
The timing chain is an important component in a Honda Ridgeline’s engine, and it needs to be properly maintained in order for the engine to run smoothly and efficiently. It’s just the TIME that it would take you or your mechanic to get to it that’s the problem. It’s hard to get to, and timing belts/chains are relatively affordable. If you are going to replace your TacomA’S tensioner, swap the belt as well. If the tensioner is no longer keeping enough pressure on the timing belt, it’ll cause it to fail. So, as the belt stretches, it adjusts for this stretching. The tensioner keeps this from happening by maintaining consistent force on the belt. The tensioner’s job is to keep the right amount of pressure on your Honda Ridgeline’s timing belt or chain.Īs the belt/chain stretches through regular operation, it gets loose and falls off or jumps. This will help to ensure that you don’t have any future problems with your vehicle. Therefore, if you are having your timing chain replaced, make sure that the tensioner is checked and replaced if necessary. If the tensioner is not functioning correctly, it can cause damage to the engine since it will be unable to keep the timing chain properly secured. This ensures your truck’s engine runs smoothly and the timing chain remains in place. Don’t Overlook the TensionerĪ timing belt tensioner maintains the correct tension on the Ridgeline’s timing chain.
#Broken timing chain symptoms professional#
Replacing your Honda Ridgeline’s timing chain can be expensive as it often involves several hours of labor from experienced mechanics.īecause the timing chain is essential to the engine’s operation, mistakes made during installation or adjustment can cause serious problems.Īn incorrectly installed or adjusted timing chain can cause catastrophic damage, resulting in costly repairs and replacements that could have been avoided.įor these reasons, if you suspect your Ridgeline’s timing chain needs replacement, contacting a certified professional who can safely perform the job is highly recommended. It is best done by a trained professional with access to specialized tools. Replacing a timing chain is not easy and requires considerable knowledge of the engine and its components. If you pull P0016 (Crankshaft Coerlation) or P0017, that is a strong indication that the engine timing is off. Modern engines use a crank and camshaft sensor to verify that they are spinning together. If your Ridgeline’s check engine light is on, start your diagnosis there. Excessive vibration in the engine bay (Due to an engine misfire).Ticking noise coming from the cylinder head area.Here are some other signs of a failing timing belt or chain: At the least, you should get some sort of misfire relate codes. But, if it has jumped, the check engine light will very likely come on. If the timing chain or belt needs replaced due to wear, but hasn’t jumped a tooth, the service engine soon light will not come on. If it is slippery and dry, that is a great indication it could be bad as well. It should grip your finger as you lightly brush across it. If you are looking at the Ridgeline’s timing belt itself, check to see if the belt is glossy. A misaligned timing belt will cause a decrease in fuel efficiency due to the engine working harder than it needs to be. Loss of Fuel Mileageįuel mileage will suffer when engine timing is off. If the timing belt has shifted, it causes the valves to open and close improperly, leading to diminished performance. The timing belt is responsible for keeping the camshaft(s) in sync with the crankshaft.

If the timing belt has jumped a few teeth, but hasn’t fallen or broken off yet, it can knock the engine out of time. It’ll typically be a rough rattling sound, and it is often most noticeable right when you start up your Ridgeline. There may be a sound of rubber beating against something. Slapping NoiseĪ good indication that a timing belt has gone bad is going to be noise. If this is the case, the damage is already done. You might hear it slapping around (broken timing belt or chain) as the engine cranks over. If your Ridgeline’s timing chain or belt has fallen off completely, broken, or has jumped a few teeth, it is entirely possible that the engine won’t even start. Here are some of the most common warning signs of a bad timing belt on the Honda Ridgeline: 1. No matter which one your Ridgeline has, the symptoms are the same when they fail. Timing belts are made out of rubber and nylon, unlike a timing chain, which looks much like a bicycle chain. Knowing the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain is vital so this doesn’t happen to your Honda Ridgeline. If it jumps a tooth or breaks entirely, it can lead to permanent engine damage. A bad timing belt or timing chain can be a serious issue.
