Honda 2.2 i-CTDi (N22) Timing Chain & Oil Pump Chain: Symptoms, Cost

G’day everyone. I’m the Senior Product Manager here at RunningRoo Auto Parts, Australia’s trusted aftermarket automotive parts specialist. If you own a Honda Accord, CR-V, Civic or FR-V with the 2.2-litre i-CTDi diesel, you are driving one of the more efficient and reliable diesel Hondas. In this guide I’ll explain how the 2.2 i-CTDi timing chain and oil pump chain work, the symptoms of a problem, and what a repair costs in Australia.

The 2.2 i-CTDi (engine code N22) is a common-rail turbo diesel that was widely used across the Honda range. It uses a timing chain to drive the camshafts, and importantly, it also uses an oil pump chain that can wear independently of the main timing chain.

All prices below are in Australian dollars and are indicative only. If you would rather confirm the right kit for your exact engine before reading further, our Melbourne-based team can help over the phone.

How the 2.2 i-CTDi timing and oil pump chains work

The N22 engine uses a timing chain to drive the camshafts from the crankshaft, with guide rails and a hydraulic tensioner keeping the chain tight. Unlike many engines, it also has a separate oil pump chain that drives the oil pump, and this chain can wear independently.

Both chains run in the engine’s oil system, which is why clean, correct-specification oil is essential to their long-term health. The oil pump chain is a known weak point on the N22, and it is included in a complete timing kit.

Like most modern chain-driven diesels, the main chain is designed to last the life of the engine, but on a high-kilometre or neglected example both chains can stretch and the tensioners can weaken.

Common symptoms of a worn 2.2 i-CTDi chain

The earliest sign is usually a metallic rattle from the front of the engine, most noticeable on a cold start or at idle, which fades as the engine warms and oil pressure builds. On a diesel this can be easy to dismiss.

Other symptoms include a check engine light with camshaft or crankshaft correlation codes, a rough idle, a loss of power and, in severe cases, a no-start. The table below summarises the warning signs.

Symptom	What it usually means	Urgency
Cold-start rattle	Worn chain or weak tensioner	High — inspect soon
Check engine light	Cam/crank correlation code	High — scan now
Rough idle / power loss	Timing drift	High
Low oil pressure / no start	Oil pump chain issue	Critical — do not drive

Why the chains wear

The chains wear because of the workload and oil condition. Diesel oil carries soot and contamination, and if the oil is not changed frequently enough, that contamination accelerates wear on the chain links and guide rails.

The oil pump chain is particularly vulnerable because it runs in the same oil and is under constant load. If it fails or the pump loses drive, oil pressure can drop, which can cause serious engine damage.

Regular oil changes with the correct diesel specification oil are the cheapest protection you can give both chains on a 2.2 i-CTDi.

Which Honda models are affected

The N22A engine is used in the Honda Accord, CR-V, Civic and FR-V, among others, across a number of model years. The exact kit can differ between engine variants and model years, so it is important to match it to your engine code.

Confirming the engine code before ordering is the only reliable way to avoid buying the wrong parts, because the N22A1 and N22A2 variants are not identical.

Model	Engine	Notes
Honda Accord	2.2 i-CTDi (N22A)	Popular
Honda CR-V	2.2 i-CTDi (N22A)	Popular SUV
Honda Civic	2.2 i-CTDi (N22A)	Compact

What a complete kit should include

A complete kit should include the timing chain, the guide rails, the hydraulic tensioner and the required sprockets, along with the oil pump chain and its guides. This is important because the oil pump chain is a separate component that can fail independently.

Buying a complete kit rather than just a timing chain is the safer approach, because both chains wear together and the labour to access them is the same. Fitting a new timing chain against a worn oil pump chain simply leaves the engine at risk.

The table below shows what a complete kit should include, so you can compare quotes and avoid buying a kit that omits the oil pump chain.

Component	Why it matters
Timing chain	The main camshaft drive
Guide rails	Wear with the chain
Hydraulic tensioner	Keeps the chain tight
Oil pump chain	Drives the oil pump

How much does a 2.2 i-CTDi timing chain replacement cost

The part cost for a quality aftermarket timing chain kit for the N22 is moderate, but the labour is significant because the front of the engine must be opened and the timing set correctly. The chart below compares indicative Australian costs.

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These figures are a guide only. The exact cost depends on your model, the extent of the kit and whether you use a workshop or do the job yourself.

Why you should not ignore a chain rattle

The 2.2 i-CTDi is an interference engine, meaning the valves and pistons occupy the same space at different points in the cycle. If the chain jumps or breaks, the engine can bend valves and require a major rebuild.

An oil pump chain failure is even more serious, because a loss of oil pressure can damage the engine bearings and other internal components very quickly. Catching a chain problem early is dramatically cheaper than repairing the damage after a failure.

Regular oil changes with the correct diesel specification oil are the single best way to protect both chains, the guides and the tensioners.

How the replacement is carried out

The replacement is a front-of-engine job. The technician removes the drive belt, radiator and timing cover to access the chains, then locks the crankshaft and camshafts in position before removing the old timing chain, oil pump chain, guides and tensioners as a set.

Once the new components are fitted, the engine is turned over by hand to confirm the timing marks line up, and the cover is resealed before the ancillaries are refitted. Skipping the oil pump chain is one of the most common mistakes, so ensure the kit includes it.

Diagnosing the fault correctly

Before any parts are ordered, the fault codes should be read and the engine inspected. A camshaft or crankshaft correlation code is a strong sign that the timing drive has drifted, while a low oil pressure warning could point to the oil pump chain.

Because the symptoms of the two chains can overlap, a specialist who works on the N22 engine will be able to confirm which one is at fault and whether the kit needs to include both.

Preventing chain wear

The best protection for both chains is regular oil changes with the correct diesel specification oil. Keeping the oil fresh is especially important on a diesel because of the contamination it carries.

Keeping an ear out for a cold-start rattle and acting on the first sign of trouble is equally important. An early chain or tensioner replacement is far cheaper than repairing the damage after the chain has jumped.

For owners of high-kilometre or ex-fleet Hondas, a timing chain inspection should be part of the routine service checklist. A specialist can listen for the early rattle and read the stored codes before a small fault becomes a large repair.

If you are buying a used Honda with the 2.2 i-CTDi, ask for the service history and confirm the oil has been changed at the correct intervals. A car that has been neglected on oil changes is the one most likely to hide a chain problem.

Ultimately, the 2.2 i-CTDi is a strong and efficient engine when it is serviced correctly. With clean oil and a complete kit that includes both chains, a well-maintained Honda will generally reward its owner with many more years of reliable service.

One thing worth knowing is that the oil pump chain on the N22 is a specific known wear point, so it should always be inspected when the engine is being opened for a timing job. Replacing only the main chain and leaving the oil pump chain is a common cause of a second repair shortly afterwards.

If you are unsure whether your kit includes the oil pump chain, ask before you order. The cost difference is small, but the risk of leaving the oil pump unprotected is not.

By getting the diagnosis right and fitting a complete kit, you can fix the problem once and have confidence that the timing and oil pressure systems are both healthy.

If in doubt, have the codes read and the chains inspected before replacing anything, so you only pay for the repair that is actually needed.

A quick check now can save a major repair later.

Where to buy a 2.2 i-CTDi timing chain kit

RunningRoo Auto Parts stocks complete timing chain kits that include both the timing chain and the oil pump chain for the Honda 2.2 i-CTDi engine, at a fraction of typical retail pricing with Melbourne pickup and Australia-wide delivery.

• Honda 2.2 i-CTDi N22 Timing Cam Chain Tensioner Sprockets Pump Kit
• Honda Accord / CR-V / FR-V 2.2 CTDi Oil Pump Guide Rail Chain Kit
• Honda N22A1 / N22A2 2.2 CDTi Timing Chain + Oil Pump Chain Kit

Watch a quick overview of our timing kits below, then browse the complete range on our eBay store.

Watch: RunningRoo Auto Parts — your trusted partner for timing chain kits

You can also browse the full range here: RunningRoo Auto Parts on eBay Australia.

Not sure which kit fits your Honda? Our Aussie team can confirm it against your engine code.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Honda 2.2 i-CTDi have a timing belt or chain?

It uses a timing chain, and also a separate oil pump chain. Both are chain-driven and are lubricated by the engine’s oil system.

What are the symptoms of a worn 2.2 i-CTDi chain?

A cold-start or idle rattle, a check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, rough idle and power loss are the main signs.

How much does a Honda 2.2 i-CTDi timing chain replacement cost?

The part cost is moderate, but the labour is significant, so a workshop replacement typically runs into the low thousands of dollars, with dealer prices higher again.

Do I need to replace the oil pump chain too?

Yes. The oil pump chain is a separate component that wears independently, and a complete kit should include it when the timing chain is replaced.

Which Honda models use the 2.2 i-CTDi engine?

The N22A engine is used in the Honda Accord, CR-V, Civic and FR-V, among others.

Can I replace a 2.2 i-CTDi timing chain myself?

It is possible for an experienced mechanic with the correct tools and timing procedure, but it is not a beginner job because incorrect timing can damage the engine.

Will a chain rattle damage my engine if I keep driving?

Yes. A stretched chain can jump or break, and on an interference engine that can bend valves, so have it inspected promptly.

Still have a question about your Honda diesel? Call us anytime and we’ll help you get the right kit.

References

Key data in this article is drawn from the following official manufacturer sources:

• Honda — 2.2-litre i-CTDi (N22A) diesel engine technical documentation, timing chain and oil pump chain system description.
• Honda — engine identification and parts data for N22A1 and N22A2 engine variants.