FAULTBASE
NEWSASKCars
© 2025 FAULTBASE
All rights reserved.
v2.0.0 • Production
ContactPrivacyImpressum
Home/Cars/Honda/Accord/8th Generation (2008-2012)/my Honda Accord's engine is making a ticking noise, what does it mean

my Honda Accord's engine is making a ticking noise, what does it mean

Honda Accord 8th Generation (2008-2012)

Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
3 min read
500 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and fix the ticking noise in your Honda Accord's engine. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Component
Engine
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Disconnect the battery before working on electrical systems.
  • ⚠Allow engine to cool before opening any components.

Symptoms

  • •Ticking noise coming from the engine compartment
  • •Decreased engine performance or power
  • •Engine misfire or rough idle
  • •Check engine light illuminated
  • •Oil pressure warning light may be on

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Check the engine oil level and condition.
  2. 2Scan for error codes using an OBD-II scanner.
  3. 3Inspect the valve cover and gasket for leaks or damage.
  4. 4Listen for the ticking noise with a stethoscope or mechanic’s listening device to isolate the source.
  5. 5Inspect the timing belt or chain for wear or improper tension.
  6. 6Check the condition of the spark plugs and ignition coils.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather necessary tools and parts.
  • Disconnect the negative battery cable to ensure safety.
  • Allow the engine to cool down if it was recently running.

2. Inspect and Change Engine Oil

  • Tools Required: Oil filter wrench, socket set, oil catch pan, funnel.
  • Remove the oil drain plug and allow old oil to drain completely into the catch pan.
  • Replace the oil filter using the oil filter wrench.
  • Reinstall the drain plug and torque it to manufacturer's specifications (typically around 25-30 ft-lbs).
  • Fill the engine with the correct type and amount of oil (usually 5W-20 for Honda Accord).

3. Valve Adjustment (if applicable)

  • Tools Required: Torque wrench, feeler gauge, socket set.
  • Remove the valve cover by unscrewing the bolts and lifting it off.
  • Inspect the rockers and adjust the valve clearance to manufacturer specifications using a feeler gauge.
  • Reinstall the valve cover with a new gasket and torque the bolts to the specified value (typically around 7-9 ft-lbs).

4. Replace Timing Belt/Chain (if necessary)

  • Tools Required: Timing belt kit, socket set, torque wrench.
  • Remove any components obstructing access to the timing belt/chain (e.g., covers, pulleys).
  • Remove the old timing belt/chain and install the new one according to the manufacturer's timing marks.
  • Reassemble any removed components and ensure all bolts are torqued to specifications.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • OBD-II scanner
  • Socket set
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Torque wrench
  • Feeler gauge
  • Mechanic’s stethoscope

Parts Required

  • Engine oil
  • Oil filter
  • Valve cover gasket (if replaced)
  • Timing belt/chain (if replaced)

Additional Information

Component

Engine

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

6 items

Parts

4 items

Related Faults

Discover similar issues

  1. why is my Honda Accord 8th Generation (2008-2012) battery overcharging in hot weather?

    Learn how to diagnose and fix battery overcharging issues in Honda Accord 2008-2012. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair in...

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard
    • •Rapid corrosion on battery terminals
    • +{count} more
  2. how to troubleshoot Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022) engine hesitation when accelerating

    Learn how to troubleshoot and fix engine hesitation during acceleration in Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022). Step-by-step guide with diagnosti...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Hesitation or stuttering when accelerating
    • •Decreased engine power
    • +{count} more
  3. why does my Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022) battery die overnight when car is off

    Learn how to diagnose and fix battery discharge issues in Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022). Step-by-step guide with symptoms and solutions.

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Battery warning light illuminated when the vehicle is on
    • •Difficulty starting the engine in the morning
    • +{count} more
  4. why are my Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022) mirrors not adjusting

    Learn how to diagnose and fix mirror adjustment issues in Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures and ...

    Component:Electrical
    Symptoms
    • •Mirror adjustment switch unresponsive
    • •Mirrors stuck in one position
    • +{count} more
  5. why does my Honda Accord 8th Generation (2008-2012) feel like it’s losing power during driving

    Learn how to diagnose and fix power loss issues in the 2008-2012 Honda Accord. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instruct...

    Component:Engine
    Symptoms
    • •Check engine light illuminated
    • •Engine stalling during acceleration
    • +{count} more
  6. how to diagnose a transmission slipping issue in my Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022)

    Learn how to diagnose and fix transmission slipping issues in Honda Accord 10th Generation (2018-2022). Step-by-step guide with diagnostic procedures ...

    Component:Transmission
    Symptoms
    • •Engine revs higher than normal without increasing speed
    • •Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive
    • +{count} more

Share this solution

Comments

Sign in to share your thoughts

Sign In

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts

Back to Generation