How to Replace a VTC Actuator (Complete DIY Guide) 

I hope this helps the millions of people affected by bad variable valve timing actuators and even if you dont have this issue, there is a lot to learn about setting an engine to top dead center! Thank you Spray Nine for hooking me up so I can SuperClean my engine bay! If you buy a bottle of their degreaser from Advance Auto Parts (or anything else) use "ChrisFix25" for 25% off your ENTIRE order! I make no money from you guys using the code, it was negotiated to help you guys. I use it myself whenever I buy parts haha. Hope this helps! Spray Nine Degreaser: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/LPx09Y High Strength Removable Threadlocker: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/ZdxVgk Quick Set Gasket Maker: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/XxL4Jg Bluetooth OBD2 Scanner: amzn.to/3zPq6v1 VTC Actuator: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/b3DkEk Honda 2.4l Valve Cover Gasket Set: advanceautoparts.rt8x.net/2rQRAQ Tools: tengtoolsusa.com/

Have to appreciate the way chris gets the absolute perfect camera angles to show everything

It’s crazy to see him do multiple things just to show us the difference, like taking the valve cover off two vehicles to show us clean vs sludge

This video helped me and my dad to replaced the VTC Actuator on our 2013 Honda CRV, we followed each step as Chris was explaining and all went good. Removing the actuator bolt was the hardest part of the process. Man, that bolt is hard. Thank you Chris.

Thank you, Chris fix !... I followed this video. Video paused it about a million , watched it about 100 times, but my parts installed in the car is running great. Great. Keep up the great work. Amazing video quality! And straightforward simple into the point. No fluff!

As a Honda technician who has done this job (including the timing chain, guides, and tensioner) several times, I want to say, AWESOME job! You explained everything perfectly, exactly how it's supposed to be done according to the service manual, and well enough for anyone to DIY it. I agree, removing the camshaft is definitely extra work that isn't really necessary - we've done the same thing before when replacing ONLY the VTC actuator. Obviously, if you need to replace everything else, you may as well go ahead and remove the camshaft. Cracking the VTC actuator bolt loose while the chain is still on/tensioned is a good idea, because otherwise you'll have to clamp the cam in a vice with brass, wood, or plastic jaws (to avoid damaging it) in order to remove and install the actuator. Don't be afraid to use an impact to remove the bolt! My only recommendation is to NOT use thread locker on the bolt threads, and only use clean oil - Honda does not recommend this because oil does go through the camshaft and it does reach the bolt. As long as the new bolt is torqued to spec (85 ft lbs) you won't have to worry about it coming loose.

Chris, could you make a video in the future about how you learned the trade of fixing cars? I appreciate it!

Hey Chris, I had to comment simply because this is the finest "how to" video I've ever seen. Perfect instructions, perfectly edited, great camera angles, you didn't miss one thing. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us out here. And I know I'm speaking for many, many people. You are a blessing man!!!

Sir ... this is one of the best repair videos I have seen. You are a natural educator. Well done!

VTEC!!!!! Killer job as always Chris.

I legit just searched for Chris' channel to watch old videos and this video said "posted 36 seconds ago"😹😹😹crazy

Chris, this is way overdue but I had to comment. A friend of mine has this same car/engine and one day described the exact sound of a bad VTC actuator. Now I'm a pretty good DIY wrench generally and had seen your video so I was super confident we could get it done. He drove over from an hour away and we got to work. everything was going fine til we had to reassmble and get the chain back on. For the life of us the chain would not get back on, we tried pinning the tensioners all all. I think somehow wewe did manage to misalign or lose tension and I was afraid of having to get the whole front cover all. Ultimately we had to use my AAA tow to flatbed it to his mechanic almost 100 miles away. It always bothered me that we messed it up despite your great tutorial. The only way things could get worse is if we did get it together but with timing off so it grenaded the valves. I think if it were mine I would have been fine.I have a second car so I could walk away and come back later. Even if I had to take the front cover off it would take a long time but would get done. It underscores how different car repair is different if its your only car/only way to work in the morning. I think the pressure of rushing to get done in time might have played a part. Anyway i still appreciated the instructions and wanted to warn others of how unpleasant things can get if you jump a tooth somewhere. Be careful and take your time!

Many master mechanics RU-vidrs do videos on simple things like engine oil change, transmission oil change, differential fluid change, transfer box fluid change, etc., basic simple stuff. Chris does BEYOND any master mechanic on RU-vid!

It’s like Christmas, been needing to do this on my wife’s car and no one has a good video. After watching this I’m not intimidated to do this job now! Thanks Chris!

Should've titled this, "How to put the 'kicked in yo' back in your VTEC."

One of the very best money saving mechanical videos I've ever seen. Very clear instructions! Great job!

This may be the most comprehensive, detailed video of EXACTLY what to do. My daughter has this issue with her CRV (very common) and this video will be a DEFINITE help! 👍

everytime Chris supercleans his engine bay I run to my car and do the same. It's just so beautiful to see a clean engine

"We're doing it ourselves so we know is done properly." I don't know about that Chris.. I can't even draw a circle.. 😅 let alone doing this..

Honda Dealer Service , Who sure didn’t like this Guide that much detail so clearly😃 Appreciate that Chris 👌👍

Once again I just have to say ... you nailed it. You definitely have a certain knock-on these types of jobs, and explaining and videotaping the whole job. You are good and I have been an aircraft mechanic/engineer for 37 years! and worked on a ton of different aircraft, and my different vehicles over the years. Getting your head around the fact that you can do this and a lot of other jobs done without major expenses is the first step to it all.

Chris: “Well we can’t just leave just one spot clean” Super cleans whole engine bay

I know I’m never going to do this, but I just love watching chris explain things so clearly!

Thanks for this video Chris Fix. It helped make sense about my CR-V. Spent my entire weekend working on mine and she's back running, took the timing cover off so shouldn't be a leaker anymore either. 8.5 million subs, impressive rich dude. 👏

All I can say Is THANK YOU!! A buddy and I attempted this fix and it fixed the issue like a charm. I'd be lying if didn't say we did have some issues with bolts being suuuuuper tight but all in all a great video. Made a few other repairs as well and she's humming like charm! Not a rattle in sight! I'm learning my way around a wrench and your video (along with my mechanically inclined assistant) made it possible. Thanks again and keep the videos coming!

“We are doing the job ourselves, so we know it’s getting done properly” man I wish that was true 😂

22:38 «Everything is looking good” *chain pops out

Beautifully practically explained 👍💯Appreciate your practical demo . I remember there is a plate inside the actuator , which advance the valve timing advancing locking the two cam actuator and the third actuator take over and advance press the valve more for the air fuel mixture to enter the Cylinder . Actuator works like a Governor , like the Plate having the two weights attached with the spring under the plate of CB Point , the current distributor , which advances the current to the spark Plugs , same mechanism for the Vtec /VVTI . You have made me your Fan Chris .

I have watched numerous of reference videos on RU-vid, and hands down, you are did an excellent job in this one. Thank you for taking the time to be detailed and organized from beginning to end and helping hard-working people save a lot of money. I'm a licensed aircraft mechanic and much respect for a job well done sir.

Chris: “VTC-“ My mind: “VTEC”

Me: don't own a Honda, don't even know what a VTEC actuator is... Also me: let's watch this video right now !

Hands down a super helpful video for us, owners of this iconic engine with this common issue, I appreciate Chris !

This is a great video, Thanks! I followed this step by step for a 2010 CRV, and everything explained in the video was exactly what I expected. The hardest part was getting that exhaust gear back on, it was very tight and required persuasion from a pry bar.

12:07 was anyone else blown away by the resolution of the camera? As always Chris, excellent attention to detail.

*Chris fix's neighbors*: "honey! The neighbor is putting safety glasses on his camera again."

Good thing you remembered to change the valve cover washer gaskets along with the gasket itself. One major source of leaks is NOT using new washer gaskets, resulting in insufficient clamping load.

I was losing a tenth of a liter of oil everyday, approximately 150 mi of driving every day, and for 6 months I didn't know what was wrong until I found this video so thank you so much because it makes it where I was able to fix my beloved Honda and keep it driving

22:36 "everything is looking good" as the chain rolls off the sprocket 😁

Congrats for being the largest automotive RU-vidr respect

Thanks Chris, because of you I was brave enough to replace my timing chain and actuator on my Honda CRV. Super thankful for your step by step processes! Cheers and greetings from Australia :-)

I like how you are straight forward to the point, taking clear angles to show exactly what you explain, your voice is clear, and the work is professional. Thanks for the video and please keep up the good work.

« He’s gonna clean the inside of the valve cover » - « he’s definitely gonna clean it » - « he isn’t cleaning it » - « he didn’t clean it OMG » *dying*

"Good time doing it". That one bolt: wouldnt it be a shame if somebody snapped

Explanation of everything is very articulate but without a bunch of bs like most videos! I’m a shop owner/operator/mechanic. So 99% of the time I’m only looking for quick Straight to the point,general direction on some jobs I’ve never done to avoid having to learn something the hard way from someone that’s already is in the know on how to get around those little mistakes. Time is money,and most customers needed there vehicle back yesterday!!! So thank you very much for the quick talking and zero waste of time video!!!

Hello Chris I am so glad I found this Video. I was recently quoted $1400 to do this job on my 2010 CRV. After watching your video I am confident I can do it myself. I'm just having a hard time finding the VTC sprocket. But I'm not giving up. Thank you for such a Detailed video.

i think 90% of chrisfix's viewer watch his vids not bc they trying to fix something but bc its entertaining lol

"let's super deep clean the engine bay real quick"

I'm just watching random videos and I think this is the best how to video I've ever seen.

Every time I watch a ChrisFix video, I get BDE (Big DIY Energy). Never would have thought about Spray nine for the engine bay. Thanks Chris. You're the f'n man!

Man I don't even have a car nor can I have one. But still i love watching him.

I don't have a Honda, I don't plan to get a Honda, but I'm watching anyway 😂

Just did mine and man I thought I totally messed up. My old VTC was in an almost unlocked position. That made lining up my marks a little tricky. Also, I accidentally dropped the exhaust sprocket and the chain jumped like 4 teeth. I thought I was in for a huge job but I started to think really hard. I jiggled the chain on both side while pulling to the side I needed more chain on. I actually had to rotate the intake cam quite a bit to get the exhaust sprocket back on. With all my markings lined up, I put it back together and filled it with oil. First start up had a slight rattle but very faint. It drives and sounds normal. Let it sit for a few hours and started it back up. No rattle and she purrs like a kitten. Thanks for the detailed video. Saved me from spending tons of money at a shop.

Just wow! This is a superbly done "industrial video." Perfect scripting, pacing, videography, lighting, audio, editing, transitions, etc etc. Offers many tips along the way. You are a gifted teacher/presenter/videomaker. I hope you are handsomely rewarded for your work!

Chrisfix: "Let's start her up and listen to this!" Honda: GRRRRR!!!!

I've had this rattle with my car for years. Finally have the courage to fix it myself. Thank you, Chris!

genuinely impressed with the video. you make it look so easy and yet i know if i tried this at home on my wife's car, I'd be making a call to a tow company and be looking for a new car the next day. But it makes me want to give it a shot. Your method and easy explanations make an otherwise overwhelmingly scary task seem like a walk in the park, the sign of a true expert.

Chris, you are the man! Excellent video on a common Honda 2.4L engine problem. Thanks to you & your video I will be tackling my VTC actuator on my 2011 Honda CRV. It's a whole lot more informative to actually see it performed than it is to read it in a book. A lot of D.I.Y.ers will luv this video. Keep up the good work!

"Tools at home" Brings out an induction coil out of nowhere Me: Are you joking?

22:37 Chris: "And everything is looking good" Timing chain: *i don't think so*

This might be the most comprehensive, helpful and succinct DIY video (any subject) I've ever viewed on RU-vid. THANK YOU!

I just know you've saved people thousands of dollars and I have never heard you ask for a dime.. man you're good peoples in my book. Thanks man

Man, imagine being this knowledgable and proficient. I can barely change my oil without screwing something up. Great content as always, Chris! Love the enthusiasm.

"now the bolt is broken...." holy shit "....free" all good

old but gold. Your videos are not only helped peoples save money but also very inspiration. Thank you very much, Chris

One of the best most thorough videos I have ever seen for a step by step fix it yourself projects. Greatly appreciate the effort and detail put into this. Looking forward to watching more videos. Thank you

A timing chain replacement video on an Accord would be helpful - though this one was a huge and helpful insight, to be sure; there are a couple question marks I still have on which the repair manuals are wildly unclear. Thanks for the hard work, mate. You’re empowering an army of us to dodge the mechanics altogether. Keep up the great work!

Will i ever do this myself? No.... Did i watch the whole video? YES !

Chris, you are so good and authentic that when you did the video on piston Springs you actually had a few of my friends doubting themselves I love it

Blown away by your attention to detail and presentation style. Fantastic job.

This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on this and I’ve watched them all. The complexity of the Honda service bulletin instructions have kept me from performing this on mine but this method is way easier. I can’t wait to finally get rid of that rattle on start up.

Always makes my day when Chrisfix uploads

Super video. Daughter and I fixed her 2014 CR-V today using your video. We used the WVE part made in Mexico which is the same as the OEM at the dealer. Thanks for saving us $450.

I can only imagine how many times Chris had to start this car up, just for this noise to occur, just for us to listen to it. Nice one Chris! That's dedication right there.

I love that Chris is so thorough with his explanations that when he mentioned one of the tests was to start the engine cold, he made sure to clarify that then engine doesn’t have to be literally cold, it just means that your car hasn’t been turned on for at minimum 3 hours for the schmucks that don’t know anything about cars whatsoever 😂 long time viewer ever since you did the “how to inspect a used vehicle before buying”. That’s how I got into cars as a hobby and now do projects all the time (when I actually have the money for it 😅)

*Chris fix lifts hood Me: Omg this man is a f*cking genius

The absolute best repair video did this exact repair today by following the steps in the video and everything is fixed now! 10/10 on the video.

My buddy and I just did this on my girls 2009 Accord. I wanna make this comment so Chris knows how helpful this really is and to help other DIYers. This job is very difficult, even with Chrisfix in your pocket. First, make sure your actuator is actually UNLOCKED before you get started. This part was special order so I had to go to Honda directly for a new one. He even said sometimes they come locked and you can unlock them with air pressure but it’s difficult. Also, the Honda one didn’t come with a new bolt but I still had one. Also, I had to remove the chain tensioner to get the sprocket back on. The sprocket has a key hole type shape so I had to move the shaft around to get it in place. Also, I had to get a new chain tensioner because there was no way I was getting the old one back in, so might be good to have a new one ready to go just in case. Things came out of alignment and I had to carefully think about how things interacted with each other to get everything back in order. I definitely think if you haven’t done some of your own car work before I would get some buddies who have. This was an all day project so definitely set aside an entire day for this. But everything worked out and now it starts with no rattling. Thank you for this Chris! Saved us a ton of money. 🙏

I don’t even know what a VTC Actuator is but I clicked so fast when It said ChrisFix uploaded a video.

Chris is so damn detailed when working on these vehicles. Glad I came across your page long time ago.

I just did this job yesterday. Successfully complete. Couple of comments. Unless you are very lucky, or an extremely experienced mechanic with every shop tool known to man, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BREAK THE ACTUATOR BOLT LOOSE WHILE INSTALLED IN THE ENGINE. Rather, follow the instruction from the Honda Service Bulletin 09-010, which instructs you to remove chain tension, then remove the (5) camshaft retainer caps and then remove the intake camshaft with the VTC actuator installed. After removing the intake camshaft - then proceed to break the actuator bolt loose and replace the actuator, and then reinstall the camshaft followed by the camshaft caps. IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO BREAK THE BOLT LOOSE WHILE THE CAMSHAFT IS INSTALLED IN THE ENGINE !!! I tried it -with the help of another person holding the 23mm wrench. No luck. Probably applied 200 ft/lb of torque and no luck. I was about to damage the engine if i kept trying. It took an extra hour to remove the camshaft caps and remove the camshaft, but time well spent. It was easy to do. Just follow the steps in the Honda Service Bulletin 09-010. Make sure to reinstall the camshaft caps in their original location. Make sure to align the to hash marks on the camshafts as Chris explains - before removing the camshaft. You will never get it back correctly if you don't do this. When you reinstall the camshaft and place the teeth into the timing chain - you have to get it perfectly lined up so those 2 hash marks are facing eachother. If they are not exactly aligned as you had it prior to removal - then remove the camshaft from the timing chain teeth and reposition it to get it right. This took me a few minutes. Was a little tricky. Be patient. There is not much slack on the chain and it's tight. When you reinstall the camshaft and align the gear hash marks (TDC) and then reinstall the camshaft caps - they bolts on the camshaft caps have to be tightened down in a specific sequence (as expected) per Honda Service Bulletin 09-010. As you tighten them down - you will be working against the force of the valve springs - so it's important to tighten them in the correct sequence. Oil the cam lobes and shaft journals before replacing the caps and tightening. Also: very important.....Once the camshaft is removed from the vehicle and you are ready to break the VTC actuator bolt loose - you will need to secure the entire camshaft to a flat surface to hold it in place. I used (2) cargo tie-down straps. One at each end of the camshaft and secured it to a picnic bench. Anything similar (large tree, park bench, wheel mounted to car, etc) will work. Once tied down, use the 23mm wrench as Chris said to prevent the camshaft from rotating. Then get a huge-ass breaker bar - at least 30" if possible, and break the bolt loose. It will take like 250 ft/lbs to break it loose. You will need only 85 lbs of torque for the new bolt.

The best DIY video that I watched on anything. The explanation, the camera, the light, the close view are brilliant. Thank you!

Have been watching your channel for as long as I can remember, perfect and precise work everytime! Very knowledgeable videos for all the DIYers trying to save extra money just like myself. You give me lots of confidence when it comes to working on my own vehicle, thank you ChrisFix!

And this is why even as a licensed mechanic i still watch these videos ! Very good tip also gos to show even with chris knowing his stuff hes still human and makes mistakes he almost dropped the chain , pointed out what not to do , almost put the chain on wrong and still showed what to do and what not to do. Huge respect from me chris! Awesome video as always and good luck with the delsol and bmw

Man I love your videos even if I’m not doing any of this I still learn. You’ve given me the confidence to work on my car and save a ton of money.

Great job Chris. I especially love your safety procedures when jacking up a vehicle! This encouraged me to get the job done myself! Thanks

Gotta love the little safety tips along the way. Thanks for the thorough walk through that might alleviate some of the anxiety I have about working on my own car.

I've been waiting for this kind of video ever since I bought my 2008 accord... Thank you sir.

Man I just want to tell you that this video seriously saved my a$$. I gave you a shoutout on my Facebook page but I have never done any timing related labor to a vehicle because I’ve always been too scared. I had no choice but to do it myself and had I not watched your video when I first found out what the issue was, despite not having a choice, I would have never attempted it and had to figure something out to have a shop do it so thank you again man!!

Awesome video, man! The best in-depth How To I’ve ever seen. You explain it so well, clearly & concisely. Well done.

"Tools you have at home" *Pops out an induction heater.* Yeah, sure, I got that.

I like how Chris didn’t change after fame he still uploads once a decade. Its just a joke no offence to anyone even chris!

I know it's been said a million times, but your videos are unbelievably helpful! Thank you so much!

"A lot harder to mess up". Challenge Accepted!

I did this job just a few months ago and it makes me feel good that I did everything you did! Thanks for the content!

Chris, it's amazing how you just like to simplify working on a car and not over complicate it.

As an Alley mechanic, I can appreciate that oil drain pan that you're using! Never seen one of those but I will be searching the interwebs for one!

You can’t mess this up with Chris Fix guiding your DIY repairs! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Great video, Chris! I literally just finished doing this job on my 21-yr-old BMW e38 - a bit more complicated than the Honda, but same principle. It runs SO much better now. Very worthwhile. Thanks for all you do for the driveway DIY crowd!

My car doesn’t even need this fixed. But I love watching your videos! 👍

WELL, MAINTAINTED HONDA WITH 2 HUNDERED THOUSAND MILES. CHRIS, YOUR JOB AND INSTRUCTIONS ARE PERFECT. HAVE A GOOD DAY