How to replace the timing belt — Honda Accord 2015

Tools you'll need

• Ratchet
• 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm, 17 mm and 19 mm sockets
• Breaker bar
• Crank pulley holder tool
• Torque wrench
• Floor jack and jack stands
• Drain pan

Parts you'll need

• Timing belt kit (belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys)
• New water pump and gasket (replace it while you are in there)
• Honda Type 2 coolant
• New crankshaft bolt

Steps

1. Disconnect the battery and remove the crank pulleyPark on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Remove the plastic engine cover and the accessory drive belts, then remove the crankshaft pulley bolt with a breaker bar and a pulley holder tool.
   Tip: The crank bolt is extremely tight. A long breaker bar and a pulley holder that locks the crank are the only safe way to break it loose.
2. Support the engine and remove the timing coversSupport the engine from below with a jack and a block of wood, then remove the side engine mount. Remove the timing belt covers to expose the belt, the cam pulleys, and the crank gear.
3. Rotate the engine to top dead center and mark the timingTurn the crankshaft clockwise by hand until the timing marks line up: the crank mark at top dead center and the cam pulley marks level with the marks on the back cover. Mark the old belt and each pulley with paint so you can see the alignment.
   Tip: Never turn the engine backwards, and never turn the cams with the belt off. The marks have to be exact.
4. Release the tension and remove the old belt and water pumpRelease the tensioner to slacken the belt, then slide the old belt off the pulleys. Remove the water pump and its gasket while you have access, since it is driven by the same belt.
5. Install the new water pump, tensioner, and beltInstall the new water pump with a new gasket, then fit the new tensioner and idler pulleys. Route the new timing belt over the pulleys, keeping your paint marks aligned, and confirm the crank and cam marks are still exactly on their marks.
   Tip: Count the belt teeth between the marks if your kit lists them. One tooth off is enough to cause damage.
6. Set the tension and turn the engine over twice by handSet the tensioner to the correct tension, then turn the crankshaft clockwise by hand for two full revolutions and stop back at top dead center. Check all the timing marks again. They must line up exactly, or the belt has to come off and be refit.
   Tip: This two-turn check is the step that catches a mistake before you start the engine. Do not skip it.
7. Refit the covers, mount, and pulley, then refill the coolantRefit the timing covers, the side engine mount, and the crank pulley with a new bolt torqued to spec. Refit the accessory belts, refill the coolant, and reconnect the battery.
8. Start the engine and verify the timing and leaksStart the engine and listen carefully. It should idle smoothly with no knocking, rattling, or check engine light. Let it reach normal temperature, check for coolant leaks, and take a short test drive. If anything sounds wrong, shut it off immediately and recheck the timing.

Safety first

This is an advanced job. This guide is for V6 Accords from 2013 to 2017, which use a timing belt. Most 2018 and newer Accords use a timing chain and do not need this job. The V6 is an interference engine, so if the timing is off by even one tooth, the valves can hit the pistons and destroy the engine. If you are not fully confident, have a qualified technician do this job.