Honda Fit EX 2017, Manual, makes a 1-2 buzz sound when I hit the push button start to turn the car on or off. It sounds a bit like an electric razor or drill coming from near the base of the steering column.

When I turn the car on, the sound is immediately after the accessories come on. If I power on just the accessories and not the engine, I hear the sound immediately after the the accessories come on. If the accessories are already on and I start the engine, then there is NO sound. When I turn the car off, I hear the noise immediately after the car is powered down.

I just got the car as a hand-me-down from my father who seemed to think this was normal. Is it normal? The car starts right up without issue (and has a new battery). No lights indicate any issues on the dash. I was just wondering what the sound is and if it's normal. I've never driven a car before that makes a similar noise.

 

Welcome. Your VTC actuator is making the noise. Known problem on GK5. Especially noticeable on cold start. My '16 LX does this, about 95K miles.

Lots of opinions here as to whether or not it's a bad thing. Search this subforum for details.

 

Umm, I don't think it's VTC actuator because, the engine isn't even running!

Anyway, I think I know what sound you're talking about. My '19 EX MT6 does the same (always done it since new).
You worry too much. LOL

 

Do you know what the sound is?

 

Not really. When I wrote, "I think I know what sound you're talking about," I meant the sound itself, not the cause.
If I were to guess, I'd guess a mechanism to unlock the steering wheel. Some solenoid to pull the locking bolt while shaking the steering wheel, so it comes out.

 

Right, it's the locking pin. My .15 does it. Not sure if it will be a problem down the road. I've been observing at work that various car brands also do this, but most do not.

 

Hi. I just had the plates put on my new (to me) '19 EX. I noted a buzzing sound when I was engaging the clutch. The dealer had only used the top two of the four screw holes on the front license plate and it caused a sympathetic vibration at certain rpm's. Two more screws silenced the buzz.

 

It's the steering wheel lock. Entirely normal.

 

If the sound wasn't there when the car was originally built them it is "not normal".
However, if the car has been making the sound for a presumably long period of time that your father was driving it without causing any problems then the sound now qualifies as "normal".

 

+1for woof...ive never hear that noise....2015 manual.
oh g_d another noise <slaphead>lol

 

I'll be darned! It makes that short buzz right after turning the car OFF, too!
I've had the car for 4 1/2 years since new (2019 EX MT6), and only now I actually bothered to listen.
Nothing to worry about as far as I'm concerned.

 

I agree with everyone else here that it's the Steering Lock. Mine does the same thing when I push start I hear a buzz on the steering wheel and does the buzz again when I turn off the car. It does it even if you don't turn on the engine. This, I always thought was normal.

 

Has anyone who bought their car new had this buzzing since day one? I'm wondering if it develops with age because I find it hard to believe it would be acceptable on a new car.

 

It's only a few seconds prior to starting and after shutting the motor off.

Deal with it.