Q: Ways to determine if the timing belt snapped on a '97 Honda Accord

asked by on May 03, 2016

Is there a quick way to determine if the timing belt has snapped on a 1997 Honda Accord? Ruined the engine and another engine is needed.

Timing Belt Replacement $318.59 - $1516.66 Get a Quote

It’s a ’97, so the car has a distributor. One fairly quick way to check is to take the distributor cap off. It has just two screws and it is really easy to get off. Have somebody crank the engine and if you see the rotor is not turning around like it is in a circle and it is just sitting in one place, that means the timing belt is broken because that runs up the cam and the cam runs up the timing belt.

So, when the timing belt is broken, it doesn’t spin around. Certainly, the engine is broken or something is broken inside. Depending on the Honda, some Hondas have interference engines and this will destroy the engine. Other Honda engines are non-interference, and may have different outcomes.

For example, yours is a ’97 Accord that actually has a non-interference engine (unless it is a VTEC). If it is a normal engine and not a VTEC engine, and the belt breaks, then you can just put another belt there. If it is a VTEC engine, then it probably wouldn’t have the belt inside. If you need help, you could have the car diagnosed by a certified technician from YourMechanic. They will be able to take a look at your engine and replace your timing belt if necessary.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What do the turn signal indicators mean?
The turn signal indicators are located on your instrument panel. When one of the turn signal indicators is flashing, it means the corresponding turn signal is currently on. If both turn signals are flashing simultaneously, it means that your hazard...
Passenger window won't go up
The first thing I would try is an auto window position relearn. This should allow the control module to regain the correct window position information, allowing the windows to work as designed. To do this, turn the ignition on and...
coolant bursts out of tank
I'm afraid the news will not be good. The symptoms you are describing points towards the head gasket(s). The gasket fails in between cylinders on the engines, I have seen them do this. When the gasket fails, pressure from the...
Possible oil leak in my 2009 Jeep Wrangler
This may be the result of an oil leak coming from many different places. The good news is that they are small leaks which are usually not too critical, but should still be looked at to be sure they do...
Whine noise only, in cabin at 2000 rpms
Hi there. It appears you're chasing a lot of potential mechanical or electrical gremlins with your 1993 Honda Accord; which is rather typical with a car more than 20 years old. There could be multiple issues that are causing these...
Should i worry about the head gasket and stripped head bolt problems that seem to affect more the 2002-03 Camrys ? Is it all Camrys? 2005 Toyota Camry
Hello - unfortunately,, if you have a 2002-2006 Camry (gen 5 engines), the answer is "YES, worry". That engine has the cylinder head bolts going into an aluminum block without thread reinforcement, and the head bolts strip in the block....
I have a very slow leak coming from the transfer case.
The most common leak from the transfer case is the rear output shaft seal. Of course, the condition of the bushing and/or bearing at that location will have to be verified because excessive play will make it impossible for the...
I just replaced the alternator and replaced it with the new one now when i start the car and i put it on drive it starts to shake
Hi there. When you start an engine and it rattles and vibrates as you've indicated after completing major service or replacement, it's typically caused by a vacuum leak. This can happen if a vacuum line was removed (either accidentally or...
Out of engine oil
The sound you are hearing is likely related to the lack of sufficient oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-level-is-low-inspection) in the motor, which may have also caused the motor to overheat and shut down. When this happens, a number of things may cause the...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Fisherman
What What do anglers look for, specifically, in their vehicles? Lots of room, plenty of cargo space, and sometimes, the ability to handle rough terrain. Some fishermen also want the option of towing a boat. With that in mind, we...
How to Buy a Good Quality Timing Belt
You You car’s timing belt is a big part of what makes your car run smoothly. This belt is responsible for controlling the camshafts that are in the engine. It closes and opens the valves at the exact right moment,...
How to Get Honda Dealership Certified
Honda car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the many training programs available.