Timing Chain Deflection

CAUTION: Pay special attention to the tooth shape of the timing belt. The current timing belts are not interchangeable with the timing belts from the 1993 model year. The 1993 model year uses a square or trapezoidal tooth timing belt while the current model uses a rounded tooth design. The design change was made to extend the service life of the timing belt from 96,000 km (60,000 miles) for the square or trapezoidal toothed belt to 168,000 km (105,000 miles) for the rounded tooth belt. If the proper timing belt is not used, the customer may complain of a "whining" noise coming from the engine compartment. If the camshaft sprocket has a square cut in the valley of the gear tooth, it will require a rounded tooth timing belt.

Inspect and install a new timing belt if it is contaminated with oil or grease. Also, inspect the timing belt for:
- damage
- wear
- peeling
- cracks
- hardening
Install new timing belt as necessary.

Timing Chain Deflection:

1. Apply force on the timing belt between the RH and LH camshaft sprockets.
2. Measure the timing belt deflection.