Question about rough idle
 

Lately I've been hearing some strange noises from my engine when I'm stopped at a light. It doesn't happen all the time, buts it seems to be occuring more and more frequently as time goes on. The sound it makes is like an animal growling (if you can imagine that) and its hard to hear when the radio is turned up, however I can usually feel a little vibration under my brake pedal when its happening. I've also noticed that it doesn't make the strange noise when the car is in park, reverse, or neutral (btw...its an automatic), only when in drive, D3 or D2. It's an 01, and I've never heard these noises up until a month ago.

Surely the problem could be caused by a number of things, but I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what they think it might be so that i can take steps to rectify the situation.

I've spoken to a few people already, who claim they know a little about cars, and they seem to think its the water pump. Its a little hard to believe that a car with only 110,000km would have a water pump problem, but who knows.

Its hard to do that, cuz everytime it happens, I'm at a light. But you're right, I must.

heat shield?

Check for Racoons.... They love to hide under your car when your parked at a red light. Racoons love CIvics

surely it's something uber simple... just pop the hood and have a poke around. if you can't find a buddy willing to help, apply the ebrake firmly and put it in drive. the ebrake should keep the car from rolling whilest you poke under the hood to see what is making the noise.

BTW... what accessories do you have... A/C, power steering?? It could be as simple as a belt or it could be something else. Knowing the general area of the noise would be good tho.

LOL this made me remember (and therefore search) for this pic: