I brought my son's car to the mechanic yesterday, and he adjusted the valves for $150. When he called later in the day, he said the engine is still noisy. I didn't get all the details, but he said something about the timing chain and something hydraulic in the valve train. He said that's been a problem with the Fit, and Honda has repaired some of them for free. I'll get the details when I pick up the car later. Then I'll go to Honda and see what they say.

There is also a recall for the weight sensor in the passenger's seat. Honda didn't tell me about that; I heard from a friend.

Comments welcome.

 

This Fit does not have the recall on the seat weight sensor, so that's one thing out of the way.

As for the clicking noise, I'll bring it to Honda on Friday, and they'll check it. It's awful, but I know that no matter what they say, I won't believe them, it won't solve the problem, and it will be ridiculously expensive. My regular mechanic doesn't want to deal with this problem.

Wouldn't it be nice if dealers were honest?

 

The noise could be the VTC actuator. Known problem with these engines.

Rattle on cold start is the most typical manifestation. My '16 LX did this during the winter when I was in the midwest. Now that I'm in New Mexico, not as often, but still there.

Some folks think that the maintenance minder shouldn't be taken below 50% (instead of Honda's 15% recommendation) and you stand a better chance of not having to replace the VTC actuator.

I've heard that Honda has goodwilled the actuator in some cases. I don't know if there is a service bulletin on it yet.

 

The cars doesn't have a recall for the seat weight sensor, although an identical Fit did. After I get the verdict from Honda tomorrow, I'll post the result. When I get a price and a description, I'll call two other dealers within driving distance.

 

$2,700 for timing chain, valve timing actuator, etc.

 

There is but they still state it may redevelop or not fix the problem. Camshaft adjusters/actuators have been problematic in almost every make. Toyota issues w/ older 1.8s, MBs with M276/278 motors, Ford in 5.4, 3.5 ecoboost, the list continues. Bad engineering thanks to the epa

Stellantis on the 3.6 pentas run about -35° @ idle on exhaust to increase dwell/burn which is insane
Seen some of em run hot because of it. EPA killing everything

 

"EPA killing everything" Ironic statement.