mckntt

I have a diagnostic sheet with the following codes:
P1259-VTEC System Failure
P0700 A/T system Malfunction

I have a 2002 Honda Accord and need to know if oil can leak by not having the VTEC replaced and the dealer mentioned to me that I need a timing belt service due to bad leaking seals. I just had the timing belt and water pump changed 11/2012. Do I need to get this service in order to replace the seals for my accord? There is some leakeage at the front of the car near the drivers side. I can see the leakage in my driveway. I does not look like oil because it does not leave a dark oil stain in my driveway.

I need to know with code P0700, does this mean I need to replace the transmission. I'm almost at 160,000 miles

Will it be cost effective to get the car fixed? Do I really need these repairs? I also heard that not to trade honda cars in to the dealer.

I need some honest advise, could someone please help me!
Thanks in advance

MAD_MIKE

P1259 is related to the VTEC oil pressure switch. If there is not enough pressure in the oil system the switch will not be activated and VTEC will not engage. It is a safety device to prevent damage to the engine.

First check that the oil is full. Low oil will not allow enough oil pressure and VTEC will not engage. If this is the case simply filling the oil to between the dots on the dipstick should correct the problem. Go for a drive and make sure when accelerating past 3000rpm that the engine does not 'fall on its face'. If it does it means VTEC is not engaging and the oil pressure switch is faulty or the wiring harness is damaged. But if there is an oil leak it may be causing a pressure drop when the engine is running.

PO700 is a generic transmission code that simply means something out of the ordinary has occurred. It is a very non specific code. There may be other codes(transmission) beside P0700, some scanners may not be able to access codes stored in the TCM.

holmesnmanny

The timing belts need to be removed to access the seals but doesn't need to be replaced. However, this would really depend on how many miles you've put on it since then. Anything over 30k and I would just replace the belts anyhow if you don't do your own timing belt services. I mean, if it's me I would leave them be, but if you let others do your timing belt replacements, and I'm guessing you do, then you can decide if you want to replace them. They will only replace them with their own belts and that would be more than if you bought them from rockauto. Keep in mind Gates makes the belts for Honda and you can get those cheap at rockauto.

Also, in addition to what mike stated, you could also check for a dent in your oil pan if you oil level is good. Dents in the oil pan could cause the pickup to not be able to pick up a sufficient amount of oil, causing low oil pressure, causing the code to illuminate.

Also, there is a chance that the vtec solenoid gasket could be clogged which could cause oil pressure to the pressure switch to be low, causing the code to pop up. Assuming the oil level is fine, you could, yourself, remove the vtec solenoid and check the screen for cloggedness.