What to do? Check Engine Light / Code P1259

[jfoster]

Well, my inlaws have an '00 Accord. Yesterday after they had the oil changed they got a CEL and called me. I had them check the oil, and they said it was fine. So I told them to take it over to Auto Zone and get the code read and I would try to come down and deal with it asap.

So they called me tonight and said that Auto Zone told them its:

" Code P1259 ; Imobilizer to PCM signal error "

But I show P1259 as being the code for Vtec System Malfunction .... ???

So basically what should I do to find the actual problem / fix it / get rid of the CEL ??


Thanks

[Ross 2.0]

Actually since it was just after an oil change i would suspect the wrong viscosity oil was used. Possibly even an oil additive. It's happened to me before.
All I did was change the oil again (keep the filter) and see if it stays off.

[P_Adams]

Well, first off I'd ask if you've a Vtec or not (You didn't specify)

P1259 comes up as a "Vtec System Malfunction" in my manual as well.

Does the car have a starter "Immobilizer" as part of a factory alarm?

P

[Ross 2.0]

i'll be interested to see where your going with this...

[P_Adams]

I'm just as curious as you are

but, I'll have to wait to see what he's got

P

[P_Adams]

Any reference to the immobilizer system speaks to the coded key which inserts into the ignition (Wrong key / no start) and interacts with the PCM (Power-train Control Module) to start the vehicle, much like the GM VATs (Vehicle Anti-Theft) systems in Corvettes and other high-end vehicles. There have been incidences where the key required replacing. (I wouldn't until it happens with greater frequency (because of $$$ !))
The P1259 (P1257, 58 and P1259) refer to Vtec System Malfunction. Oil pressure, or momentary pressure loss (low oil level) can cause this; as can a malfunctioning VTec control solenoid.

P

[jfoster]

I know that their car is a '00 4cyl automatic. They got the oil changed at Jiffy Lube and they used Quaker State 10-40.

I also know they occasionally use a copied key rather than the original ...

I wouldn't think the imobilizer would throw a CEL ... it seems like it would not let the car start if it detected a problem ... a CEL wouldn't deter a theif very effectivley...


And they said they have had their oil changed there several times in the past using the same oil and not had a problem before ....

Your input is appreciated

[v4lu3s]

why did they use 10w40?
i thinkt hat is a 5w30 engine.

[jfoster]

Originally Posted by v4lu3s

why did they use 10w40?
i thinkt hat is a 5w30 engine.

I don't know ... its Jiffy Lube

Could the oil weight really cause a CEL? Like I said they have taken it to the same place several times before with no CEL...

[P_Adams]

The C.E.L. is indicative of the systems' recognizing that there's a problem. Most all of the Control Modules in today's cars are fault testing; and in this case, both the ECM and the PCM share the same diagnostic indicator (Lamp).

I've looked at six (6) sites offering DTC OBD2 Codes, and all agree P1257 - P1259 relate to "Vtec System Malfunction".
I suspect DeathZone Autoparts may have had a 'new hire' do your scan.

The reason I asked what car???
DX's use Non-Vtec F23 engines
LX, SE and EX is the versions which uses the Vtec F23

P

edited for accuracy


Modified by P_Adams at 11:14 PM 1/8/2006


Modified by P_Adams at 11:15 PM 1/8/2006

[v4lu3s]

actually in the year 2000 the only non vtec accord is the DX which is a 4 door ONLY.

[P_Adams]

Hum, Learn something new every day

P

[jfoster]

It is a 4 door ... but I am 90% sure its an EX.

I'll ask next time they call to be sure.

I'm not wanting to drive down there until I have a firm idea of what the problem is. Just wanna get there, fix it, leave

[hondadude]

If they use Quaker State there is a good chance the Sludge from that $hit oil has plugged up the screen in the Vtec solenoid. I'd have to guess they want to have a dead engine ASAP if they are putting that crap in the engine. I wouldn't put Quaker State in my lawnmower.

[jfoster]

yep, an EX

[Ross 2.0]

Call and ask them to shine a flashlight in the valve cover (through the oil fill hole) and tell what they see. If it's a bunch of crap and very little metal visible they may have clogged the Vtec screen.
For the love of pete NEVER go to Jiffy lube or anywhere like that. PLEASE for every car's sake.

[jfoster]

Originally Posted by MooGoCow3

Call and ask them to shine a flashlight in the valve cover (through the oil fill hole) and tell what they see. If it's a bunch of crap and very little metal visible they may have clogged the Vtec screen.
For the love of pete NEVER go to Jiffy lube or anywhere like that. PLEASE for every car's sake.

I am going to go try to figure it out tomorrow. I'll check for build up in the VC. Where is the Vtec screen? Is it accessible so that I could clean and replace it?


Anything else I could inspect/clean to try to get rid of the CEL before they take it to the dealer ???

[hondadude]

the screen is between the Vtec solenoid and the head, where the solenoid mounts; 3 ten mm bolts and it comes off

[jfoster]

Fixed.

I cleared the code to see when it would come back. Generally if it comes on at idle or under 4000rpms it electrical .... as in the Vtec pressure sensor is bad, it has a bad connection, or a damaged wire ; at or over 4000rpms its usually oil pressure related.... as in low oil level, clogged screen, or the Vtec solenoid has gone bad, etc.

Well after clearing the code two or three times it would throw the CEL with the key in the on position with the engine off ... so I concluded it must be electrical and suspected the Vtec pressure sensor...

I removed the sensor and priced a replacement through AZ and it was $80 and special order ... so I cleaned (and accidentally dropped ) the sensor to replace it just so the car would be driveable until I could get another sensor.

But when I replaced the sensor and reconnected the battery cable the code did not come back I drove it and it now accelerates above 4000rpms which it wouldn't with the CEL

Hope this helps someone else with a P1259 code.

[marcus_hogan81]

Hey, I was going over every honda forum I know of and this sounds like my exact problem. I have an 01 ex manual trans 4 door accord. the CEL will come as I get close to 4 K rpm and sometimes at idle. Also when I do try to accel pass 4 K the engine hicups, stutters until I drop it below. Funny thing is it won't do that when it idles. It goes right on past 4k rpm! On top of that while the CEL is on, my car has a 45 % chance of not idling correctly so when I push in the clutch to stop at a light stop sign etc. it will shutdown. I'm actually looking for that vtec solenoid part
now to see if that helps out. Anything else you did I should know before I try
to replace it? It didn't look impossible.

[fleks680]

Ay whats up guys, i have a 98 accord coupe with the 2.3vtec. I noticed the car was in limp mode, and i was getting the same 1259 code, so i i changed the solenoid and my bank 1 (O2) sensor 2. both of those would make the car go to limp mode but i replaced them both and i was driving and everything was fine...no light nothing.... then i got the code again (1259) i even disconnected my Vtec switch that i had but i cant figure out why the code is still being thrown. Help Me..... I HAVE EMISSIONS NEXT WEEK!!!!!????????????

[98 sphere]

Just picked up a 98 civic ex coupe, check engine light on, DTC code P1259 VTEC malfunction. Did some research, last owner downgraded to 1.6L no VTEC. My problems; Check engine light on, acts like rev limiter is being triggered at 4500-5000RPM while driving, (revs full throw from idle, if in park), automatic trans. feels soggy between shifts.

Local service tech. (swap king) says; engine light will be on until VTEC computer is switched for standard 1.6L computer, sloppy AT shift pattern and sudo rev limiter symptom are related to the failure of one or more components in the distributer.

any information on downgrade swap or solutions please!!!

[98 sphere]

Just picked up a 98 civic ex coupe, check engine light on, DTC code P1259 VTEC malfunction. Did some research, last owner downgraded to 1.6L no VTEC. My problems; Check engine light on, acts like rev limiter is being triggered at 4500-5000RPM while driving, (revs full throw from idle, if in park), automatic trans. feels soggy between shifts.

Local service tech. (swap king) says; engine light will be on until VTEC computer is switched for standard 1.6L computer, sloppy AT shift pattern and sudo rev limiter symptom are related to the failure of one or more components in the distributer.

any information on downgrade swap or solutions please!!!

[925sir]

check your plugs the vtec plug conector may be conected to the wrong pulg swap it to the oil pressure plug try it may works

[MDSCivic]

I'm havin the same problem. I have an 01 civic and it just gave me a p1259 code, and the engine hiccups at 4000 rpms. I know i'm really low on oil, but hopefully I'm takin it into the dealership for an oil change today. Would that fix the problem? If it is the vtec screen, how would I go about cleaning that? Thanks.