So while at the drag strip this past weekend the car was running really slow... No one could figure out why ... The CEL was coming on but only under WOT full load pull sin 3rd gear and above... and if you turned the car off then immediately back on the CEL will turn off. After the drag day we stopped and checked the ECU codes....
We got code 21 and code 22 ... which is VTEC not engaging and low vtec oil pressure ... so I'm assuming we're not getting oil pressure and vtec isnt switching over as a result...

We switched the vtec solenoid with another one, and checked the screen in the solenoid to see if it was clogged, but screens fine. Swapping the solenoid didnt help, but the little wiring harness/clip we had to cut and rewire it because my friend Ryan only had one harness clip (the part that has the clip in par that connects to the other clip in harness in the engine bay). I assume that harness is for the vtec switch? So that might not be working since we hacked it like I said before. But when I get into boost and it tries to switch to VTEC, the car makes this chuffing sound.... It sounds like a pump pumping air instead of what it should be pumping. Like a pffft pffft pffft sound. Only does it when getting into boost and trying to switch to VTEC. Ryan and I pretty much ruled out wiring because he never really played with it. He never had a V-AFC in it so I'm at a loss right now...
What are your thoughts on the issue and is it safe to drive as long as i keep the RPMs low (i.e. not in boost or vtec)?

Thanks

Oh btw, it's a D16Z6 with a turbo (obviously). But it's the single cam, ask questions if you need more info cuz I need help.

 

just re-checked ... ECU Codes

21 VTEC spool solenoid valve
22 VTEC pressure valve

 

see if the solenoid is getting 12volts when it is supposed to. also did you ever mess with the gauge cluster or tempature sensors?

on my car vtec will only come on above 10+ mph and at a certain temp. so if your temp sensor is f'd up then that could be a problem. but with those codes it kinda sounds like it is the solenoid itself. or it doesnt have enough oil in it.

when my oil is two quarts low, vtec disengages around corners. cuase the oil doesnt get up far enough. but i would hope you checked your oil!


good luck.

 

Yeah sorry but nothing like that was tampered with and the oil is full ... top dot on the dipstick

 

N/M you already cleaned the screen.

 

I'm have a similar problem but I have an EP3. I just cant get any power out of it like it was giving me 3 days ago. So I installed new spark plugs and a coldair intake and still nothing. The oil was changed about a week ago at Honda so thats good. the only other thing I cant think of is I lost compression some where because my exhaust isn't as loud as it was 3days ago. I have no codes flashing and no check engine lights come while driving so I don't know whats going on.

 

Has anyone ever messed with the head? If so make sure that the pins that lock the rockers together are still there. (I'm assuming vtec works the same in all vtec heads...I only know B series.)

The person that had my head before me must have been messing with mine, because one of the pins was missing. I think it took me a month or more to figure out what was wrong.

Good luck.