CR-V engine rattle on cold start-up

[docj]

I know that there are a fair number of RVers using Honda CR-V's as toads behind their MH's. I would suspect that some percentage of those Honda owners have experienced an occasional "rattle" for a second or two when the engine is first started in the morning, particularly in cold weather.

I've heard this noise from my CR-V off and on for a couple of years and had previously brought it to a dealer's attention only to have them blow me off with a "didn't hear the noise" response. It only lasts for a moment, but I was pretty sure that something wasn't getting lubed properly.

Recently, I discovered that Honda issued a TSB on this topic nearly 2 years ago that covers all 2013-2014 CR-V's plus a few others. You can read the TSB here: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...88283-2280.pdf

According to the technicians I spoke with, the cause of the noise is oil from the camshaft area seeping back into the crankcase through a seal in the camshaft actuator. Therefore, when the engine is started the camshaft lacks proper lubrication for a second or two. Obviously, not a good thing, but probably not disastrous which is why this is a TSB and not a recall.

From what I've read Honda, I believe, will cover the cost of implementing the TSB under its power train warranty or any extended Honda-care warranty you may have. The dealer has to certify that its personnel have heard the noise which may entail keeping the car overnight.

I just had the work done on my 2014 CR-V this week and it was covered under the extended coverage warranty we had purchased from Honda. The TSB calls for 2 hours of shop time plus parts and the dealership said that iit really took a bit longer. So if you have to pay for it yourself it won't be inexpensive.

So far so good, I haven't heard the noise in the last several cold starts. But that doesn't mean it's gone forever. Only time will tell.

I realize that many CR-V owners here will no longer be under warranty, but I wanted for all owners to know that this fix is available. Even if you have to pay ~$500 to have it done, it might we a worthwhile investment in your vehicle, since the number of vehicle models towable 4-down is a relatively small pool these days!

Joel (AKA docj)

[Mr_D]

I have a '14 with about 15,500 miles on it. Have never heard a rattle out of it.

[docj]

Originally Posted by Mr_D

I have a '14 with about 15,500 miles on it. Have never heard a rattle out of it.

Like any TSB item, it may or may not relate to all vehicles. You may well not have enough mileage on your vehicle. Our 2014 has ~75k.

[MSHappyCampers]

Thanks for the tip Joel! I haven't heard that but have made a copy of the TSB for future reference!

[Winemaker2]

Thanks
Mine only has 31,000 mi
I have noticed a rattle lately but it sounds more like a catalytic converter guard to me
I will be checking this one further
Appreciate the heads up

[docj]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Thanks
Mine only has 31,000 mi
I have noticed a rattle lately but it sounds more like a catalytic converter guard to me
I will be checking this one further
Appreciate the heads up

The only reason I knew what it was was because I had seen references to it on the CRV owners forum. The rattle barely lasts for a second or two and is easy to overlook.

[Winemaker2]

Originally Posted by docj

The only reason I knew what it was was because I had seen references to it on the CRV owners forum. The rattle barely lasts for a second or two and is easy to overlook.

Joel
As luck would have it when I crawled under and had my wife start ours after sitting over night - no rattle this time.
I did look over the cat converter that I suspected and the CR-V does not have a separate heat shield like some others I'm familiar with.
I will be following this further and plan to get it into the dealer as soon as I can reproduce what I heard before.

Just wanted to say Thanks - appreciate the info
I'm hoping it will be covered as I'm only at 31,000 and under the 5 yrs - We are the second owners so not positive if it will be covered but that's secondary - if that's the cause it needs to be fixed!

[Knightab]

Mine did it but as said only on real cold mornings, a quick rattle then it would go away. I called Honda and they knew exactly what it was but said they needed to verify it, well it wont do it unless it is cold so you have to pick what will be a cold morning and leave it overnight. They fixed mine under warranty. That was 2 years ago, hasnt done it since.

[PbdBlue]

Ours does it anytime the car hasn’t been started in a few days. I’m going to take it in to the dealer. Thanks for the tab number. I heard there was one out there but hadn’t researched it. Kind of bunk that Honda doesn’t fix it regardless of warranty. Not the kind of treatment I expect from a supposedly top tier Japanese mfr.

[Knightab]

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

Joel
As luck would have it when I crawled under and had my wife start ours after sitting over night - no rattle this time.
I did look over the cat converter that I suspected and the CR-V does not have a separate heat shield like some others I'm familiar with.
I will be following this further and plan to get it into the dealer as soon as I can reproduce what I heard before.

Just wanted to say Thanks - appreciate the info
I'm hoping it will be covered as I'm only at 31,000 and under the 5 yrs - We are the second owners so not positive if it will be covered but that's secondary - if that's the cause it needs to be fixed!

I am second owner of mine and they covered ok. Good luck but shouldnt be a problem

[dennis45]

Interesting, thanks for this post Joel.

I bought my CRV new in 13 and from day one if it sat overnight in cooler temps such as the late fall or winter it would rattle on start up. At first I thought it was the starter nor disengaging but after listening more closely while DW started the engine I believed it was a camshaft issue. Turns out I wasn't far off.
I had it into the dealer, left it overnight on three occasions for this problem. They claimed they could not hear any noise. And, they claimed they had never ran across this issue before.
So here we are at 45000+ Kms.
Since my complaint has been documented on three different occasions, I'm going to print this off and take it into my dealer to see what his response is.
If I get the same negative reaction, there may be blood.

[docj]

Originally Posted by dennis45

Since my complaint has been documented on three different occasions, I'm going to print this off and take it into my dealer to see what his response is.
If I get the same negative reaction, there may be blood.

Don't rule out the fact that there may be differences between how this issue is being handled by Honda USA and Honda Canada.

[timjet]

Thanks for the heads up Joel. I haven'd heard a rattle on my '14 with 45,000 miles but we live in FL and it probably doesn't get cold enough.

[jerichorick]

Originally Posted by docj

Don't rule out the fact that there may be differences between how this issue is being handled by Honda USA and Honda Canada.

I, too, have this problem. I was using Royal Purple and I never noticed it. I changed to a molly based oil and the noise started. I'll go back to Royal Purple on the next change and see if the noise disappears.

Love the CR-V.