The check engine light and the likelihood that the car would enter limp mode are the most likely outcomes of a VTEC solenoid failure, which frequently leaves you expecting the worse.
Fortunately, even when the VTEC solenoid isn’t functioning properly, you can leave it alone or unplug it until you can have it replaced, which we advise doing as soon as possible.
While the engine won’t run as efficiently and won’t have a higher lift cam, especially at higher revs, it won’t actually harm the engine in the short term.
Having said that, we wouldn’t advise doing away with the VTEC solenoid permanently because doing so may result in the engine running rich, which can cause a rough idle and reduced fuel efficiency.
Even while the aforementioned engine problems are the best indicators that your solenoid needs to be replaced, you might also notice that your engine is pouring oil, which is frequently the result of a damaged gasket on the solenoid.
Although changing the gasket can resolve this problem, we’ve seen many owners do so only to shortly experience problems with the solenoid or oil pressure switch. As a result, we usually advise replacing the complete solenoid for around the same cost.
In This Article...
What happens if the VTEC solenoid is unplugged?
Unplugged VTEC results in no solenoid engagement, a lower lift cam, a worse breathing engine over 6,00 RPM, less air, more fuel, and an extremely rich engine over 6,00 RPM. Therefore, there was no harm or knock.
How much does a VTEC solenoid gasket replacement cost?
Replacement solenoids for variable valve timing controls on Honda Accords typically cost between $205 and $256. While parts are priced between $156 and $194, labor costs are predicted to range between $49 and $62.
A VTEC system failure is what?
The most frequent reason for error code P1259 or VTEC system failure is low oil pressure. Therefore, be sure to check your oil if it has to be serviced. Replace the oil and filter as necessary. Before trying them, clear the codes.
What malfunctions a VVT solenoid due to?
The variable valve timing system, in large part, makes it feasible for modern cars to operate with the performance and fuel efficiency standards they have today. The VVT is not engaged when a car, truck, or SUV is operating under regular driving circumstances. However, this mechanism is activated if the car is moving at a faster pace, towing a trailer, or carrying more weight in the trunk. The variable valve timing switch is the specific device that transmits data from the VVT to the car’s computer.
The engine of your car, truck, or SUV will get instructions from the ECU to advance or retard the ignition timing after being turned on by the variable valve timing switch. In order to boost engine efficiency, this instructs the cylinder valves to open or close earlier or later than usual as well as when to fire the ignition system. The VVT solenoid controls the system, and the VVT switch gives the car’s computer useful feedback it may use to instantly modify the timing.
The VVT switch is susceptible to deterioration or full failure, just like any other mechanical or electrical component. The signs of a failing VVT switch and a failing VVT solenoid are very similar. Lack of routine maintenance is the most frequent reason for both the VVT switch and the VVT solenoid to fail. Sludge can clog the solenoid’s screen if your oil is unclean, which will result in a failure. You will have issues with VVT operation if the engine oil level is low.
The following are some typical signs of a faulty VVT switch:
How can a malfunctioning VVT solenoid be identified?
The Check Engine Light turning on, dirty engine oil, a rough idle, and poor fuel economy are typical symptoms of a bad VVT solenoid.
What RPM does VTEC turn on at?
In 3-Stage VTEC, the timing and lift of the intake valves are managed by three separate cam profiles. Since there isn’t much room in this version of VTEC because it was built around a SOHC valve head, it can only change how the intake valves open and close. In this application, conventional VTEC performance and low-end VTEC-E fuel economy advantages are combined. In 12-valve mode, which is used between idle and 2500–3000 RPM depending on the load, one intake valve fully opens while the other very minimally does so to avoid fuel from accumulating behind the valve. This 12 Valve mode causes the intake charge to swirl, improving low end performance and fuel economy by increasing combustion efficiency. Depending on the load, one of the VTEC solenoids engages at 3000–5400 RPM, causing the second valve to lock onto the camshaft lobe of the first valve. This technique, also known as 16-valve mode, mimics a typical engine operating mode and enhances the mid-range power curve. Both VTEC solenoids are now engaged at 5500–7000 RPM, causing both intake valves to use the middle portion of the camshaft. Peak power is produced at the highest end of the RPM range by the third lobe, which is optimized for high performance.
In a more recent version of 3-Stage i-VTEC, VTC and PGM-FI were merged to allow the ECU to regulate the whole spectrum of modes and archive higher performance and fuel economy advantages. The Honda CR-Z can continuously transition between low-end and standard modes between 1000 and 2250 rpm and engage high cam mode from 2250 rpm and above on SOHC.
How is a VTEC solenoid bypassed?
Numerous typical OBD1 and OBD2 JDM engines lack a VTEC oil pressure switch. This is unimportant because the matching JDM ECUs for these engines don’t employ the pressure switch. However, if you use a USDM ECU on a JDM engine without a VTEC oil pressure switch, VTEC won’t engage since the USDM ECU doesn’t detect the signal from the pressure switch.
A straightforward wiring approach makes it simple to get around this:
Locate the VTEC oil pressure switch plug/wire on your engine harness (this wire comes from OBD1 ECU pin D6). Simply tap this into the solenoid valve wire for the VTEC using a standard T-tap or another technique (the VTEC solenoid wire comes from OBD1 ECU pin A4). Connect the VTEC pressure switch wire to the VTEC solenoid wire without cutting it.
That’s all; your ECU will now believe that a VTEC pressure switch exists, and VTEC will start working.
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What serves as a VTEC sensor?
In essence, the VTEC system blends high-RPM performance with low-RPM fuel efficiency and stability. Additionally, the changeover happens smoothly, enabling consistent performance across the entire powerband. The engine computer manages the switching process between the two cam lobes.
Indicating Check Engine Light
The Electronic Controlled Unit (ECU), which all current new cars are equipped with, allows you to detect any unexpected activity in your car by turning on the check engine light.
Any activity occurring in your car is compared and reported by your ECU monitors. The check engine light illuminates if one of the existing circumstances is incompatible with the predefined parameters.
As a result, when the VVT solenoid is malfunctioning, your dashboard’s check engine light will turn on.
Rough Idling
When your car is idle, the VVT solenoid adjusts the camshaft timing. This is due to the fact that idling need to be as seamless as feasible. It will be quite difficult for the engine to avoid stalling if the camshaft timing is substantially delayed.
Your automobile may experience weird idling issues as a result of a malfunctioning VVT solenoid.
Rough Acceleration
The primary function of the VVT solenoid is to modify the camshaft timing so that the engine runs efficiently and smoothly at all RPMs. If it malfunctions, you might notice that your acceleration becomes jerky and that it even leads to misfires.
Rough acceleration coupled with a check engine light on the dashboard may very well be the result of a malfunctioning VVT valve.
Increased Fuel Consumption
The timing of the valves’ opening and shutting is controlled by the VVT solenoid to maintain efficient fuel use.
Therefore, any VVT solenoid issue will undoubtedly lead to efficient fuel usage. As a result, it is highly likely that your variable valve timing sensor is broken if you observe a noticeable decrease or increase in your average fuel consumption as well as the smell of unburned fuel.
Low Engine Performance
The VVT solenoid was developed to boost engine performance at higher RPMs while maintaining a constant RPM range for the engine. As a result, if the VVT solenoid fails to advance the camshaft timing during acceleration, performance may suffer greatly.
What exactly does VTEC mean?
Variable valve-timing system, or VTEC, has been a feature of Honda and Acura vehicles since 1989. The 1991 Acura NSX was the first vehicle in the United States to feature VTEC, which is an acronym for variable valve timing and lift electronic control.
How much does a VVT repair cost?
Best in Automotive Repair The average price to replace a variable valve timing actuator ranges from $742 to $861. While materials are priced at $286, labor expenses are predicted to range between $456 and $575. Taxes and other costs are not included in this range, nor are your particular vehicle or geographic area taken into account.
VTEC oil pressure switch: what is it?
Variable Valve Timing with Electronic Control is referred to as VTEC. VTEC and VTEC-E are the two VTEC systems used by Honda. The first one, VTEC, was made available in 1991 to boost the performance of the four-cylinder engine. Later, VTEC-E was developed to boost fuel efficiency and emissions. The two systems, VTEC and VTEC-E, use solenoids to deliver oil pressure to the valve timing system in order to manage valve activation and valve lift. The variable valve timing system is made to improve the volumetric efficiency of the engine, resulting in more power, by rerouting oil pressure to the rocker arm pistons over 2,500 RPM.
The VVT solenoid contains a typically open switch called the variable valve timing oil pressure switch. The voltage should fall to zero as soon as the VTEC oil pressure switch closes. The PCM can determine whether oil pressure was delivered to the VTEC system in this way. The ECM may set a code when this system malfunctions. P1253 (21) for the solenoid and P1259 (22) for the pressure switch are the related codes. Prior to condemning the solenoid or the VTEC oil pressure switch, each code needs to be further diagnosed.
The screen in the VTEC solenoid may plug if your car is not maintained. Because it is situated before the screen, the pressure switch won’t detect the issue. Although the VTEC starts, the rocker shaft never receives oil pressure. Check the filter first if you unhook the solenoid and there is no difference in engine power.
Owners of 1991–2007 Acura/Honda VTEC and VTEC-E engines must frequently change their oil and use the recommended viscosity. The screens via which oil is fed to the solenoid can become clogged with soiled oil. Additionally, the variable valve timing system may not operate at all if the wrong viscosity of oil is used.
For routine maintenance and repairs, trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations or browse all the relays, sensors, and switches offered on NAPA Online. Visit your neighborhood NAPA AUTO PARTS store to speak with a trained professional for more advice on the Honda VTEC oil pressure switch.