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Symptoms of a Faulty Timing Belt or Chain

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Timing belt

Video tutorial

In this video, you can see the symptoms of a faulty timing belt or chain. The purpose of this component is to keep the camshaft and crankshaft in sync, allowing the exhaust and intake valves to open at the right time.

The position of the belt or chain varies from vehicle to vehicle. The first symptom is the engine warning light being on, accompanied by one of the error codes P0300; P0017; P0016; P0340; P0344, which can be read using an OBD11 reader.

Particularly, the chain can make strange noises within the engine bay as it stretches. A third symptom is poor vehicle performance caused by a skipped tooth on the belt.

The fourth symptom is the vehicle failing to start, as a broken belt prevents the engine from starting.


Updated on 18 September 2026 by ScegliAuto


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