Is the VTC actuator on my Honda Accord bad?

Is the VTC actuator on my Honda Accord bad?

My recent (3 weeks old) new-to-me 2011 Accord I purchased had the same VTC Actuator issue. It was a grumble on cold start ups and although people told me to not worry about it and save the money, it really sucked knowing some dude at the Honda dealer sold me this knowing that the problem was there.

How much does it cost to replace actuator on Honda Accord?

Thank you! Go find your paper or have the warranty office pull your information and see if you are up. That is covered under the bumper to bumper warranty they offer. The advisor said it was around $600 total cost in labor but they could hook it up for $400.

How much does a VTC actuator replacement cost?

The advisor said it was around $600 total cost in labor but they could hook it up for $400. I don’t mind paying AT ALL when I know it is not covered, but that is and should be covered under all drivetrain warranties.

What was the original part number for the Honda VTC?

(Heh, heh…) Honda came out with a corrected part (finally, after years of waiting). The original part number was 14310-R44-A01 and the replacement (as of some time in March of 2016) is 14310-R5A-305.

Is there a problem with the VTC actuator?

I unfortunately have the VTC actuator problem as well with my 2008 Honda Accord 2.4L. Has anyone taken it to a private mechanic (non-Honda) and have it replaced?

How to replace the actuator on a Honda Accord?

Click to expand… Contacted American Honda customer service, got a case number, spoke with a rep a few times, faxed a letter with copies of receipts. It was pretty easy, actually.

Can a Honda VTC TSB be considered a recall?

If its CPO warranty it is attached to the car, if it is extended factory it is attached to the owner and would have to either be transferred by Honda or pay for the warranty again. The VTC TSB should really be considered a recall. I would call Honda and try to get it goodwilll if worst case scenario.

How does a bad VTC cause an engine failure?

The bad VTC causes a drag on the timing chain every time it grinds at start-up. Over time that small drag stresses the timing chain TENSIONER, until it eventually fails. With the timing chain tensioner no longer keeping the chain at constant tension a skipped or broken chain is just a question of time.

What causes the actuator on a Honda Accord to grind?

Prior to the repair mine would rattle on every single cold start, regardless of temperature. The rattle/grind is caused by the locking pin inside the actuator being in the wrong position at start-up which causes the actuator (attached to the end of the camshaft) to drag until the pin can get itself into the proper position.

Why does my Honda Accord rattle when I start it up?

The possible cause could be the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective. Replace the VTC actuator. This procedure does not require the complete removal of the cam chain and associated parts, so repair time is shorter. At cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about two seconds.

Why does my Honda VTC make a grinding noise?

Has that famous VTC actuator grind noise after cold start up. It sounds awful for a second. I have talked to a couple of mechanics/service advisors. Some say this is an annoyance but is not doing any harm. The Honda dealer will not replace the actuator because they insist that once it is replaced the issue often continues to re-occur.

My recent (3 weeks old) new-to-me 2011 Accord I purchased had the same VTC Actuator issue. It was a grumble on cold start ups and although people told me to not worry about it and save the money, it really sucked knowing some dude at the Honda dealer sold me this knowing that the problem was there.

Prior to the repair mine would rattle on every single cold start, regardless of temperature. The rattle/grind is caused by the locking pin inside the actuator being in the wrong position at start-up which causes the actuator (attached to the end of the camshaft) to drag until the pin can get itself into the proper position.

Has that famous VTC actuator grind noise after cold start up. It sounds awful for a second. I have talked to a couple of mechanics/service advisors. Some say this is an annoyance but is not doing any harm. The Honda dealer will not replace the actuator because they insist that once it is replaced the issue often continues to re-occur.

The possible cause could be the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective. Replace the VTC actuator. This procedure does not require the complete removal of the cam chain and associated parts, so repair time is shorter. At cold start-up, the engine rattles loudly for about two seconds.

Why does my Honda VTC grind at start up?

The rattle/grind is caused by the locking pin inside the actuator being in the wrong position at start-up which causes the actuator (attached to the end of the camshaft) to drag until the pin can get itself into the proper position.

The bad VTC causes a drag on the timing chain every time it grinds at start-up. Over time that small drag stresses the timing chain TENSIONER, until it eventually fails. With the timing chain tensioner no longer keeping the chain at constant tension a skipped or broken chain is just a question of time.

Is there a fix for Honda VTC actuator?

There is a Honda Service Bulletin that details the repair, and a link has been posted below to the most current version at the time I posted this, which is March 17, 2016. This is a link to the seller’s eBay store so you can contact them.

The rattle/grind is caused by the locking pin inside the actuator being in the wrong position at start-up which causes the actuator (attached to the end of the camshaft) to drag until the pin can get itself into the proper position.

What happens if you dont replace the VTC?

Here is the kicker,The vtc wont fail bc of the noise but If you dont replace the vtc it puts stress on the chain every startup untill it stretches the chain far enough to jump a few teeth and kaboom !

How can I tell if my Honda Civic VTC is bad?

The vtc failure makes the almost exact noise as that though.. Does any one know how to test if the vtc is failing? datalogs? visual inspection? upon start up, have someone place their hand over the Valve cover in the area where the vtc is. If there is hard vibration during start up, VTC could be going bad.

Replacement of the VTC actuator does not require the complete removal of the timing chain and associated parts, but this may be a good time to do so, depending on the mileage and mechanic’s diagnosis. How much will a new VTC Actuator on my 2008–2012 Honda Accord cost? Pricing for the VTC Actuator can range from $585–$845.

When to replace timing control actuator on Honda Accord?

Choose a shop. Schedule an appointment. Pay securely online. Do you have a 2008–2012 Honda Accord 2.4L? Does the engine rattle loudly for about 2 seconds on cold start-up? If this sounds like your reliable Honda, the variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is most likely defective and should be replaced.

How much does a Honda Accord actuator cost?

Pricing for the VTC Actuator can range from $585–$845. What should I do if my 2008–2012 Honda Accord is making this rattling sound? To avoid a possible larger repair or breakdown on the side of the road, you should not delay routine maintenance.

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