99.5% complete on project but need help. Vtec problem not a noob question.
Ok so my cars all put together its running but,
there's a problem with the VTEC.<FONT SIZE="+2">?</FONT>
...... When the Vtec gets ready to engage its like it hits a rev limiter (we'll call this hitting the wall) The rpm bounces a little and doesn't go anywhere. Just like your regular rev limiter if you let your car rev too high.
....Also I have the vafc (was doing the same thing before it was hooked up) so I can change the VTEC engagement point so its not just a certain rpm. So when the engagement point is at 4000 it hits the wall at 4000, if you let it til 6000 it hits the wall at 6000. If you put the engagement point to 7000 and don't let it engage it runs fine its jut the Vtec that has a problem?
..Another thing I noticed is when I had the Vtec at 6000 and it hit the wall when I shifted to third the gear it hit the wall at 4000 even though the Vtec wasn't kicking in.
... Here are the things my mechanic has tried or ruled out. Checked over the wiring three times after it was all hooked up. Put the Vafc on to richen the fuel mixture in case it was leaning out on Vtec. Switch computers with a p28. There is a brand new dizzy from the dealership.
... Things he's going to try take off and inspect Vtec solenoid besides that he doesn't know what it is and is convinced that it is something mechanical not electrical.
..So I need help if anyone has any insight please share. The more time he takes to find the problem the more its going to cost me, so if someone has a solution I could just pay to have it fixed and finally have my car.
<FONT SIZE="+2">here's MY MODS</FONT>
there's a problem with the VTEC.<FONT SIZE="+2">?</FONT>
...... When the Vtec gets ready to engage its like it hits a rev limiter (we'll call this hitting the wall) The rpm bounces a little and doesn't go anywhere. Just like your regular rev limiter if you let your car rev too high.
....Also I have the vafc (was doing the same thing before it was hooked up) so I can change the VTEC engagement point so its not just a certain rpm. So when the engagement point is at 4000 it hits the wall at 4000, if you let it til 6000 it hits the wall at 6000. If you put the engagement point to 7000 and don't let it engage it runs fine its jut the Vtec that has a problem?
..Another thing I noticed is when I had the Vtec at 6000 and it hit the wall when I shifted to third the gear it hit the wall at 4000 even though the Vtec wasn't kicking in.
... Here are the things my mechanic has tried or ruled out. Checked over the wiring three times after it was all hooked up. Put the Vafc on to richen the fuel mixture in case it was leaning out on Vtec. Switch computers with a p28. There is a brand new dizzy from the dealership.
... Things he's going to try take off and inspect Vtec solenoid besides that he doesn't know what it is and is convinced that it is something mechanical not electrical.
..So I need help if anyone has any insight please share. The more time he takes to find the problem the more its going to cost me, so if someone has a solution I could just pay to have it fixed and finally have my car.
<FONT SIZE="+2">here's MY MODS</FONT>
I am definitely not an expert on vtec but it sounds as though you somehow have your rev limiter wired in instead of vtec (if that was at all possible).......now all the cars I'm familiar with have mechanical rev limiter -- I assumed it was the same for preludes.
I may just be blowing smoke outta my ***, but since "the wall" changes with wherever you set vtec it really sounds like you're not on the vtec signal.
I may just be blowing smoke outta my ***, but since "the wall" changes with wherever you set vtec it really sounds like you're not on the vtec signal.
That is very insightful and the most original answer to the problem I have heard I will definetly relay that to my mechanic.
Honda-Tech Member
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 888
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From: Tucson...Cactus Town, Az, usa
are you testing vtec when the car is idle or when you're actually driving it?
What about your Vtec engagement switch? Has is been hooked up so that the computer sees that vtec is engaged? If not this might be your problem. you might also look into cleaning the screen on the vtec solenoid.
Other things to look at:
Coolant temp at operating temp? Vtec will not engage if the car is not warm.
Oil pressure good enough? If the pressure sensor is picking up low pressure, it will not engage.
If you have a mulitmeter:
Test the Vtec engagement wire, when vtec is suppose to engage, does it get +12v?
Test the vtec engagement sensor wire, does it ground when you are in vtec?
Need testing pins?
on the ECU:
Vtec engagement: Pin A4 grn/yel wire
Vtec Sensor: Pin D6 Light Blue wire
Do you have any CEL codes?
Other things to look at:
Coolant temp at operating temp? Vtec will not engage if the car is not warm.
Oil pressure good enough? If the pressure sensor is picking up low pressure, it will not engage.
If you have a mulitmeter:
Test the Vtec engagement wire, when vtec is suppose to engage, does it get +12v?
Test the vtec engagement sensor wire, does it ground when you are in vtec?
Need testing pins?
on the ECU:
Vtec engagement: Pin A4 grn/yel wire
Vtec Sensor: Pin D6 Light Blue wire
Do you have any CEL codes?
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by khalal538 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">are you testing vtec when the car is idle or when you're actually driving it?
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm driving it. I should be getting a digital camera in a week that records video so you guys can have something to look at. I have it on my regular video camera but thats no help on the internet.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 5200BB6 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">limp mode? any CEL?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I don't understand exactly what limp mode is but I don't think thats it. Does limp mode limit the rpm. There are no CELs and the check engine light works fine.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm driving it. I should be getting a digital camera in a week that records video so you guys can have something to look at. I have it on my regular video camera but thats no help on the internet.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 5200BB6 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">limp mode? any CEL?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I don't understand exactly what limp mode is but I don't think thats it. Does limp mode limit the rpm. There are no CELs and the check engine light works fine.
Trending Topics
....First I want to thank everyone for ther help and suggestions 
Next I just want to clear some things up to help narrow the responses more towards the problem.
....1) The problem was happening before the VAFC was hooked up. The VAFC was hooked up to richen the fuel mixture thinking that it might be leaning out on Vtec.
.....2)It's not throwing any CELS and I replaced the bulb awhile back and always keep an eye on it.
.....3) I don't think it not engaging is the problem. Because I have been in cars where the Vtec doesn't engage and its nothing like this, also it doesn't limit the RPM when it doesn't engage.
.....4) Don't forget my mechanic is working on my car not me. He is one of the best in my area. He works on about 80% Hondas w/Vtec so I'm pretty sure he has tried all the basics even though its good to start checking those first. He also has done H22 into Accords numerous times thats one of the reasons I went to him.
......5) Yes I'm driving it for the testing of it.
Again thanks for everyone's help.
By next week I will have a digital camera that takes video for something for you guys to see how it is. Also the Vtec solenoid should be checked and cleaned out so we'll soon see if that is the route of the problem.

Next I just want to clear some things up to help narrow the responses more towards the problem.
....1) The problem was happening before the VAFC was hooked up. The VAFC was hooked up to richen the fuel mixture thinking that it might be leaning out on Vtec.
.....2)It's not throwing any CELS and I replaced the bulb awhile back and always keep an eye on it.
.....3) I don't think it not engaging is the problem. Because I have been in cars where the Vtec doesn't engage and its nothing like this, also it doesn't limit the RPM when it doesn't engage.
.....4) Don't forget my mechanic is working on my car not me. He is one of the best in my area. He works on about 80% Hondas w/Vtec so I'm pretty sure he has tried all the basics even though its good to start checking those first. He also has done H22 into Accords numerous times thats one of the reasons I went to him.
......5) Yes I'm driving it for the testing of it.
Again thanks for everyone's help.
By next week I will have a digital camera that takes video for something for you guys to see how it is. Also the Vtec solenoid should be checked and cleaned out so we'll soon see if that is the route of the problem.
when you say it hits the wall do you mean it hits a computer rev limiter? like can you just sit there and bounce off of it, or does the engine feel like it wants to stall?? elaborate on exactly what it does...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mgags7 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">when you say it hits the wall do you mean it hits a computer rev limiter? like can you just sit there and bounce off of it, or does the engine feel like it wants to stall?? elaborate on exactly what it does...</TD></TR></TABLE>
when you say it hits the wall do you mean it hits a computer rev limiter? <U>like can you just sit there and bounce off of it</U> I think its a computer rev limit I.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MADMAXX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">......<U> When the Vtec gets ready to engage its like it hits a rev limiter (we'll call this hitting the wall) The rpm bounces a little and doesn't go anywhere. Just like your regular rev limiter if you let your car rev too high</U>.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
when you say it hits the wall do you mean it hits a computer rev limiter? <U>like can you just sit there and bounce off of it</U> I think its a computer rev limit I.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MADMAXX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">......<U> When the Vtec gets ready to engage its like it hits a rev limiter (we'll call this hitting the wall) The rpm bounces a little and doesn't go anywhere. Just like your regular rev limiter if you let your car rev too high</U>.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm running the stock distributor the Moroso one worked like ****.
Why did you have a bad experience with the Moroso one? I have a brand new dizzy straight from the dealership.
Why did you have a bad experience with the Moroso one? I have a brand new dizzy straight from the dealership.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lewdin’ Incognito »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am definitely not an expert on vtec but it sounds as though you somehow have your rev limiter wired in instead of vtec (if that was at all possible).......now all the cars I'm familiar with have mechanical rev limiter -- I assumed it was the same for preludes.
I may just be blowing smoke outta my ***, but since "the wall" changes with wherever you set vtec it really sounds like you're not on the vtec signal.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's the first thing I thought of when I read it too, thought you'd of thought of it too though, haha. Good luck though!
I may just be blowing smoke outta my ***, but since "the wall" changes with wherever you set vtec it really sounds like you're not on the vtec signal.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's the first thing I thought of when I read it too, thought you'd of thought of it too though, haha. Good luck though!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MADMAXX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm running the stock distributor the Moroso one worked like ****.
Why did you have a bad experience with the Moroso one? I have a brand new dizzy straight from the dealership.</TD></TR></TABLE>
only reason i asked was i have never had a good experienc with anything but an oem honda one actually.
Why did you have a bad experience with the Moroso one? I have a brand new dizzy straight from the dealership.</TD></TR></TABLE>
only reason i asked was i have never had a good experienc with anything but an oem honda one actually.
We may have found the solution mechanics going to test it out next week. The Vtec solenoid might not be getting enough oil pressure. The cause the oil cooler. So he's going to put a oil pressure gauge on the head. Hopefully that is it if so he just has to take the oil cooler off and have it next week.
I have video with no sound but its 17MB so I have to find another website to share with you guys.
By the way if anyone knows of any websites to show video on the forum please post.
I have video with no sound but its 17MB so I have to find another website to share with you guys.
By the way if anyone knows of any websites to show video on the forum please post.
Hopefully this works let me know
Read before you Watch!
In order to watch please
(1)Click on link,
(2)scroll down and click free,
(3)scroll down and click PICT0021.MOV
That should work. ( I'm new to this)
http://rapidshare.de/files/306....html
...If it works you'll see the VAFC set to 5200 then the Rpm hold right there.
<u>REMEMBER THERE IS NO SOUND</U>
Read before you Watch!
In order to watch please
(1)Click on link,
(2)scroll down and click free,
(3)scroll down and click PICT0021.MOV
That should work. ( I'm new to this)
http://rapidshare.de/files/306....html
...If it works you'll see the VAFC set to 5200 then the Rpm hold right there.
<u>REMEMBER THERE IS NO SOUND</U>
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: united states of mexico and yes ladies i am, available
its not letting me watch you should try this place http://picafile.net/
and give us the link it takes u to when the upload is done
and give us the link it takes u to when the upload is done
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MADMAXX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hopefully this works let me know
Read before you Watch!
In order to watch please
(1)Click on link,
(2)scroll down and click free,
(3)scroll down and click PICT0021.MOV
That should work. ( I'm new to this)
http://rapidshare.de/files/306....html
...If it works you'll see the VAFC set to 5200 then the Rpm hold right there.
<u>REMEMBER THERE IS NO SOUND</U></TD></TR></TABLE>
After you click the free theres a countdown around 15 sec. then youll see PICT0021.MOV to download
Read before you Watch!
In order to watch please
(1)Click on link,
(2)scroll down and click free,
(3)scroll down and click PICT0021.MOV
That should work. ( I'm new to this)
http://rapidshare.de/files/306....html
...If it works you'll see the VAFC set to 5200 then the Rpm hold right there.
<u>REMEMBER THERE IS NO SOUND</U></TD></TR></TABLE>
After you click the free theres a countdown around 15 sec. then youll see PICT0021.MOV to download
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,072
Likes: 0
From: land of the sheep, home of the hypocrite
Sorry to hear you're having problems. Did your mechanic take off the vtec solenoid and clean it out? There is a little screen there too that can clog up. If it's an oil pressure issue, maybe 15-50 will raise it enough to help figure out the problem? Good luck and keep us posted!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by flyrod »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sorry to hear you're having problems. Did your mechanic take off the vtec solenoid and clean it out? There is a little screen there too that can clog up. If it's an oil pressure issue, maybe 15-50 will raise it enough to help figure out the problem? Good luck and keep us posted!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah after he checked the wiring that was the next thing he did.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Yeah after he checked the wiring that was the next thing he did.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MADMAX »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">We may have found the solution mechanics going to test it out next week. The Vtec solenoid might not be getting enough oil pressure. The cause the oil cooler. So he's going to put a oil pressure gauge on the head. Hopefully that is it if so he just has to take the oil cooler off and have it next week.:firedevil</TD></TR></TABLE>
So guess what that wasn't the problem. So now we're going to get a new harness and wire it all over again back to square1.
So guess what that wasn't the problem. So now we're going to get a new harness and wire it all over again back to square1.
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MADMAXX
Honda Accord (1990 - 2002)
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Jul 21, 2005 09:43 AM




