Tech Tip: Honda Accord And CR-V Rattle At Start Up

Tech Tip: Fixing The Honda Accord, CR-V Rattle At Start Up

If a Honda, including the 2008-2012 Accord, 2012-2013 CR-V, and 2012-2013 Crosstour, has a pronounced rattling noise emanating from the engine during cold start-up, persisting for approximately two seconds, then this symptom is typically indicative of a defective Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) actuator, as outlined in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 09-010. 

The corrective action involves replacing the VTC actuator, a procedure that fortunately does not necessitate the removal of the cam chain and its associated components, thereby reducing repair time. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step procedure for diagnosing and fixing this issue, including initial assessment, repair process, and post-repair checks, ensuring a comprehensive approach to resolving this common yet critical engine problem.

TSB: 09-010

Honda Models

2008-2012 Accord

2012-2013 CR-V

2012-2013 Crosstour

Corrective Action

Replace the VTC actuator. This procedure does not require the complete removal of the cam chain and associated parts, so repair time is shorter.

Procedure

1. Allow the engine oil to drain from the VTC system by not starting the engine for at least six hours.

2. Start the engine and listen for a loud rattle on start-up. Do you hear a loud engine rattle that lasts about two seconds?

Yes: Perform repair procedure.

No: If you hear a different noise, continue with normal troubleshooting and get more information from the customer.

Repair Procedure

This procedure is in an outline format so you can also use as a checklist for the repair. If you need more details, refer to the service information.

1. Remove the frame (strut) brace (if equipped).

2. Remove the engine cover.

3. Remove the ignition coils.

4. Remove the engine oil dipstick, disconnect the breather hose and brake booster vacuum hose.

5. Remove the two bolts holding the EVAP canister purge valve bracket to the cylinder head.

6. Remove the cylinder head cover.

7. Raise the vehicle on a lift.

8. Remove the right front wheel.

9. Remove the splash shield.

10. Remove the camshaft auto-tensioner cover.

11. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to top dead center (TDC) No. 1 cylinder.

12. Rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise to compress the auto-tensioner. Align the hole in the lock and auto-tensioner, then insert a 1.2 mm (0.05 in) diameter stopper lock pin.

13. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC No. 1 cylinder.

14. Lower the vehicle.

honda-mark-timing-chain-punch-marks

15. Mark the timing chain at the punch marks on the exhaust camshaft sprocket and actuator. Secure the chain to the sprocket with a wire tie.

16. In sequence, loosen the camshaft holder bolts two turns at a time.

17. Remove the five camshaft holders. Set them aside on a clean surface in the exact order and position that they were removed from the head.

18. Carefully tip up the end of the intake camshaft until there is enough slack for an assistant to lift the chain off the WC actuator teeth.

19. Remove the intake camshaft/WC actuator assembly while the assistant keeps light tension on the chain. Place the camshaft/VTC actuator assembly on a clean, padded workbench.

20. Secure the timing chain to the A/C compressor hose using a wire or zip tie to keep it from falling into the front cover.

21. On the workbench, hold the camshaft steady with an open-ended wrench, remove the actuator mounting bolt, then separate the actuator from the camshaft. Discard the actuator.

22. Before installing the new and unlocked VTC actuator onto the camshaft. Make sure it is in the unlocked position.

23. Install the unlocked actuator. Do not force it on.

24. Once fitted, with the actuator facing you, carefully rotate it counterclockwise until it engages the camshaft locator pin. When installed and rotated this way the VTC actuator will not lock. Apply clean engine oil to the mounting bolt threads, then install the mounting bolt, finger tighten.

• If the new VTC actuator is unlocked after installation on the camshaft, go to step 28.

• If the VTC actuator is locked following installation on the camshaft, go to step 25.

25. To unlock a locked VTC actuator. Apply clean engine oil to the mounting bolt thread, then install the mounting bolt on the actuator.

honda-pressure-port-diagram

26. Cover the pressure port No. 1 on the camshaft with several layers of electrical tape. Secure the tape with a wire tie.

honda-diagram-air-pressure-port-2

27. Apply compressed air to pressure port No. 2. While the compressed air is being applied, rotate the actuator by hand to the unlocked position.

28. Have an assistant hold the camshaft/VTC actuator assembly steady on the padded workbench with an open-end wrench. Use a torque wrench to torque the mounting bolt to 113 Mm (83 lb-ft).

NOTE: Be careful not to scratch or damage the camshaft. Also, do not use an impact wrench to tighten the mounting bolt. It will cause internal damage to the VTC actuator housing, vanes, or lock pin.

29. After the mounting bolt is torqued, rotate the VTC actuator to the locked position.

VTC-actuator-locked-position-diagram

30. Remove the wire ties as an assistant keeps light tension on the chain.

31. Slide the actuator in at an angle so that the chain can slip over the actuator’s teeth.

32. Line up the marks you made on the chain with the punch marks on the exhaust camshaft sprocket and VTC actuator.

33. Apply engine oil to the journals and caps for both camshafts. Lower the camshaft VTC actuator assembly onto the journals.

34. Install the camshaft holders. Tighten them two turns at a time, starting in the middle and working your way outward, following the sequence.

35. Remove the lock pin from the auto-tensioner.

36. Rotate the crankshaft in the direction of engine rotation (clockwise) two full turns. Then stop at the TDC mark. Make sure both camshafts line up as shown in step 15.

37. Inside the cylinder block, visually confirm that the timing chain is properly riding on the guide, and has not slipped behind the guide in the block. If so, realign the chain as needed.

38. Remove the old sealant and reseal. Reinstall the auto-tensioner (chain case) cover. Wait 30 minutes before adding oil (if needed). Then wait three hours before starting the engine.

39. Check the valve clearance using a tappet adjuster. Adjust if needed.

• Intake: 0.21 — 0.25 mm (0.008 — 0.010 in)

• Exhaust: 0.25 – 0.29 mm (0.010 – 0.011 in)

40. Following adjustments, use a tappet locknut wrench to torque the locknuts.

41. Raise the vehicle.

42. Reinstall the splash shield.

43. Reinstall the right front wheel (if removed).

44. Lower the vehicle.

45. Check the spark plug seals for damage. If any seals are damaged, replace them.

Check the valve cover gasket. Replace if needed.

46. Install the head cover gasket in the groove.

47. Remove the entire liquid gasket from the chain case and the No. 5 rocker shaft holder.

48. Clean the head cover contacting surfaces.

49. Reinstall the cylinder head cover, tightening the bolts in three steps. In the final step, torque all bolts in sequence to 12 Nm (8.7 lb-ft).

50. Reinstall the EVAP canister purge valve bracket.

51. Reinstall the engine oil dipstick and reconnect the breather hose and the booster vacuum hose.

52. Install the coils.

53. Reinstall the engine cover.

54. Reinstall the frame (strut) brace (if equipped). Torque the bolts to 22 Nm (16 lb-ft).

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