🔧 Compass - Timing Belt Replacement

Your Compass with the 2.4L engine does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain, which is lubricated by engine oil and is not a normal “replace at X miles” maintenance item like a belt.

If you’re chasing a problem (rattle, check engine light, poor running), the right move is to verify a timing chain issue first before tearing the engine apart.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate (inspection) / Advanced (chain replacement) | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hour (inspection) / 10-14 hours (replacement)

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cold engine; hot coolant/exhaust can burn you.
• ⚠️ If you raise the vehicle, use jack stands; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ Keep hands/clothes clear of the serpentine belt while running.
• ⚠️ Timing-chain replacement requires precise cam/crank timing; a small mistake can cause major engine damage.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is recommended before any work near the starter/alternator area.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• OBD2 scan tool
• Flashlight
• Trim clip tool
• 8mm socket
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet (3/8")
• Torque wrench (3/8")
• Serpentine belt tool (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Engine oil (0W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Timing chain kit - Qty: 1 Only if replacement is confirmed
• Front cover gasket set - Qty: 1 Only if replacement is confirmed
• RTV sealant (engine front cover spec) - Qty: 1 Only if replacement is confirmed
• Engine coolant (OAT, premixed 50/50) - Qty: 2 gallons Only if replacement is confirmed

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• If you’re doing inspection only, plan to scan for codes first (before disconnecting the battery) using an OBD2 scan tool.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm what you have (belt vs chain)

• Open the hood and locate the black plastic cover on top of the engine (if equipped).
• Timing belts usually live behind large plastic covers on the front of the engine; on your Compass, the “front” drive area you can see uses the serpentine belt (accessory belt), while the timing chain is internal.
• If it’s internal, it’s a chain.

Step 2: Scan for timing-related trouble codes

• Plug in an OBD2 scan tool and read stored and pending codes.
• Write down the exact code numbers (example formats: P000A, P0016, P0017) and any freeze-frame data.

Step 3: Listen for classic timing chain noise

• With the engine cold, start it and listen near the passenger-side/front of the engine bay using a flashlight for visibility.
• A worn chain/tensioner often makes a sharp rattle for 1–3 seconds on cold start.
• Shut the engine off if you hear loud continuous rattling.

Step 4: Check oil level and oil condition

• Use the dipstick and confirm the oil is at the correct level.
• Low oil or very dirty/thick oil can cause timing chain tensioner problems because the tensioner relies on oil pressure.

Step 5: Inspect the serpentine belt (common mix-up)

• If what you meant was the “belt” you can see, that’s the serpentine belt (it runs the alternator and A/C).
• From above, inspect for cracks/glazing. Use a flashlight and look at the ribbed side.
• Cracks across the ribs = replace soon.

Step 6: Decide the correct repair

• If you have timing-related codes and/or cold-start rattle, the next step is usually a deeper diagnosis (cam/crank correlation) before replacement.
• If you only have belt cracking/noise, the correct repair is typically serpentine belt replacement (much easier than a timing chain job).

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✅ After Repair

• Clear any diagnostic codes with an OBD2 scan tool and verify what returns after a short drive.
• Recheck engine oil level after the engine has run and then sat for a few minutes.
• If symptoms persist (rattle/codes), avoid heavy driving and plan a confirmed timing-chain diagnosis.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,200-$2,500 (timing chain diagnosis/repair varies a lot)

DIY Cost: $0-$80 (inspection only) / $250-$700 (parts only if chain replacement is confirmed)

You Save: $800-$1,800 by doing it yourself (if you safely complete a confirmed repair)

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 10-14 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.

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Quick questions (so I can point you to the right fix):

• ❓ Are you trying to replace the serpentine belt you can see, or did a shop tell you “timing chain” specifically?
• ❓ Do you have any check engine codes (exact P-codes), or is this mainly a cold-start rattle?