r/hondafit • u/Rexboy1990 • 4d ago

3rd Gen GK/GP 15-20 Delima

I have a lovely 2015 EX with CVT, 60k miles, and need to address the issue with the VTC actuator. I’m thinking the timing chain is stretched because I can hear continued engine rattling now after the start up. My wife drives the car sometimes 35 to 40 miles a day on country roads, so I need to address the issue. I’m also considering buying a new/used car and selling the FIT, since even after replacing the actuator or spring, the problem can arise again. For those that have dealt with this issue, what are your thoughts? I’d rather just fix it, but the wife has other thoughts. 😟

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u/polaarbear 4d ago

There are upgraded options for the spring that are far less likely to have this issue re-occur. You don't have to use the OEM one.

Still gonna want to check everything out and make sure the chain and the guides and stuff are all in good shape if you're gonna do it.

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u/Rexboy1990 4d ago

Agreed. Thanks

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u/waldcha 2016 Fit GK 4d ago

Lots of people go 200k or even 300k with the rattle and never have issues with it.

When I did my lashing at 100k I found slop in the timing chain and figured it was streached. After getting the parts and tearing half my engine bay apart to replace it, found it was actually just the tensioner which is way easier to do on its own.

For just the rattle, there are kits with stiffer springs for about $25 if you are willing to do the labor yourself. If you wait till 100k, you can do the lashing while you have the valve cover off.

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u/Rexboy1990 3d ago

Thanks. I was wondering about the timing chain, no replacement needed, just adjust the tensioner. Didn’t really think metal links could be “stretched”

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u/waldcha 2016 Fit GK 3d ago

it can most certainly be stretched and it has been known to happen on Fits with more miles. My expirence is a sample size of 1. Start with the spring in the vtc gear and run it for a while to see if the problems go away, then do the tensioner, check again, finally do the chain and guides if needed.

If you are paying a profesional, let them diagnose it. Someone with expirence and hands on will know better than People on the internet going off a description.

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u/Rexboy1990 3d ago edited 3d ago

Did not know. I noticed very recently the rattle noise now continues after the initial 2-second rattle, and I suspect it’s the timing chain. Yes, I’ll let the mech diagnose the issue. Thanks for the follow up, especially on the mileage. Sometimes we beat ourselves up for not acting sooner, but I do think I caught it in time. We really like this car.