I was cruising the other day and out of no where my car CEL came on and threw code 21. I checked and it says vtec solenoid, but problem is the car is still engaging in vtec. Anyone got a clue? I reset the ecu and checked wires on dash harness and engine harness, but everything looks normal. I also reset my ecu a few times, but didn't help.

code 21
92-95 Civic
93-95 Prelude
94+ Integra VTEC Solenoid Valve defective circuit or unplugged / defective solenoid valve
* invalid code for non-VTEC engine
** invalid for V6 engine

 

Put some oil in the car.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by walker111 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Put some oil in the car.</TD></TR></TABLE>

x2

Also, pull your VTAK solenoid and make sure the screen is blocked.

While it is off, you might want to think about porting and polishing it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bradstard &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

x2

Also, pull your VTAK solenoid and make sure the screen isn't blocked.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

I've had this too since I rebuilt my head. I've replaced the vtec solenoid to see if that was the problem, but haven't run it up through vtec yet. I was getting it with full oil, too.

Anyone have any experience fixing this on their car?

I've heard that after a rebuild sometimes the solenoid has to fill with oil before it will work again, but this shouldn't be the case for your situation. Maybe an oil pressure problem?

If I remember correctly three things have to be met: 1) vtec crossover RPM 2) engine coolant up to temperature 3) oil pressure (on usdm cars)

 

Someone say Vtack solenoid?

 

ported vtec solenoid lol .. anyone balance theirs before?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Fat Chick Magnet &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">ported vtec solenoid lol .. anyone balance theirs before? </TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't know why you guys run the solenoid at all. VTAK 24/7 yo.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by citrus3000psi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I don't know why you guys run the solenoid at all. VTAK 24/7 yo.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I actually removed mine and replaced it with a light switch. That way I can turn off the vtack for gas conscious highway driving and then turn it on constant for hard edge track/canyon carving...

Next season I may try to install a dimmer so I can dial in the amount vtack for different situations.

 

As funny as this is, does anyone have any actual help?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jvtec95 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">As funny as this is, does anyone have any actual help?</TD></TR></TABLE>

it was already said. Make sure you have enough oil in the car and make sure the screen isn't blocked by anything and also make sure there is a good seal between the solenoid and the head. Thats about all there is beyond a bad solenoid itself.