VTC actuator. Common problem on a number of Honda models. Starter problems are more along the line of the car having difficulty starting. Cold start noise is VTC problem.

 

That's why I said you should drop it off at the dealer the day before your appointment,

The TSB regarding the VTC noise issue explains it may need to sit for 6 hours (or more) before it makes noise again

 

Thank you. I was not aware of that... everything I read so far in this forum was starter. I will let you know how it goes.

 

Sure sounds like it....

 

Thanks to ezone, I took the car in and its definitely the VTC. I dropped it off on Saturday and got the call this morning from the dealership that it is the VTC. Car should be ready by Thursday. And lucky for me it's covered under the powertrain warranty.

 

good to hear that its covered !

speaking of powertrain warranty, my manual gear shifter makes viberation noise on 5th and 6th gear, especially when the road is shaky... anyone know if its just bveucase of loose screw?