from $20 to $50. For a professional repair, expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150, depending on the complexity of the job and the shop's labor rates. This would typically include the cost of parts and about an hour of labor.

Prevention

Preventing battery rattling noise involves regular maintenance and proactive measures. Regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them as needed. Use a battery terminal protector spray or dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. Inspect the battery tray and hold-down mechanism periodically to ensure they are in good condition and properly secured. When replacing the battery, make sure the new battery is the correct size and type for your 2020 Honda Fit, and that it is installed properly with all necessary hardware.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from HONDA owners:

Owner Experiences

"The car sites say both the H6 and the H7 fit? I hate the stop start thing but like to keep everything in order on my cars so will get the Aux battery to." — InternationalTear398 (source)

"2020 Grand Cherokee Altitude Batteries Getting cold here and my battery is over 6 years old and this car is now my daily so thinking about getting ahead of the game and getting new batteries but im confusing the hell out of myself online." — InternationalTear398 (source)

"Update / Resolution After a lot of troubleshooting, I finally got this resolved. The mechanical issue turned out to be just a single bad ignition coil ." — duragauge (source)

Lessons Learned

⚠️ "After replacing the battery, you need to drive around for like 30 mins for the warning lights to clear. Did you drive around or did you just swapped battery and expected all the light to clear up?" — fibrepunk (source)

Pro Tips from Owners

💡 "That's why there was no rhyme or reason to the misfire codes. Bottom line, make sure you have a good OBD2 scanner and, just to be safe, always rescan to confirm codes are truly cleared before continuing diagnostics." — duragauge (source)

💡 "I think you're on the right track -- the drain hose is clearly broken or disconnected somewhere along it's path to the bottom of the car. You should be able to find the service manual online, which will have some sort of schematic of the sunroof drain system." — Drew21 (source)

💡 "You should be able to find the service manual online, which will have some sort of schematic of the sunroof drain system. Because of the curtain airbags, you will also want to follow the proper procedures for removing interior trim panels, beginning with (obviously) unhooking the 12v battery so you don't have a nasty explosion in your face." — Drew21 (source)

Real Repair Costs

"There are low-cost ($4-6) brushes designed for battery terminals. One end is designed for cleaning the battery post, the other (in the handle/cover) is the proper size to clean inside the terminal." — hondafitblack (source)

"If you don't have a working key - "all keys lost" situation - a more sophisticated key programmer is required. Local Honda dealer wanted $185 to reprogram." — bargainguy (source)

"That is the kind of corrosion that should be cleaned off, but that doesn't look bad enough to cause problems. There are low-cost ($4-6) brushes designed for battery terminals." — hondafitblack (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a battery rattling noise?

A: Fixing a battery rattling noise can be a quick task. Cleaning terminals and tightening connections may take as little as 15-30 minutes. If you need to replace the battery tray or hold-down mechanism, it could take an hour or two, depending on your mechanical skill level.

Q: Can I drive with a battery rattling noise?

A: While it might be tempting to ignore a battery rattling noise, it's best to address it as soon as possible. A loose battery can lead to electrical problems, reduced battery life, and even a complete failure to start. In some cases, it could also create a safety hazard.

Q: Is this a common issue on this vehicle?

A: While not exceptionally widespread, battery rattling noises can occur in the 2020 Honda Fit due to the location of the battery within the engine bay. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent this issue.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Addressing a battery rattling noise is generally a straightforward task that most owners can handle themselves. Cleaning terminals and tightening connections are simple DIY tasks. However, if you are uncomfortable working with electrical systems or if you suspect more complex issues, consulting a mechanic is advisable.