engine
Variable Valve Timing Actuator
for 2021 Honda Accord 1.5L I4 Turbo · FWD
Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Mechanic · 20+ years
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
3.0 h
Tools
11
Steps
15
✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.
This procedure replaces the variable valve timing (VVT) actuator on the intake camshaft of the 2018-2024 Honda Accord 1.5L turbocharged engine, requiring timing chain and valve cover removal.
Warnings
⚠️This procedure requires precise timing chain alignment. Incorrect timing will cause severe engine damage. Do not rotate engine without proper alignment.
⚠Perform this work with engine completely cold to avoid burn injuries and ensure accurate timing pin placement.
⚠The crankshaft pulley bolt requires high torque and may be torque-to-yield. Verify replacement requirements before reassembly.
ℹ️Mark all timing chain and sprocket positions before disassembly. Take photos for reference during reassembly.
Tools required
Torque wrench (10-200 Nm range)Essential
Threadlocker (medium strength)Essential
Oil drain panEssential
Jack and jack standsEssential
Clean ragsEssential
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Parts
- VVT actuator (intake camshaft) × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
- Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
- Valve cover spark plug tube seals × 4 — Use OEM Honda specification
- Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
- Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM Honda specification
- Engine oil × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Fluids
- Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes for system discharge
- Raise vehicle and support securely on jack stands
- Remove engine cover and front engine mount for access
- Drain engine oil completely into appropriate container
- Remove air intake system and throttle body for clearance
- Remove ignition coils and spark plugs from valve cover
Procedure
- 1Remove valve coverDisconnect PCV hoses and any wiring harnesses attached to valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away, breaking gasket seal if necessary. Inspect camshaft lobes and journals for wear.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 2Remove accessory drive belt and crankshaft pulleyRemove serpentine belt from crankshaft pulley. Use crankshaft holding tool or impact wrench to remove crankshaft pulley bolt (turns counterclockwise). Remove crankshaft pulley from front of engine. This provides access to timing chain cover.⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is extremely tight. Ensure proper tool engagement to avoid stripping.Torque specCrankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
- 3Remove timing chain coverRemove all timing chain cover bolts, noting different lengths for reassembly. Carefully separate timing chain cover from engine block, tapping gently with plastic mallet if stuck. Remove old gasket material from mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Do not gouge aluminum surfaces.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 4Align engine to TDC and verify timing marksRotate crankshaft clockwise using 19mm socket on crankshaft nose until cylinder 1 is at top dead center (TDC) on compression stroke. Verify timing marks on crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprockets align with reference marks on engine block and cylinder head. Insert timing pins to lock crankshaft and camshaft positions. Take detailed photos of timing chain routing and colored link positions.⚠️Verify all timing marks are correctly aligned before proceeding. Incorrect alignment will cause catastrophic engine damage.
- 5Remove timing chain tensionerRemove timing chain tensioner bolt and carefully extract tensioner assembly. Note the position of tensioner mechanism. Compress tensioner and lock with pin or clip for installation later. Inspect tensioner for wear or damage.Torque specTiming Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 6Remove timing chain guide (if necessary for access)If required for VVT actuator access, remove upper timing chain guide bolts. Carefully remove guide while noting installation orientation. Keep timing chain engaged on crankshaft sprocket.Torque specMounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)
- 7Remove intake camshaft VVT actuatorHold intake camshaft stationary using wrench on hex section of camshaft (between lobes). Remove cam phaser bolt from center of VVT actuator. Carefully slide VVT actuator forward off camshaft while keeping timing chain supported. Do not allow timing chain to fall into engine. Wire timing chain in position to prevent dropping.⚠Support timing chain with wire to prevent it from falling into crankcase. Retrieving a dropped chain requires oil pan removal.Torque specCam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
- 8Inspect and prepare new VVT actuatorInspect camshaft nose for wear or damage. Clean camshaft and VVT mounting surfaces thoroughly. Verify new VVT actuator matches old unit exactly. Pre-fill new VVT actuator oil passages with clean engine oil. Inspect timing chain for wear, stretching, or damaged links.ℹ️VVT actuator must be properly primed with oil before installation to prevent startup damage.
- 9Install new VVT actuatorAlign timing chain on new VVT actuator sprocket, ensuring colored link aligns with timing mark. Carefully slide VVT actuator onto intake camshaft while maintaining timing chain position. Verify timing marks still align correctly. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolt threads. Hold camshaft stationary and install cam phaser bolt, torquing to specification.⚠️Verify timing mark alignment after VVT actuator installation before proceeding. Rotate engine by hand two full revolutions and recheck all timing marks.Torque specCam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
- 10Reinstall timing chain guide and tensionerIf removed, reinstall upper timing chain guide with mounting bolts torqued to specification. Install timing chain tensioner with pin/clip still engaged to keep it compressed. Torque tensioner bolt to specification. Remove locking pin/clip to apply tension to timing chain. Verify chain has proper tension.Torque specMounting Bolts26 Nm (19 lb-ft)Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 11Verify timing and rotate engineRemove camshaft and crankshaft timing pins. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise using socket on crankshaft nose. Reinsert timing pins to verify engine returns to TDC with all marks aligned. If marks do not align, disassemble and correct timing before proceeding.⚠️Engine must complete two full rotations and return to exact TDC alignment. Any deviation indicates incorrect timing.
- 12Install timing chain coverInstall new crankshaft front seal into timing cover. Apply thin bead of Honda Bond or equivalent sealant to timing cover gasket surfaces where specified in service manual. Install new gasket onto engine block. Install timing cover, ensuring proper alignment of dowel pins. Install timing cover bolts and torque in specified sequence from center outward.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 13Install crankshaft pulleyClean crankshaft nose and pulley bore. Install crankshaft pulley onto crankshaft, ensuring proper seating. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to specification. If bolt is torque-to-yield type, use new bolt and follow additional angle torque specification from service manual.Torque specCrankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
- 14Install valve coverClean valve cover and cylinder head mating surfaces thoroughly. Install new spark plug tube seals into valve cover. Install new valve cover gasket, ensuring proper seating in grooves. Place valve cover onto cylinder head, ensuring gasket remains in position. Install valve cover bolts and torque in sequence (center to outside pattern) to specification.Torque specCover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
- 15Reinstall remaining components and fill fluidsReinstall spark plugs and ignition coils with proper torque. Reinstall throttle body and air intake system. Install serpentine belt on crankshaft pulley and accessories. Reinstall engine mount and engine cover. Fill engine with 4.0 quarts Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Reconnect battery negative terminal.Torque specSensor Bolts10 Nm (8 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Double-check all timing marks aligned correctly before final assembly
- Ensure all electrical connectors and vacuum hoses are properly reconnected
- Verify oil level is correct on dipstick after filling
- Check that serpentine belt is properly seated on all pulleys
Verification
- Start engine and verify it starts normally without unusual noises or hesitation
- Allow engine to idle and listen for timing chain noise or valve train irregularities
- Check for oil leaks around valve cover and timing chain cover after warmup
- Scan for diagnostic trouble codes related to VVT system using OBD-II scanner
- Test drive vehicle and verify normal acceleration and idle quality
- Monitor engine oil pressure during test drive to ensure proper VVT operation
- Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
Related trouble codes on this vehicle
Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.
P0010Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1P0011Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1P0020Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 2P0021Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 2P0216Injection Timing Control CircuitP1580Throttle Actuator Motor Circuit Low VoltageP1581Throttle Actuator Motor Circuit High VoltageP2100Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit OpenP2101Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit Range/PerformanceP2110Throttle Actuator Control System Forced Limited RPMP2111Throttle Actuator Control System Stuck OpenP3004Turbo/Supercharger Wastegate Actuator Stuck Open
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