I have a 2007 Honda Element with 217,000 miles. I am at my last witts on this VTEC issue. I have replaced 3 VTEC sensors in 2,000 miles. The last VTEC shorted out as it had water in the oil pressure connector from somewhere. I replaced the plug connectors as well to ensure it was sealed, I replaced and after 500 miles it popped on again. I changed it again and after 300 miles it popped on again. I tested the solenoid and it has continuity. The oil was changed when the first one went out. i used 0-20 instead of 5-20 oil as I did not want the screen to get clogged. The screen looks good and not clogged.

What is going on with this thing? I am ready to put a match to it. When it runs it runs great! I just cannot have an unreliable car. DO I need software update?, DO I reset the ECU by unplugging battery (if I do will I lose my radio code - if there is one), any thoughts?

The last issue occurred when I started car (I did not even drive it) and the CEL, VSA and triangle light came on. The prior occurances appeared during driving.

Code I get is rocker arm bank 1

 

Did you replace the oil screen on the front of the head? Down behind the power steering pump. Two bolts that hold the little cover on.

The water comes from the passenger side windshield washer sprayer. Water drips directly on the VTEC solenoid.

Are you using factory Honda solenoids? Aftermarket ones are crap.

 

I just replaced the entire VTEC with screen in it that is behind motor. I am not sure where other screen is you are referring to. Is it called something so I can google location or do you have pictures of location. The first VTEC was Honda then after that it has been after market. $150 a pop so close together is hard to swallow when you have no idea what it is. I will put a rubber boot over VTEC solenoid to prevent windshield wiper fluid dripping on it. If you can give me a picture of what I should find that would be great. Thanks

 

Is this what you are referring to? How do you get to bottom bolt. If you unhook top will it sway like a door side to side?

 

That is the one.

Remove the power steering pump. That is the best way to access that cover and filter.

Recommend buying a new filter. It is like the VTEC solenoid screen. It is a molded o-ring with integrated screen.

 

Ok. I hope it is not too hard to remove power steering pump. I have spent so much time on this and I feel like not doing it😏. Thaa as nks

 

Do I have to remove belt tensioner as well?

 

Just the belt to remove the power steering pump.

 

Cool. Thanks. You just lowered my threshold of anxiety for doing this. I just spent 5 hours doing ball joints on a Benz and had major ABS issues that took 3 more hours to resolve. Nothing goes as planned for me.😏

 

I remove the tensioner and the P/S mount bracket (they are attached to each other) when I replace this gasket... it makes life MUCH easier.

If replacing the VTEC assembly on the back of the engine as well as the screen on the front of the engine, using genuine Honda parts, doesn't fix your VTEC code... then you likely have low oil pressure and bearing damage at the crankshaft.

 

Thanks. I as hoping not having to do that, but nothing is ever easy.

question about bearings: if bearings are bad would I have this problem every single time and not sporadically?