How To Tell If Vtec Solenoid Is Bad
How To Tell If Vtec Solenoid Is Bad – Having trouble with the highly popular VTEC system in your beloved Honda? If so, the VTEC solenoid may be part of the fault. Join us as we look at the most common VTEC solenoid problems and how to fix them.
While we here at Honda fanboys aren’t shy when it comes to having fun, we certainly know how frustrating reliability issues can be.
How To Tell If Vtec Solenoid Is Bad
Jokes aside, while Hondas are often at the forefront of reliable performance, they’re not getting any younger, and many enthusiasts have had problems with their VTEC solenoids on the road.
Tsx Oil Leak, See Picture I Need Help With Part Name
In the 1960s, the latest fad was to start squeezing as much power as possible out of the engines on the market.
Further research led to some notable developments in the automotive world, and manufacturers soon realized that improved performance could easily be achieved by manually adjusting ignition timing and valve lift.
As time went on, in the 1970s Alfa Romeo introduced a first-of-its-kind technology in their recently launched Alfa Romeo Spider 2000 – a mechanical variable valve timing (VVT) system.
From 1983, all Alfa Romeo Spider models began to integrate electronic VVT in their cars, and soon other manufacturers followed suit.
Vtec Solenoid Oil Leak
It wasn’t until 1989 that Honda entered the VVT game and introduced its version – VTEC, YO!
Unlike Nissan’s NVCS system at the time, which changed camshaft steps, VTEC instead switches to a different step profile at higher engine speeds, improving peak power.
The popular B16A engine was the first Honda engine to use VTEC, with Civic, CRX and Integra owners soon becoming famous for shouting “VTEC just kicked in, yo!” (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)
Given that VTEC is Honda’s fancy name for their variable valve timing system, it’s job is to advance the timing when extra power is needed for the upper rev range.
Honda Vtec Solenoid Symptoms (9 Different Signs)
The role of the VTEC solenoid is to control the flow of oil to the inner galleries of the upper camshaft.
Given the age of many Hondas that use the popular VTEC system, oil pressure problems can begin to develop over time for a number of possible reasons.
Although the VTEC system is renowned for its durability, it is likely that you will eventually need a new solenoid. But don’t panic, because luckily, it can be a lot less expensive than it seems.
The most likely scenario with a VTEC solenoid failure is when you get the check engine light, and the car will likely go into limp mode, often fearing the worst.
Honda Civic D16y8 Vtec Solenoid Spool Valve
Fortunately, even when the VTEC solenoid is no longer working properly, you can leave it as it is or disconnect it until you can fix it, which we recommend doing sooner rather than later.
Although this will not provide a high lift stage, and the engine will not run nearly as efficiently, especially at the higher revs, it will not do any real damage to an engine in the short term.
That said, we wouldn’t recommend going without a VTEC solenoid for long periods of time, as it will make the engine rich, which can lead to a rough engine idle and reduced fuel economy.
Despite the above engine problems to know if your solenoid is likely to be replaced, you may also find that your engine is leaking oil, which is often caused by a worn gasket on the solenoid.
Vtec Blew Up???!!!! Help Please!!!!
Although replacing the gasket can solve this problem, we have seen many owners replace the gasket only to have the solenoid or oil pressure switch fail immediately, so we recommend replacing the entire solenoid, usually for the one cost. .
As you might have guessed, the VTEC solenoid is located in different places depending on your Honda model, so it’s worth checking Google and YouTube for advice on locating its location in your engine bay.
We found this video to offer the best view of what to look for and where to find the VTEC solenoid in the Honda CRV engine bay:
For some models, you may need a jack stand to get convenient access to the solenoid, so it’s worth checking before you get on with the job.
Vtec Solenoid Not Plugged In?? Questions
If you are only replacing the VTEC solenoid gasket at this point, you will still need to remove the solenoid to access the gasket.
It’s not always immediately obvious if the OEM solenoid is the cause of your problems, but here are some general ways to reduce the possibilities.
Sometimes it can be obvious that something is wrong with the VTEC solenoid if you experience an oil leak around the unit, but this is most likely a worn gasket.
Given the age of most VTEC systems, this is a common problem due to rubber wear over time. Although this is not a serious problem, we recommend that it be addressed as soon as possible before a significant oil leak occurs.
Vtec Solenoid Leaking (onto Alternator)
We have seen many owners replace the cargo pack only to have the solenoid fail after a while, so we recommend replacing the solenoid while you are already doing the work as it is often around the same price .
If you don’t have a leak, but still suspect there may be problems, you can check oil pressure from a warm engine using a mechanical gauge, where we expect to see around 30 psi.
The next step might be to check that the VTEC solenoid is properly grounded on a multimeter, as shown in this video:
Assuming there are no visual problems and the solenoid is grounded, it’s time to check for any error codes in the system, in which case you’ll need to use an engine code reader.
Code P2646 Gotcha (finally)
This step will probably be especially important if you currently have an engine warning light on your dashboard.
Although engine code readers are a simple tool and can be purchased at a reasonable price, you may want to ask a friend to borrow them.
If you are in a hurry, you may also want to go to a local garage so they can check the error codes for you.
The most common code that points to a VTEC malfunction is P1269, which usually means that either the oil pressure switch or the VTEC solenoid is at fault.
Vtec Solenoid Spool Valve For Honda Element Accord Cr V 2.4l 3.0l Civi
Since we have already checked the oil pressure and the power, this indicates that the solenoid itself is probably at fault when we replace it.
If you’re handy with a tool, you can replace the VTEC solenoid yourself.
To start, turn off your engine and let it cool down, making sure it’s been about an hour since it was last used. Working on hot engines is no fun – ask us how we know!
Once you’ve located the solenoid for your specific model, you’ll need to unplug two electrical connectors – usually the gray one for the solenoid connector and the green one for the oil pressure sensor.
Part# 15810 Raa A03 Vtec Solenoid Spool Valve Assembly With Oil Pressure Switch For Honda Accord Element Cr V 2.4l Honda Civic Acura Rsx 2.0l 15810 Raa A01: Buy Online At Best Price In Uae
It is likely that oil will be released during the next step, so we recommend using an old cloth or rag under the area to minimize leakage.
At this point, you will carefully loosen the three 10mm diameter bolts, using extreme care and patience to ensure that you do not break or break them, as this will create a whole new headache!
If your solenoid is in a tight spot, we’ve found a small quarter-inch clip with an extension usually does the trick.
After removing the connectors and bolts, you can now restore your VTEC solenoid – it’s that simple.
Vtec Solenoid Leak
At this point, you may want to consider whether to replace the entire unit or try a new gasket.
If you choose new gaskets, we recommend using brake cleaner to remove any residue from the mating surfaces before refitting.
While many owners choose to replace a gasket pack to fix a leaking VTEC solenoid, it can often be more cost-effective to replace it with a new one, which is much less likely to malfunction further down the line.
VTEC solenoid replacement prices can vary widely, with the Honda S2000 variant being more expensive than more common options.
Vtec Solenoid Replacement Questions
We have heard quotes over $500 including labor to replace the VTEC solenoid. However, as it is an easy task with a few simple tools, we recommend taking on the task yourself using online information or asking a friend for help.
Our Comment: Given the incredibly reasonable price of this VTEC solenoid, we have a hard time justifying the time and effort it takes to replace the entire gasket set, and would prefer to replace the unit whole.
Although there are cheaper third-party options available in the market, we believe that this option is reasonably priced so as not to justify going for cheap options that do not match OEM quality.
Before buying, we make sure it’s the right part for your car. If you are a Honda S2000 owner, you might want to check out our next option.
Arp Vtec Solenoid Hardware Bolt Replacement For Honda Civic Acura K20
If you experience oil leaking around the entire variable valve timing solenoid, it could be
How to tell if a sprinkler valve solenoid is bad, how to tell if starter solenoid is bad, how to tell if a solenoid valve is bad, how to tell if transmission solenoid is bad, how to tell if vct solenoid is bad, how to tell if starter is bad, how to tell if clutch is bad, how to tell if solenoid is bad, how to tell if gallbladder is bad, how to tell if battery is bad, how to tell if starter solenoid is bad on atv, how to tell if your solenoid is bad
