2012 Honda Accord Serpentine Belt Diagram

FAQ: Honda Accord Timing Belts and Timing Chains

, April 8, 2019

Like most car owners, you probably have car maintenance on your mind once in a while. Your car's engine is full of moving parts that all work in tandem, and it relies on perfect timing in order to function! That's why your Honda Accord has either a timing belt or a timing chain, which will eventually need to be checked and replaced over the life of your Honda. Here are a few frequently asked questions and some answers about your Honda's timing belt or timing chain!

Does my Honda Accord have a timing belt or a timing chain?

You can usually figure out whether your Honda Accord has a timing belt or a timing chain by checking its model year and trim level of your Accord. Many Honda Accord model years offer two different engines, which each have their own engine system to go with it. Luckily, there's a handy guide. If your Honda Accord dates back to 1997-2002, it has a timing belt. If you have a 4-cylinder model from 2003-2007, you engine has a timing chain; if you have the V6 model from those years, it's a timing belt. An Accord from 2008-2012 with a 4-cylinder engine will have a timing chain, whereas the V6 engine models have a timing belt. From 2013-2017, the 4-cylinder models still have a timing chain and the V6 models have a timing belt. Starting with the 2018 model year, all the available engines come with a timing chain.

What's the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?

A timing belt and a timing chain have a few differences, even though they serve mostly the same purpose in your engine system. A timing chain looks similar to a bike chain, and works with tensioners holding the chain in place. Those tensioners are controlled by engine oil pressure. Meanwhile, a timing belt is a rubber belt held in place by pulleys, which in turn are held by tensioners controlled by the engine's water pump. A timing belt will need to be replaced more often than a timing chain, but they tend to be quieter. Timing chains typically last longer, but they also have the potential to cause a lot more damage to your engine if they do fail.

When should I change my timing belt on a Honda Accord?

The timing belt on a Honda Accord generally needs to be replaced about every 60,000-100,000 miles. When it's time to replace your timing belt, it's a good idea to ask your mechanic to check the water pump, timing belt, and pulleys all at the same time. They often need to be replaced around the same time to make sure the system is functioning properly. Timing belts and timing chains serve critical functions within your engine. They're both responsible for the mechanical timing in your engine. The mechanical timing controls the crankshaft and camshaft, as well as the movements of the pistons and valves within the engine. Unless all of these aspects work at the right time, your engine won't work properly, and might not work at all.

What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt?

There are a couple of things you can be on the lookout for when it comes to your timing belt. The easiest thing to do is keep up to date on your scheduled services, and keep in mind the life of your car and the usual life of timing belts. However, there is a lot of stress going on under your hood, so it's possible that you'll need to replace it earlier than 100,000 miles. Listen for common signs like a ticking noise from the engine, or even an engine misfire. The timing belt can also cause your engine to simply not turn over if it has broken. Oil leaks can also be a sign, since engines typically start to leak motor oil from the timing belt cover over time. Keep an eye out for these signs, and make sure to visit a Honda service provider when it's time!

Learn More About Honda Timing Belts and Chains

If you have other questions or you'd like to learn more about other Honda models, you'll find more frequently asked questions answered here on our blog!

Honda Accord Sales & Service in St. Paul, MN

If you need to bring your Honda Accord or other model in for a new timing belt or timing chain, stop by Buerkle Honda in St. Paul, MN! Our service team can help you out and get you back on the road in no time. Don't forget about our great Buerkle Rewards program, where you can gain service benefits as well as sales perks. You'll get benefits like two free oil changes, two free tire rotations, 5% back on parts and services, and more! We're located near Minneapolis, Inver Grove, and Blaine, so stop by and see us soon!

Source: https://www.buerklehonda.com/news/faq-honda-accord-timing-belt-or-timing-chain/

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