2004 Honda Element began rapid thumping when stopped in Drive or Reverse, but not in Park or N. What gives?

Question

Just after I had my oil changed at a quick lube garage, my Element (41,000 miles) began to make a rapid thumping or tapping noise when stopped at traffic lights. It goes away in Park or Neutral, but it's pretty loud in the passenger compartment. It sounds like it's coming from the engine compartment.

Any ideas on what may be causing it? (Please let me know why you think so, too.)

Answer 1

Check your oil level, it`s probably low or non existant. chances are you got a few qt`s of oil in your motor. Quick lube is right.( sic ) How come your regular mechanic takes an hour to do the same job? They may look for other things you should be aware of instead of giving you a list of things you need to do as per their 'inspection' . Isn`t your 04 still under warranty?

Answer 2

Dead easy. It is called reverse parallel parking First, you place your car parallel to the car you want to reverse parallel park from, 3 feet separating both cars. After observing all around, you start reversing VERY SLOWLY until HALF of your car is now past the end of the other car and and THAT precise moment you turn your steering wheel full lock to the left, causing your car to start to swing OUT and you continue until your car is about 45 degrees with the other car or with that pavement at which point you QUICKLY straighten the steering wheel ad the car will now continue to reverse but in a STRAIGHT line. You do that until, from your driving position, your passenger door mirror is covering most of the number plate of the other car. AT THE PRECISE moment you steer full lock to the right and your car starts taking the parking position behind the other car and when your car is parallel with the kerb you straighten the steering wheel QUICKLY AND STOP THE CAR. Apply the handbrake and put the gear selector into 'park' The car should be perfectly parked. The reverse around the corner is another separate question. I would try to pass that test as quick as you can because the government is apparently going to introduce a rule that every learner will need to have at least 100 hours of professional tuition before that person is allowed to sit the practical test. There are major changes on the way ('The Times' of Saturday 1st of March 2008). This method is full proof -- perfect parking every time.