Hey guys, I have a 91 DA and I swapped a B16 a few weeks ago. It has a check engine light for the vtec solenoid. Is this a common problem with this swap? Can a vtec solenoid go bad? I've checked a ll the wiring, the seals, gaskets, it has a fresh oil change, and I even had it checked out by a shop and they can't figure it out (well I don't want to pay to have them look deeper). This my first DA and OBD0 car I've done. Do you guys have any ideas. Thanks. I hope this isn't a noob question haha.

 

Honestly, your best bet would be to use the search function, there have been 1000000000 of these threads and I'm sure one of those can help you out.
Yes a Vtec Solenoid can go bad
Just a quick check list for you though:
What ECU are you using, is it a Vtec ECU?
Did you PIN the wiring correctly, is the Vtec wiring hooked up?
Use a constant power source and connect it to the Vtec Solenoid to see if it "pops", if it does your solenoid is fine.
Check, check and recheck the wiring to the Vtec Solenoid, you need to see if any wires are broken between the solenoid and the ECU.

Good luck

 

Yes the solenoid can go bad but they usually dont. Have you checked the wiring? Have you tried running 12v straight to the solenoid to see if that makes vtec cross over?

 

Agree with Matt. Check all that over and make sure the oil level is where it should be.

 

Yep, I'll try the connecting directly to a power source, and by that do you mean, the ground? I have the ground on the battery already. It's a pr3 ecu and all the wiring is correct, the shop triple checked it. Oh and I tried searching but the search is working, thanks for the suggestions. Keep 'em coming if there's anything else it could be.

 

LoL no by power source I mean use a wire, NOW BE CAREFUL!. Touch the wire to the Positive battery terminal and then to the power side of the Vtec Solenoid Connector. The Solenoid should make a POP sounds. That means it is good.

 

Oh haha ok, I was kinda confused for a minute. I'll try that. Now if it's good wat would be the explanation for the vtec not crossing over? Does the type of wire you use to wire the vtec matter? Could it be the ecu?

 

Yes, check the other things I mentioned above as well as the Oil level.

 

Your ecu only does a couple checks before allowing vtec to engage. Speedo, Oil Pressure, and Engine Temp are all needed in order for vtec to work. If the car isnt warmed up all the way or the speedo is broke, vtec wont work. If you are sure its wired right and its none of the 3 things I just listed, I would try another ecu.

 

and on top of that you could give it a cleaning too.