Hey,

2015 ex-L 123k miles, auto transmission has been making a metallic crackling noise that begins at around 2000rpm, intensity of sound maxes at around 2500, then starts to level off at around 3000. It's been happening in drive, neutral, and reverse. Seems to get better after some time driving, but not by much. Oil is good, trans fluid good. Been worsening over the course of several weeks-months. Recording Below. Any ideas what it might be? Sounds scary

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Fx5ZbGwL9kx2K4gm8

 

vtc actuator is my guess

 

Were you able to watch the video through the link? (just asking since you're the first to respond). Have you every heard/experienced that noise before that fits those symptoms?

 

yeah, the link worked.

How long have you been having strange engine noises?
Also, what oil do you use and how often is it changed?
The reason why I suggested vtc actuator is because it's a common issue on these cars.
The vid you posted sounded like a much worse version of vtc failure (that's why I wonder how long you've been experiencing it).

 

I have a '16 LX with 75K. At cold startup after sitting overnight, mine makes a grinding noise for about a second as it starts. After that, no issues. Couldn't tell there is a problem with the engine running at idle or any other speed.

If your noise is due to the VTC actuator going, it would be an extreme case.

I'm wondering if something is going on with your CVT. At 123K, have you kept up with fluid changes?

 

I think it's been there for several months already.
0w-20 oil, changed every 5k miles, though I'm thinking it's time to make that 3k.
And I thought so too at first, but the most common presentation of a failed vtc actuator seems to be that rumbling cood start up but nothing beyond that, whereas my noise occurs throughout the engine running and specific to an rpm range or 2-3k, unless theres more I havent heard.
I was poking around this morning and found dense soot built up on the 3rd-from-the-left ignition coil, specifically on the outer surface of the part that inserts into the hole above the spark plug.

 

IIRC, owners of other Honda motors with this design flaw (CRV etc.), those who ignore the vtc engine noise will have this noise throughout the rev range and engine temp (hot or cold).
This noise causes a stretching of the timing chain to the point where the engine will get so far out of time, that the pistons will make contact with the valves (bye-bye motor).

From the sounds in your video, I'd suggest getting that inspected by a reputable mechanic ASAP.
It sounds downright scary.