Hey everybody. I'm new here and looking for an answer. I drive a 2015 fit. As the weather gets colder, I get this horrible grinding noise immediately upon starting the car. It sometimes happens when it didn't get that cold. It has been happening basically since owning the car. Any insights on this issue? Thanks.

 

Starter bendix might be sticking or wore out.

 

On service bulletin it says:
Symptom: at cold start up the engine rattles loudly for about 2 seconds, may be intermittent and occurs on cold starts where the engine typically has not been started 6-8 hours
Possible causes: The variable valve timing control (VTC) actuator is defective on 2015-2016 Fit models all trims all vins
Corrective action: Replace the VTC actuator
(needs special tools)

 

is this tsb repair covered even if the car is out of warrantee?

 

Normal issue for the 2015's and up. It's for sure the VTC actuator. We just paid $1500 to have Honda fix on our 2018 Sport. And the noise just came back a year later. It doesn't effect anything. Just makes noise on cold starts. Now I'll just deal with it. Not worth fixing when it wears out super fast.

 

No. This fix is only covered by the vehicles owner.