B14-025
April 22, 2016
01781 Version 4
Timing Belt Chirps
Supersedes 14-025, dated January 19, 2016, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
| Year | Model | Trim | VIN Range |
| 2014–15 | MDX | ALL | ALL |
| 2016 | MDX | 2WD | 5FRYD3…GB000001 thru 5FRYD3…GB008556 |
| 2016 | MDX | AWD | 5FRYD4…GB000001 thru 5FRYD4…GB032107 |
| 2014–15 | RLX | ALL except Sport Hybrid | ALL |
| 2016 | RLX | ALL except Sport Hybrid | JH4KC1…GC000001 thru JH4KC1…GC000922 |
| 2014 | RLX Sport Hybrid | ALL | ALL |
| 2016 | RLX Sport Hybrid | ALL | JH4KC2…GC000001 thru JH4KC2…GC00017 |
| 2015 | TLX | 2WD | 19UUB2…FA000001 thru 19UUB2…FA025139 |
| 2015 | TLX | AWD | 19UUB3…FA000001 thru 19UUB3…FA010310 |
REVISION SUMMARY
This bulletin has been completely revised. American Honda
recommends that you read the entire bulletin.
SYMPTOM
The timing belt area makes a chirping noise after the engine warms up.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
The timing belt contacts the back edge of the crankshaft pulley.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the diagnosis and, based on the results, install an idler pulley shim.
PARTS INFORMATION
Required Parts for all models:
| Part Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| Idler Pulley Shim | 14559-RCA-305 | 1 |
| Timing Belt Idler Bolt | 14551-RCA-A01
Sale
Genuine Honda 14551-RCA-A01 Timing Belt Idler Bolt
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 60 mm | 90168-TA1-A00 | 2 |
For MDX, add the following:
| Part Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| O-Ring | 91319-R70-A01 | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 85 mm | 90002-R70-A00 | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 105 mm | 95801-10105-08 | 2 |
| Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm | 90165-SDA-A00 | 1 |
For RLX (except Sport Hybrid), add the following:
| Part Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| O-Ring | 91319-PAA-A01
Honda Genuine O-Ring (13X1-5)
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 85 mm | 90002-R70-A00 | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 105 mm | 95801-10105-08 | 2 |
| Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm | 90161-SDA-A01 | 1 |
For RLX Sport Hybrid, add the following:
| Part Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| Oil Filter Base Gasket | 15302-5G0-A00 | 1 |
| Pre-Chamber Gasket | 18393-SDB-A00
Genuine Honda 18393-SDB-A00 Pre Chamber Gasket
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 35 mm | 90163-SDA-A01 | 2 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 35 mm | 90161-T2A-A00 | 2 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 60 mm | 90164-TY3-A01 | 2 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 75 mm | 90002-R8A-A00 | 3 |
| Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm | 90161-SDA-A01 | 1 |
| Flange Nut 12 mm | 90371-SEF-000 | 4 |
| Self-Lock Nut 10 mm | 90212-SA5-003
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | 3 |
For TLX, add the following:
| Part Name | Part Number | Quantity |
| O-Ring | 91319-R70-A01 | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 85 mm | 90002-R70-A00 | 1 |
| Flange Bolt 10 mm x 105 mm | 95801-10105-08 | 2 |
| Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm | 90161-SDA-A01 | 1 |
REQUIRED TOOLS
| Part Name | Tool Number | Quantity |
| Holder Handle | 07JAB-001020B | 1 |
| Pulley Holder | 07MAB-PY3010A
Powerbuilt Crankshaft Crank Pulley Removal Tool, 50mm Holder, Remover and Installer Socket Wrench, Honda and Acura - 648796,Black
Last update on 2026-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | 1 |
| Breaker Bar (commercially available) | 07JAA-001020A
Genuine Honda Parts - Socket (19Mm) (07JAA-001020A)
Last update on 2026-06-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API | 1 |
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
| Model | Operation Number | Description | Flat Rate Time | Defect Code | Symptom Code | Template ID | Failed Part Number |
| MDX | 1110A7 | Diagnose, and install an idler pulley shim. | 2.5 hrs | 07403 | 04201 | 14-025N | 14400-R9P-A01
Last update on 2026-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| RLX | 1110A7 | Diagnose, and install an idler pulley shim. | 2.5 hrs | 07403 | 04201 | 14-025P | 14400-R9P-A01
Last update on 2026-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| TLX | 1110A7 | Diagnose, and install an idler pulley shim. | 2.5 hrs | 07403 | 04201 | 14-025Q | 14400-R9P-A01
Last update on 2026-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
| RLX Sport Hybrid | Diagnose, and install an idler pulley shim. | 4.2 hrs | 07403 | 04201 | 14-025R | 14400-R9P-A01
Last update on 2026-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API |
Skill Level: Repair Technician
DIAGNOSIS
NOTE: During the diagnosis and repair, follow the procedures listed below. For more detail about any of these procedures, see the applicable service information.
- Wheel Removal and Installation
- Engine Undercover Removal and Installation
- Drive Belt Removal and Installation
- Crankshaft Pulley Removal and Installation
- Timing Belt Removal and Installation
- Side Engine Mount Removal and Installation Timing Belt Auto-Tensioner Removal and Installation
- Start the engine, let it warm up, and listen for a chirp.
Below is an example of the chirping noise:
NOTE: It can take up to 30 minutes for the engine to become hot enough to hear a chirp.
Do you hear a chirp?
- If you hear a chirp coming from the timing belt area, go to step 2.
- If you hear a chirp coming from the high pressure fuel pump, refer to service bulletin 16-008, High Pressure Fuel Pump Chirps.
- If you do not hear a chirp, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.
- Remove the drive belt and retest the engine while it is hot.
- If you hear a chirp, go to step 3.
- If you do not hear a chirp, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Disconnect the high-voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor (the compressor is not removed). Refer to the electric A/C compressor removal procedure in the service information (steps 2, 3, and 8).
NOTE: Because there is limited space between the timing belt covers and the shock tower, remove the front strut brace and lift the engine about 35 mm to remove the timing belt covers.
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Remove the timing belt covers. Refer to the timing belt removal procedure in the service information (steps 1–4 and 7–17).
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Install/connect the following components: exhaust pipe A, the lower half of the side engine mount bracket, the high-voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor, and the oil filter base/oil cooler/oil filter assembly. Then, install the service plug and connect the 12-volt battery terminal. Go to step 12.
NOTE: Reuse the original oil filter base gasket and replace with the new gasket during final assembly.
- Remove the right front wheel.
- Remove the engine undercover.
- Hold the crankshaft pulley with the holder handle and the pulley holder.
- Remove the crankshaft bolt with a heavy duty 19 mm socket and a breaker bar, then remove the crankshaft pulley and washer. Temporarily reinstall the crankshaft bolt.
- Remove the front and rear upper covers.
NOTE: Keep the A/C pressure sensor harness out of the way of moving parts by attaching it to the A/C line with a zip tie.
- Remove the lower cover.
- Start the engine while it is still hot, then spray the back edge of the timing belt with water while it is running.
NOTE: On RLX Sport Hybrid models there are more disassembly steps that could allow the engine to cool, you may have to warm up the engine before squirting the timing belt with water to see if the chirp lessens.
Do you still hear a chirp?
- If the chirp lessens, changes pitch, or goes away, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
- If the chirp does not change, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
- Make sure the engine is off, then try to insert a 0.95 mm feeler gauge between the top edge of the timing belt idler pulley and the back side of the side engine mount bracket that overhangs the pulley.
NOTE: Make sure you remove the feeler gauge from its holder to get a more accurate measurement.
- If you can insert the feeler gauge between the timing belt idler pulley and engine mount bracket, go to step 4.
- If you cannot insert the feeler gauge, go to step 2.
- Remove the side engine mount bracket.
- Using a die grinder with a 2-inch grinding disc, use the circular casting offset as a guide to grind the side engine mount bracket until the lip measures 2 mm in thickness.
NOTE: Use a vernier caliper or micrometer to confirm the amount of material removed.
- Set the engine to TDC (top dead center).
- Align the TDC mark on the tooth of the timing belt drive pulley with the pointer on the oil pump.
- Align the TDC marks on the camshaft pulleys with the pointers on the back covers.
- Thread and hand-tighten a battery clamp bolt as shown to hold the timing belt adjuster in its current position.
NOTE: Do not use a wrench to tighten the battery clamp bolt.
- Remove the idler pulley.
- Remove the timing belt.
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Remove the oil filter base/oil cooler/oil filter assembly without disconnecting the water hoses to access the timing belt auto-tensioner bolts.
- All except RLX Sport Hybrid: Remove the rocker arm oil pressure sensor from the oil filter housing to access the timing belt auto-tensioner bolts.
- Disconnect the rocker arm oil pressure sensor connector.
- Remove the rocker arm oil pressure sensor.
- Remove any old liquid gasket from the switch and the switch mounting hole.
- Remove the battery clamp bolt from the timing belt adjuster, then remove the timing belt auto-tensioner.
- Place the idler pulley shim between the idler pulley and the oil pump housing; loosely install the new idler pulley bolt with Hondalock 1 applied to its threads. Make sure you follow the instructions on the Hondalock 1 container.
NOTE: The shim is tapered from left to right. The word OUT is stamped into the tang and painted white. It should be readable after the shim is installed.
- Install the new idler pulley bolt:
- Insert the square end of a ¼-inch-drive ratchet extension to keep the shim’s tang in the correct position.
- Tighten the idler pulley bolt to 44 N·m (33 lb-ft).
- Bend the shim’s tang slightly towards the oil pump housing to keep it away from the idler pulley.
- Compress the timing belt auto tensioner.
- Align the holes on the rod and timing belt auto-tensioner housing.
- Use a hydraulic press to slowly compress the timing belt auto-tensioner. Insert a 2 mm (5/64 in) pin through the housing and the rod.
- Thread and hand-tighten a battery clamp bolt to hold the timing belt adjuster.
NOTE: Do not use a wrench to tighten the battery clamp bolt.
- Install the timing belt auto-tensioner. Do not remove the pin.
- All except RLX Sport Hybrid: Install the rocker arm oil pressure sensor.
- Apply Hondabond 4 liquid gasket to the rocker arm oil pressure sensor threads.
NOTE: Do not use too much liquid gasket because excessive liquid may enter the oil passages or block the end of the sensor.
- Install the rocker arm oil pressure switch with a new O-ring.
- Connect the rocker arm oil pressure switch connector.
- Install the timing belt.
- Remove the pin from the timing belt auto-tensioner.
- Remove the battery clamp bolt from the timing belt adjuster and return it to its original location.
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Disconnect the high voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor. Refer to the electric A/C compressor installation procedure in the service information (steps 2, 3, and 8).
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Install the timing belt covers. Refer to the timing belt installation procedure in the service information (steps 7–27). Go to step 31.
- Install the side engine mount with the new bolts and torque them as shown.
- Install the upper and lower covers.
- Remove the crank pulley bolt.
- Remove any oil and clean the crankshaft pulley, washer, and bolt. Lubricate with new engine oil as shown.
- Install the crankshaft pulley and torque the bolt to 65 N·m (48 lb-ft).
- Tighten the bolt an additional 60 degrees.
- Install the engine undercover.
- Install the right front wheel and torque the nuts.
- RLX: 127 N·m (94 lb-ft)
- MDX: and TLX: 108 N·m (80 lb-ft)
- RLX Sport Hybrid only: Connect the high-voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor, install the service plug, and connect the 12-volt battery terminal. Refer to the electric A/C compressor installation procedure in the service information (steps 4, 9, and 10).
- Do the CKP-pattern clear and the CKP-pattern learn procedure.
NOTE: If you do not do these procedures, the PCM may falsely detect a misfire and set a DTC when there is no misfire.
END
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