Greetings all. Not sure if this has a Thread started or not, I have searched and did not find one.
ISSUE: My 2015 (Mexico built) 6MT has 35,000 on the clock and has the dreaded VTEC rattle on start up. Took it to my dealer, and they told me Yep, It rattles! MY Fit is now out of warranty and beyond the extended Warranty period.
There is a Class Action Law Suit for this, but am trying not to go through that hassle. They will fix it of course for 3,500. Yikes!
I called Honda of North America several times and NO GO there.
I have nothing to bargain with, no "reason" for Honda to fix it under any kind of warranty, even though this is a common problem. They even have a Service Bulletin on it 16-088 which states it affects "All years, all trim levels" but according to Honda mine has no issue. AGGGRRRR!!!
Ideas? Where to go from here?
Any Ideas or help is greatly appreciated.

 

It's not a safety issue and therefore to Honda it's not a problem ($$).
Basically a small VTC spring has to be replaced. A replacement heavier duty spring is available online for just a few bucks. Getting at it is very tricky and requires a lot of careful work. If you're not up to it and don't have the tools then that's a pass. Example of someone who repaired it himself a week ago (post #4052):

https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/3rd-...today-203.html

The price you've been quoted is hilarious and they are probably including a lot of non-essential work like replacing the timing chain and polishing your hub caps. Options:
1. Take it to at least two other Honda dealerships for fresh quotes. Do not tell them that you have already quoted it.
2. Look for a non-dealership shop in your area that specializes in Honda cars, would be familiar with this problem and can quote you on this. You might want to buy the non-Honda spring yourself online rather than use the failure prone Honda one if going with a non-dealership. Dealership will probably insist on using their spring..

 

I paid to fix mine. Just a major issue with these cars.

It can lead to engine damage if not taken care of. Just letting you know.

 

The fact that I have found no one with damage from the VTC rattles is proof enough for me that its a cosmetic issue. Scotty Kilmer a trusted mechanic on youtube even says so. This issue is in other Hondas and Toyotas too and no video or comment I can find that it damaged anything. Personally the rattle is more often when engine is cold. I also notice by filling my oil at the 75% mark on the dipstick and not the 50% mark helps almost completely eliminate the rattle. The only time it rattles now is when the car is slanted with the nose down on an incline, if you slant the car up like up a hill and start then the rattle doesnt happen. Maybe this is just my car but its worth others to try since its FREE.

 

Sure. Always trust a backyard youtube mechanic over Honda...

I lol'd.

 

Oh and last I checked cosmetic is mainly interior and exterior smart guy. Exactly what you see with your eyes. Clearly not internal engine damage. lol

 

Honda made the problem. They aren't mechanics they are a manufacturer. Two very different things. My 2015 Fit has had the rattle for a decade now and ZERO problems. This isnt a pissing contest Im just showing the facts of my experience.

 

Where is the PROOF of damage?! My Fit is a decade old and ZERO problems with the rattle. I have heard of NO ONE whos engine blew up because of a rattle in any of the Hondas or Toyotas that have the rattle. I tested my engine oil over many years and the report all shows normal wear. Ill turn into a skeleton waiting for proof!

 

isnt someone on the forum having problems with a 2018 engine he put in a 2015 fit because the chain cover wore through?..he admits he should have just changed the cover..mine rattles and has for like 7 years and id love to believe it isnt damaging anything, really really love to

 

I put the longer of the two springs from Spring-Start in many-many months ago and problem 100% solved. Done 100+ starts since installation. Even after an overnight cold-soak at -20 Deg C, no rattle. Not a rookie mechanic job for sure but any non-dealer garage can do this in a few hours. Best $35-ish I ever spent!