Timing Chain Tensioner

Replace the timing chain tensioner on the 1.5L turbocharged engine to restore proper chain tension and prevent timing system failure.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain tensioner assembly × 1 — 14520-5AA-A01
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover grommet set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft pulley bolt (if reusing is not recommended) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Honda Genuine 0W-20

Fluids

• Honda Genuine 0W-20 — 4 qt
• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for SRS system discharge
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight
4. Remove front wheels and passenger-side inner fender splash shield
5. Drain engine oil completely into appropriate container
6. Drain coolant from radiator drain plug and lower coolant hose
7. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clips
8. Remove air intake assembly from throttle body to air box
9. Install engine support fixture across engine bay or use hoist to support engine weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt and crankshaft pulley
   Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise to release tension and remove the accessory drive belt. Using the crankshaft pulley holder tool to prevent rotation, remove the crankshaft pulley bolt by turning counterclockwise. Remove the crankshaft pulley from the crankshaft snout. Mark the pulley orientation for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove valve cover assembly
   Disconnect the ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils. Remove PCV hose and breather hose from valve cover. Unbolt the valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift the valve cover away, breaking the gasket seal with a plastic pry tool if needed. Do not damage the gasket mating surfaces.
3. 3

   Remove upper timing cover
   Disconnect the VTC (Variable Timing Control) oil control solenoid connector. Remove the upper timing cover bolts, noting the different lengths and positions of 8mm and 6mm bolts. Carefully remove the upper timing cover, being careful not to damage the gasket surface or drop any bolts into the engine bay.
   ℹ️Keep bolts organized by location as they are different lengths and must return to original positions.
4. 4

   Set engine to TDC on cylinder #1 compression stroke
   Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (when viewed from the front) using a socket on the crankshaft bolt until the TDC mark on the crankshaft sprocket aligns with the pointer on the engine block. Verify the camshaft sprocket timing marks align with the cylinder head surface and the punch marks on the VTC actuator align with the marks on the camshaft sprocket. Install timing pins to lock the camshafts in position if available.
   ⚠️Verify all timing marks are properly aligned before proceeding. Take photos for reference during reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove passenger side engine mount
   Support the engine securely with the support fixture. Remove the passenger side engine mount bracket bolts from the engine block. Remove the mount-to-chassis bolts and remove the entire mount assembly. This provides access to the lower timing cover.
   ⚠Ensure engine is properly supported before removing mount to prevent engine from shifting.
6. 6

   Remove lower timing cover
   Remove all lower timing cover bolts, again noting positions of different sized bolts. Carefully remove the lower timing cover by pulling it away from the engine block. You may need to tap gently with a plastic mallet to break the gasket seal. Clean any old gasket material from both mating surfaces.
7. 7

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Locate the timing chain tensioner on the front of the engine block. Note the orientation of the tensioner and any alignment marks. Remove the timing chain tensioner bolt and carefully extract the tensioner assembly. The chain will become loose but should remain on the sprockets if the engine is at TDC and not rotated.
   ⚠️Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts with the tensioner removed. Mark the chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint if needed.
8. 8

   Inspect timing chain and guides
   With the tensioner removed, inspect the timing chain for excessive wear, stretching, or damaged links. Check the chain guides for wear grooves, cracks, or missing material. Inspect the tensioner guide arm for wear. If any components show excessive wear, they should be replaced at this time. Measure chain slack if specification tools are available.
   ℹ️If chain shows wear or has stretched beyond specifications, replace the entire timing chain assembly, not just the tensioner.
9. 9

   Install new timing chain tensioner
   Compress the new tensioner plunger and insert the retaining pin or clip to hold it in the compressed position. Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the tensioner plunger. Position the new tensioner into the engine block, ensuring proper orientation and alignment. Install the tensioner bolt and tighten to specification. Verify the tensioner is fully seated before final tightening.
   ⚠Do not remove the tensioner retaining pin yet. It will be removed after timing covers are installed.
10. 10

    Verify timing alignment
    Before proceeding, triple-check that all timing marks are still properly aligned: crankshaft TDC mark aligned with block pointer, camshaft sprocket marks aligned with cylinder head surface, and VTC actuator punch marks aligned. Verify the timing chain is properly seated on all sprockets with no slack on the drive side of the chain.
    ⚠️This is your last opportunity to verify timing before sealing the engine. Misalignment will cause catastrophic engine damage.
11. 11

    Install timing covers with new gaskets
    Install new timing cover gaskets on the engine block, using a small amount of Honda Bond sealant at corners if specified in service manual. Install the lower timing cover first, ensuring gasket stays in position. Install all lower cover bolts finger-tight, then tighten in sequence from center outward to specification. Install upper timing cover with new gasket, tighten bolts in sequence to specification.
    ℹ️Tighten 8mm bolts to 25 Nm and 6mm bolts to 13 Nm according to bolt size.
12. 12

    Release tensioner and reinstall components
    Remove the timing chain tensioner retaining pin or clip through the access in the timing cover, allowing the tensioner to apply pressure to the chain. You should feel or hear the tensioner release. Reinstall the passenger side engine mount and torque all mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect the VTC oil control solenoid connector.
    ℹ️After releasing tensioner, manually rotate crankshaft 2 complete revolutions clockwise and verify timing marks realign at TDC.
13. 13

    Install valve cover with new gasket
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets on the valve cover. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in all grooves. Position the valve cover on the cylinder head and install all bolts finger-tight. Tighten the valve cover bolts in sequence from inside to outside in two steps: first to 5 Nm, then final torque to specification. Reconnect all hoses and install ignition coils.
14. 14

    Install crankshaft pulley and accessory belt
    Clean the crankshaft snout and inner bore of the pulley. Align the pulley with the crankshaft key and slide it onto the crankshaft, matching the orientation marks made during removal. Install the crankshaft pulley bolt and, using the holder tool to prevent rotation, torque the bolt to specification. Install the accessory drive belt by rotating the tensioner and routing the belt according to the belt routing diagram on the radiator support.
15. 15

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Refill the engine with 4 quarts of Honda Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Top off coolant system with Honda Type 2 Blue coolant and bleed air from the system. Reinstall the air intake assembly, engine cover, inner fender splash shield, and wheels. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Before starting, manually rotate the crankshaft 2 full revolutions by hand using a socket on the crankshaft bolt to verify smooth rotation with no binding.
    ⚠If you feel any resistance or binding while rotating the engine by hand, stop immediately and recheck timing alignment.

Reassembly

1. All fasteners should be tightened to specified torque values in proper sequence
2. Use new gaskets and seals for all components that were removed
3. Verify timing marks align correctly after rotating engine 2 complete revolutions
4. Double-check all electrical connections are properly seated and locked
5. Ensure all coolant hoses and clamps are properly secured

Verification

• Check for oil leaks around valve cover, timing covers, and crankshaft seal after initial startup
• Listen for abnormal timing chain noise (rattling or slapping sounds) at idle and during acceleration
• Verify no coolant leaks from hoses that were disturbed
• Confirm engine idles smoothly without misfires or rough running
• Monitor oil pressure gauge or warning light to ensure proper oil pressure
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal engine operation under load
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Scan for any diagnostic trouble codes related to timing, VTC operation, or misfires

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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