Honda Tips: Engine Rattles on Cold Start-Up

Recently had mine replaced at Honda on my 2014 CRV with the “new updated actuator” started the next morning and the rattle is still there.

I just went through this on a 2004 EP3 Honda. Sounded horrible, screeching sound on cold start, starter?..NO, timing chain? NO..actuator? NO. The dealer wanted a fortune to fix it. Finally, a shop that specializes in Japanese autos, the old mechanic, told me that it was the PCV VALVE and told me to do it myself. I laughed at him. But the sound got worse, so, for $20.00 and 15 minutes, I replaced it. The old valve was 120,000 old and not functional. Not only is that horrible sound gone on start up, but the SI Ep3 runs better, idles correctly, MPG back where it was. Look for the simple things first before getting into a major headache. PCV VALVE.

I had the exact same rattle and had the vtc actuator was fixed but rattle was still there.

Does it happen to CRV 2014 too?

absolutely no reason to pull the cam to change that actuator. Pull both sprocket bolts out and you can remove both sprockets giving enough room to slide a new actuator in and out. Saves removeing the cam and readjusting the valves.

My 2012 Honda Accord EX-L, a 4-door model, produces a juicer machine-like sound only in the morning when I first start the car. However, after the initial startup, I never hear this sound again until the next morning's first start. Interestingly, if I open the hood before starting the engine, and then start the engine with the hood open, there is no juicer machine-like sound. What could be the reason? Any ideas? Thanks

ive noticed this sound with my 2012 CRV. What should I expect to pay to have this fixed by a mechanic?

One would think the bottom line of a rattle sound is metal rattling against metal. This video didn't pinpoint the cause of the rattling sound. Is the variable valve control solenoid making the rattling noise or is the solenoid causing the timing chain, valves, or something else to chatter which I would view as a major issue of concern?

It was my timing belt tensioner
2012 Honda accord v6

ChrisFix just changed out one of these, he did it without having to remove the cam shaft, good video.

Can an act actuator make a code?

Does anyone also have this rattle upon acceleration at lower gears?

Is there potential a bad vvt solenoid produces a low oil pressure light? first I had the p2646 code, then I had the oil changed at a jiffy lube (the last time, i swear), and then the low oil pressure light came on, along with a P0011 code.

yeah I hear that rattle too, when i start it up, been giving me anxiety about my engine and I won't drive it much. I have purchased a new vtec spool assembly, a vvt solenoid, vvt filter/gasket, and a new oil pressure sender too. going to replace them all tomorrow and do an oil change.

Great video.. having same issue. Thanks

I change the vtc actuator, my cars at about 3,500 miles was getting out of oil and making the noise I change and in cold start it doesn’t make it any more and doesn’t get out of oil but at about the same miles 3,500 it makes the noise and the oil light pops up so I’ll change this, thanks for the information. I also think I have a leak but will see in the next few days

My 2010 Honda Accord EX with 110,000 miles does this for just a second on most cold starts. Do you have a repair video fixing the VTC actuator? And also, is this a major problem that needs to be repaired immediately??

I’ve taken mine to the dealership numerous times! And they said they have fixed it twice now and again this it started doing it again…..so frusterating cause you pay so much money to fix it and there not! B

Never again Honda! this is why the accord is going back to Japan to be produced!

I have this issue with my 2018 Honda Fit. Based on your description of the problem for the Accord, I'm betting it's the same issue with my Fit. Thanks for the vid.

It is an issue that should be fixed, but I deal with on our 2014. I will put up with this, rather than have a Turbo Four, any day.

I appreciate your videos a great deal. Have you done one regarding the need to do valve adjustments, specifically for a 2012 or its gen?

This just started happening to my 2009 Accord. Your explanation made me realize why it's happening. I had a mystery oil leak for a long time which means I was low on oil very often and just got it fixed. Do you have a repair video fixing the VTC actuator? And also, is this a major problem that needs to be repaired immediately?

This video helped a million. Thanks.

My 2018 accord 2.0T does this but I do not have a check engine light. Will this malfunction cause a CEL?

Can i have a copy of the repair manual please?

Great video. Thank you for sharing

Just buy electric like a Tesla. ICE cars are dinosaurs.

should be a honda recall,,

I was hoping video shows the noise....

My Toyota does it. I put the diagnostic reader on it and it says it's the ignition cylinder

So basically because the vtec is oil pressure regulated the car is using the choppier cam lobes on initial startup because there’s a bunch of oil pressure?

I guess I'll be having a rattle at cold start... not digging that deep for a cold start rattle..

Great video easy to understand thx pal

mine is doing the same thing, could it be also the timing chain instead? my 08 accord has 170k miles on it.

This was a damn good explanation. 2012 Honda Crosstour doing this exact thing!!

I’ve got only 116K on my 04 CR-V, I’ve been always ontop of my oil maintenance and this problem has been occurring with the knock on startup, is there nothing I can do about it now besides have that intake camshaft part replaced? Maybe replacing the oil pressure switch on lower side of the engine might help?

Would adding a quart of Lucas during an oil change help?

Kinda miss the old school timing belts now , don't we, 😂

Thanks for explaining the difference between a variable valve timing actuator and VTEC! I needed that! 😅

I had a slight rattle on start up . accessory drive belt was very slightly stretched only 75000mi .Replaced the belt no more rattle. Tensioner rattled.

Can you please make a Honda Civic8th gen VTC actuator replacement please I’m in need of help step by step I enjoy your guidance

IBWANTED TO HEAR THE NOISE HE TALKED ABOUT WHEN STARTING UP AND WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE SO I KNOW IF MINE IS STARTED TO MAKE NOISE AND MAY NEED ATTENTION BEFORE IT BREAKS THE CHAIN OR CAUSING EVEN WORSE DAMAGES!!!

Hi. As anyone opened the front cover of their VTC Actuator and stretched the lock pin spring in it? If so, did it work out fine? Can it damage anything over time? Thanks

I brought my 2014 Honda CR-V to the dealership after 1 week off the lot and mechanic at the dealership said it’s because the light weight oil falls after time and does not sit up in the engine, so when first starting with cold start the sound occurs prior to oil re-circulating. They told me nothing to worry about, but based on this video, perhaps it is something to seek second opinion for and rectify?.

I replaced that , it didn't work mine is a 16 ex 2.4l , when I change my oil it gets worse but then goes away

So glad I found this video! A few months ago I bought an 08 coupe 4cyl and and about 6-8 weeks ago I started hearing this noise. I’ve been told it’s time to replace the timing chain. Is this right or is it solely that the actuator needs to be addressed? There’s 177k on my Accord.

i got an acura rsx 2006 base model and my engine makes a little ticking/ rattle noise. idk what to do to solve it someone help. the noise gets faster when i accelerate

Just wanted to chime in for others here, I’ve had the rattle for a little over a year now and recently noticed some leaks developing on my rocker cover. I ended up replacing the gasket over the weekend and now every cold start since replacement - no rattle. It was a consistent occurrence before but now it has completely disappeared.