Service Bulletin
September 18, 2020

14-025
14695 Version 6

Timing Belt Chirps
Supersedes 14-025, dated August 6, 2020, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Year
Model
2014–18
MDX
2019
MDX
2019
MDX
2019
MDX
2016-18
RDX
2014–18
RLX
2019
RLX
2014
RLX Sport Hybrid
2016–18
RLX Sport Hybrid
2019
RLX Sport Hybrid
2015–18
TLX
2019
TLX
2019
TLX

Trim Level
ALL
2WD
AWD
Sport Hybrid
ALL
ALL except Sport Hybrid
ALL except Sport Hybrid
ALL
ALL
ALL
ALL with V6
2WD with V6
AWD with V6

VIN Range
ALL
5J8YD3…KL000001 thru 5J8YD3…KL005096
5J8YD4…KL000001 thru 5J8YD4…KL011104
5J8YD7…KL000001 thru 5J8YD7…KL000483
ALL
ALL
JH4KC1…KC000001 thru JHRKC1…KC000064
ALL
ALL
JH4KC2…KC000001 thru JHRKC2…KC000369
ALL
19UUB2…KA000001 thru 19UUB2...KA007635
19UUB3…KA000001 thru 19UUB3...KA005453

REVISION SUMMARY
The 2016-18 RDX was added to the bulletin.
SYMPTOM
The timing belt area chirps after the engine warms up.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
The timing belt contacts the back edge of the crankshaft pulley.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Do the diagnosis and, based on the results, install an idler pulley shim.
PARTS INFORMATION
Required Parts for all models:
Part Name
Idler Pulley Shim
Timing Belt Idler Bolt
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 60 mm

Part Number
14559-RCA-305
14551-RCA-A01
90168-TA1-A00

Quantity
1
1
2

CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies,
contact an authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Page 1 of 18

For MDX, add the following:
Part Name
O-Ring
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 85 mm
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 105 mm
Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm

Part Number
91319-R70-A01
90002-R70-A00
95801-10105-08
90165-SDA-A00

Quantity
1
1
2
1

Part Name

Part Number

Quantity

O-Ring

91319-R70-A01

1

Flange Bolt (10 mm x 60 mm)

90168-TA1-A00

2

Flange Bolt (12 mm x 45 mm)

90161-SDA-A01

1

Flange Bolt (10 mm x 75 mm)

90002-R8A-A00

3

For RLX (except Sport Hybrid), add the following:
Part Name
O-Ring
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 85 mm
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 105 mm
Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm

Part Number
91319-PAA-A01
90002-R70-A00
95801-10105-08
90161-SDA-A01

Quantity
1
1
2
1

For RLX Sport Hybrid, add the following:
Part Name
Oil Filter Base Gasket
Pre-Chamber Gasket
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 35 mm
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 35 mm
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 60 mm
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 75 mm
Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm
Flange Nut 12 mm
Self-Lock Nut 10 mm

Part Number
15302-5G0-A00
18393-SJA-A01
90163-SDA-A01
90161-T2A-A00
90164-TY3-A01
90002-R8A-A00
90161-SDA-A01
90371-SEF-000
90212-SA5-003

Quantity
1
1
2
2
2
3
1
4
3

For TLX, add the following:
Part Name
O-Ring
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 85 mm
Flange Bolt 10 mm x 105 mm
Flange Bolt 12 mm x 45 mm

Part Number
91319-R70-A01
90002-R70-A00
95801-10105-08
90161-SDA-A01

Quantity
1
1
2
1

For RDX, add the following:

REQUIRED TOOLS
Part Name

Tool Number

Quantity

Holder Handle

07JAB-001020B

1

Pulley Holder

07MAB-PY3010B

1

Breaker Bar (commercially available)

07JAA-001020A

1
Page 2 of 18

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
Model

Operation
Number

Description

Flat Rate
Time

Defect
Code

Symptom
Code

Template
ID

Failed Part
Number

MDX

1110A7

Diagnose, and install an
idler pulley shim.

2.6 hr

07403

04201

14-025N

14400-R9P-A01

RLX

1110A7

Diagnose, and install an
idler pulley shim.

2.6 hr

07403

04201

14-025P

14400-R9P-A01

TLX

1110A7

Diagnose, and install an
idler pulley shim.

2.6 hr

07403

04201

14-025Q

14400-R9P-A01

RLX
Sport
Hybrid

1110A7

Diagnose, and install an
idler pulley shim.

4.3 hr

07403

04201

14-025R

14400-R9P-A01

RDX

1110A7

Diagnose, and install an
idler pulley shim.

2.7 hr

07403

04201

14-025S

14400-R9P-A01

Skill Level: Repair Technician
DIAGNOSIS
NOTE
During the diagnosis and repair, follow the procedures listed below. For more detail about any of these procedures, see
the applicable service information.
• Wheel Removal and Installation
• Engine Undercover Removal and Installation
• Drive Belt Removal and Installation
• Crankshaft Pulley Removal and Installation
• Timing Belt Removal and Installation
• Side Engine Mount Removal and Installation
• Timing Belt Auto-Tensioner Removal and Installation
1. Start the engine, let it warm up, and listen for a chirp.
Below is an example of the chirp:

NOTE
It can take up to 30 minutes for the engine to become hot enough to hear a chirp.
Do you hear a chirp?
• If you hear a chirp coming from the timing belt area, go to step 2.
• If you hear a chirp coming from the high pressure fuel pump, refer to service bulletin 16-008, High Pressure
Fuel Pump Chirps (except RDX).
• If you do not hear a chirp, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.
CLIENT INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment,
and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not
assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this information applies,
contact an authorized Acura automobile dealer.

© 2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved

Page 3 of 18

2. Remove the drive belt and retest the engine while it is hot.
•
•

If you hear a chirp, go to step 3.
If you do not hear a chirp, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.

3. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Disconnect the high-voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor (the compressor is not
removed). Refer to the electric A/C compressor removal procedure in the service information (steps 2, 3, and 8).
NOTE: Because there is limited space between the timing belt covers and the shock tower, remove the front strut
brace and lift the engine about 35 mm to remove the timing belt covers.
4. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Remove the timing belt covers. Refer to the timing belt removal procedure in the service
information (steps 1–4 and 7–17)
5. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Install/connect the following components: exhaust pipe A, the lower half of the side engine
mount bracket, the high-voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor, and the oil filter base/oil cooler/oil filter
assembly. Then, install the service plug and connect the 12-volt battery terminal. Go to step 17.
NOTE
Reuse the original oil filter base gasket and replace with the new gasket during final assembly.
6. Remove the right front wheel.

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7. Remove the engine undercover.

Page 5 of 18

8. Hold the crankshaft pulley with the holder handle and the pulley holder.

9. Remove the crankshaft bolt with a heavy duty 19 mm socket and a breaker bar, then remove the crankshaft pulley
and washer. Temporarily reinstall the crankshaft bolt.
10. If equipped, remove the injector control module and move to the side.
11. RDX only: Remove the upper fender trim and the coolant tank.

12. RDX only: Remove the PCM bracket (no connectors unplugged).

13. Remove the front and rear upper covers.
Page 6 of 18

NOTE
Keep the A/C pressure sensor harness out of the way of moving parts by attaching it to the A/C line with a zip tie.

14. Install the injector control module
15. RDX only: Remove the side engine mount.
NOTE
The side engine mount is removed to gain access to the lower timing belt cover.

Page 7 of 18

16. Remove the lower cover.

17. Start the engine while it is still hot, then spray the back edge of the timing belt with water while it is running.
NOTE
On RLX Sport Hybrid models there are more disassembly steps that could allow the engine to cool, you may have
to warm up the engine before squirting the timing belt with water to see if the chirp lessens.
Do you still hear a chirp?
•
•

If the chirp lessens, changes pitch, or goes away, go to REPAIR PROCEDURE
If the chirp does not change, this bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting procedures.

Page 8 of 18

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Make sure the engine is off, then try to insert a 0.95 mm feeler gauge between the top edge of the timing belt idler
pulley and the back side of the side engine mount bracket that overhangs the pulley.
NOTE
Make sure you remove the feeler gauge from its holder to get a more accurate measurement.
• If you can insert the feeler gauge between the timing belt idler pulley and engine mount bracket, go to step 4.
• If you cannot insert the feeler gauge, go to step 2 (except RDX) or step 3 (RDX).

Page 9 of 18

2. Remove the side engine mount bracket.

3. Using a die grinder with a 2-inch grinding disc, use the circular casting offset as a guide to grind the side engine
mount bracket until the lip measures 2 mm in thickness.
NOTE: Use a vernier caliper or micrometer to confirm the amount of material removed.

Page 10 of 18

Page 11 of 18

4. Set the engine to TDC (top dead center).
•

Align the TDC mark on the tooth of the timing belt drive pulley with the pointer on the oil pump.

•

Align the TDC marks on the camshaft pulleys with the pointers on the back covers.

5. Thread and hand-tighten a battery clamp bolt as shown to hold the timing belt adjuster in its current position.
NOTE
Do not use a wrench to tighten the battery clamp bolt.

Page 12 of 18

6. Remove the idler pulley.

7. Keep timing belt timed to both cam pulleys.
8. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Remove the oil filter base/oil cooler/oil filter assembly without disconnecting the water hoses
to access the timing belt auto-tensioner bolts.
9. All except RLX Sport Hybrid: Remove the rocker arm oil pressure sensor from the oil filter housing to access the
timing belt auto-tensioner bolts.
•
•
•

Disconnect the rocker arm oil pressure sensor connector.
Remove the rocker arm oil pressure sensor.
Remove any old liquid gasket from the switch and the switch mounting hole.

Page 13 of 18

10. Remove the battery clamp bolt from the timing belt adjuster, then remove the timing belt auto-tensioner.

11. Place the idler pulley shim between the idler pulley and the oil pump housing; loosely install the new idler pulley bolt
with Hondalock 1 applied to its threads. Make sure you follow the instructions on the Hondalock 1 container.
NOTE
The shim is tapered from left to right. The word OUT is stamped into the tang and painted white. It should be
readable after the shim is installed.

Page 14 of 18

12. Install the new idler pulley bolt:
•

Insert the square end of a ¼-inch-drive ratchet extension to keep the shim’s tang in the correct position.

•
•

Tighten the idler pulley bolt to 44 N·m (33 lb-ft).
Bend the shim’s tang slightly towards the oil pump housing to keep it away from the idler pulley.

13. Compress the timing belt auto tensioner.
•
•

Align the holes on the rod and timing belt auto-tensioner housing.
Use a hydraulic press to slowly compress the timing belt auto-tensioner. Insert a 2 mm (5/64 in) pin through
the housing and the rod.

14. Thread and hand-tighten a battery clamp bolt to hold the timing belt adjuster.
NOTE: Do not use a wrench to tighten the battery clamp bolt.

Page 15 of 18

15. Install the timing belt auto-tensioner. Do not remove the pin.

16. All except RLX Sport Hybrid: Install the rocker arm oil pressure sensor.
•

Apply Hondabond 4 liquid gasket to the rocker arm oil pressure sensor threads.
NOTE

Do not use too much liquid gasket because excessive liquid may enter the oil passages or block the end of the
sensor.
• Install the rocker arm oil pressure switch with a new O-ring.
• Connect the rocker arm oil pressure switch connector.
17. Confirm the timing belt is in correct time.

18. Remove the pin from the timing belt auto-tensioner.
19. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Disconnect the high voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor. Refer to the electric A/C
compressor installation procedure in the service information (steps 2, 3, and 8).
20. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Install the timing belt covers. Refer to the timing belt installation procedure in the service
information (steps 7–27). Go to step 30.

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21. Install the side engine mount with the new bolts and torque them as shown.

Page 17 of 18

22. Remove the injector control module. Install the upper and lower covers and torque the bolts to 12 N·m (9 lb-ft),
then, install the injector control module, and torque the bolts to 9.3 N·m (6.9 lb-ft).
23. RDX: Install the upper fender trim, the coolant tank, and the PCM bracket.
24. Remove the crank pulley bolt.
25. Remove any oil and clean the crankshaft pulley, washer, and bolt. Lubricate with new engine oil as shown.

26. Install the crankshaft pulley and torque the bolt to 65 N·m (48 lb-ft).
27. Tighten the bolt an additional 60 degrees.

28. Install the drive belt.
29. Install the engine undercover.
30. Install the right front wheel and torque the nuts.
•
•

RLX: 127 N·m (94 lb-ft)
RDX: MDX: and TLX: 108 N·m (80 lb-ft)

31. RLX Sport Hybrid only: Connect the high-voltage cable to the electric A/C compressor, install the service plug, and
connect the 12-volt battery terminal. Refer to the electric A/C compressor installation procedure in the service
information (steps 4, 9, and 10).
32. Do the CKP-pattern clear and the CKP-pattern learn procedure using the i-HDS.
NOTE
If you do not do these procedures, the PCM may falsely detect a misfire and set a DTC when there is no misfire.
END
Page 18 of 18