Hello! I have a 2013 Honda CRV and it’s making a grinding noise on a cold engine start up! I’m pretty sure it’s the VTC Actuator.

Hello! I have a 2013 Honda CRV and it's making a grinding noise on a cold engine start up! I'm pretty sure it's the VTC Actuator. Is it complicated to fix or just a few hours?

My car has 84000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. The replacement of a VTC Actuator is not really complicated. However, it will depend on your familiarity of the Honda four-cylinder engine and whether you do the right thing and purchase a service and repair manual for your Honda CR-V; which should give you detailed instructions for completing this service.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

Total bearing failure will be most evident from the grinding noise that changes with engine speed, and oil in the ignition distributor cap. If the bearing is making noise, driving or running the vehicle can result in catastrophic engine failure.
So, what is that grinding noise you hear when starting a car? Most likely, if it is true grinding that you hear, the problem is related to the starter. Causes include the starter not lining up correctly with the ring gear on the flywheel, missing or damaged gear teeth, or a faulty solenoid.
The problem: Drivers may note a vibration at highway speeds due to the driveshaft and rear dampening support system not adequately absorbing the vehicle`s vibration. Corrective action: Dealers will replace the rear differential mounts and driveshaft in affected Honda CR-V vehicles.
Fuel injector nozzles can become clogged over time, which can lead to a sputtering engine, slow acceleration and the car not having enough power. Fuel injectors can be cleaned if the problem is caught early, but as the conditions worsens, the injectors may have to be replaced.
If you notice your car making a grinding sound when it accelerates, your issue is likely to do with your transmission, a problem with your differential, a bad wheel bearing, a damaged CV joint, or a worn engine/motor mount.
Power Steering System: A screeching or whining noise while turning at normal speeds could mean an issue resides within the power steering system itself. This complex system consists of hoses, belts, and more that can all fail over time.
You might notice a grinding noise when driving at low speeds. The most common causes are problems with your continual velocity joints, brake pads, wheel bearings or alternator. Examining each one of these parts can help you pinpoint exactly where the issue is.
The most common causes of grinding noises in automobiles are worn-out brakes, a faulty CV joint, or transmission issues. It`s important to note that, whichever component is causing the grinding noise, it needs immediate repair.
Why does my Honda CRV shake when I accelerate? The Honda CRV shakes when you accelerate because the engine is not getting enough power. This can be caused by a number of different things, such as a dirty or clogged air filter, a problem with the MAF sensor, or a problem with the throttle body.
Any unusual shaking or vibrating forces coming from the engine is cause for concern. It could be something as simple as old spark plugs producing an uneven power delivery, it could be something serious like worn or broken engine mounts, or it could be even more serious in the case of internal engine damage.
Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
One of the most common causes of a sputtering engine is an issue with the vehicle`s fuel system—the filter, pump, and injectors. These three critical components work together to ensure fuel flows smoothly from the fuel tank to your engine`s fuel injectors, and then pumps into the engine evenly.
If you notice your car making a grinding sound when it accelerates, your issue is likely to do with your transmission, a problem with your differential, a bad wheel bearing, a damaged CV joint, or a worn engine/motor mount.
Over time, the bearings that facilitate smooth spinning of the pulleys can wear out. If the pulley on your alternator or other accessory isn`t spinning freely, it can cause a squeaking noise as you drive along. The bearings in the pulley or the accessory itself will likely have to be replaced to stop the squeak.
Driving with grinding brakes is simply not safe. Brakes are a critical component of safe driving and should not be overlooked. If your brakes start to fail: Don`t drive any further.
Faulty Wheel Bearing

The squealing noise is caused by the friction of worn-out bearings which actually act as a buffer between the axle and the wheel. If you simply ignore the squealing noise your car makes, the squealing noise will turn into a grinding noise which will be more annoying to hear when you drive.

If you are getting a grinding noise from the front wheels when driving then the most common cause is the brakes are worn causing the brake pads backing plate rubbing on the rotor metal to metal. Have you brakes inspected to see if just the one side is worn down indicating the caliper is sticking.
If you`re hearing a grinding sound in your car, this could indicate that the alternator is going bad. The grinding sound may be caused by a worn-out bearing. Your car can also make a whining sound when the voltage regulator is sending signals to the alternator to charge more than is necessary.
If you only hear the scraping noise when turning corners it could be due to a number of different things, but the most common cause is worn wheel bearings.
The Honda CRV jerks because it is not receiving enough fuel. This can be caused by a number of things, such as a dirty fuel filter or a clogged fuel injector. It is also important to check the air filter and make sure it is not dirty. The fuel pump might also need to be replaced if it is not working properly.
The most common reasons a Honda CR-V has a rattling noise are the ball joints, struts or strut mount, or a problem with the sway bar links. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue. Oops!
The most likely cause of the vibrating usually occurs in the vicinity of your wheels and tires. The rims and tires connect the vehicle to the road, and if anything is out of place, will notice. It could be a broken transmission or a broken caliper.
If your vehicle`s engine vibrates violently or shakes excessively when idle at a red light or when parked with the engine still running, this may be an indicator that the transmission mounts or engine mounts are broken and need to be repaired or replaced.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Hello! I have a 2013 Honda CRV and it’s making a grinding noise on a cold engine start up! I’m pretty sure it’s the VTC Actuator.
ANSWER : Hi there. The replacement of a VTC Actuator is not really complicated. However, it will depend on your familiarity of the Honda four-cylinder engine and whether you do the right thing and purchase a service and repair manual for your Honda CR-V; which should give you detailed instructions for completing this service.

Engine tapping noise related to short term fuel trim but only on cold start up.
ANSWER : Has a mechanic’s stethoscope been used to track down the specific location of the noise? There are several solenoid valves in the engine bay that do not run all the time and may be pretty loud once they start, such as an evaporative emissions purge valve and the like. The high fuel trims on one bank sound like you may have a problem on one side with a vacuum leak. A positive trim means air is being added and the computer is trying to add fuel to compensate.

I recommend having an experienced technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the engine is making a noise and suggest the proper repair.

Issue with Mazda 626, starts up then makes a grinding noise while in park
ANSWER : Your symptoms suggest that the starter solenoid contacts are burned enough to stick in the "Start" position (engaging the starter drive and motor), even when the ignition switch is not energizing the relay portion of the starter solenoid. The starter motor continues to run after the motor starts, causing the horrible grinding. Eventually, the engine speed kicks the start drive back enough to jar the contacts loose, and things are fine – until the next time the solenoid contacts stick. Replace the starter solenoid – usually packaged as a starter assembly.

I would recommend having the starter replacement job completed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can assist you at your home.

Turned on back winow heater and engine made a noise …when lights are turned on engine makes a noise like it can’t take load ….
ANSWER : Hi there. It appears you have more than one problem with your vehicle. The noise coming from engine area with a load on the electrical system, may be a bad diode in the alternator. Continuing to drive the vehicle with a bad alternator diode, may leave you with a dead battery. The hot air coming from the vents sounds like blend door actuator(s) problems. I recommend the concerns your vehicle has, it be inspected by a certified technician like one from YourMechanic to pinpoint the noise and help you fix it accordingly.

Car makes grinding noise – 1996 Chevrolet Corsica
ANSWER : Hey there, thanks for writing in. I would have a professional mechanic check out the constant velocity joints on your vehicle. One or more of them may be worn enough to cause the noises you describe. S/he can diagnose and replace any failed CV joints.

Grinding noise when starting engine.
ANSWER : Hi there:

Improper alignment or installation of the starter can cause this grinding noise to occur. However, it’s also possible that internal components inside the starter, the starter relay or the flywheel teeth could also be the source. It’s really difficult to diagnose a noise without physically being there to inspect the vehicle on site, so you should have a mobile mechanic complete a car is making a noise inspection, so they can pinpoint the issue and recommend the right repairs.

My Toyota is making a noise when I start the engine and bogs the engine down for a second then goes away.
ANSWER : Hi there. A binding accessory could be causing your concern. Simply remove the drive belt and recheck. If the problem goes away, this eliminates the fear that there could be something goin on with the engine or transmission internally. It sounds like this could be the water pump. If the water pump is binding or leaking, it can cause the belt to slip and make it seem like the engine gets bogged down. Usually a visual inspection quickly uncovers the leak. However a properly executed pressure test is the best way to uncover leaks, both current and potential. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a car is making a noise inspection.

grinding noise while turning right or driving straight
ANSWER : Hello. If the noise is still there when the engine is off and if you are not turning the wheel, then it is typically either a failing bearing in the rear differential or it can be a failure in the transfer case if it is four wheel drive.

The transfer case is a very common failure on this vehicle. If it is two wheel drive then I typically start by draining the oil from the rear differential and inspecting the fluid for metal.

Any metal in the fluid indicates a bearing failure. If that is also fine, then it may be an issue within the transmission. It may be a failure in one of the thrust bearings. If you need to get this looked at, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose your car’s grinding noise.