the car is a stock 99 civic si with the stock b16a2 86 k miles.

the car always ran fine wihtout a problem. and jsut this morning i noticed my vtec didnt wanna engage in first gear, only in second and so on.

could this be because of low oil?

 

Yes it could, if you have no cel's, then check your oil.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stock99si &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the car is a stock 99 civic si with the stock b16a2 86 k miles.

the car always ran fine wihtout a problem. and jsut this morning i noticed my vtec didnt wanna engage in first gear, only in second and so on.

could this be because of low oil?</TD></TR></TABLE>


You answered your own question, check your oil. Also engine temp plays a critical role in vtec engagement. Around 80 degrees or so, is there any CEL codes? Also remember 1st gear goes by very quick, vtec does engage you just don't notice it.

 

Ive noticed if there isnt enough throttle applied than vtec wont engage either. Im running open header right now so the sound difference between vtec being engaged and disengaged is huge and noticeable.

 

the vtec pop is really loud and noticeible for me. and no theres no cels or engine oil lights. i am however a lil low on gas but that never had an effect before. and the temp was about...30 25

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stock99si &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the vtec pop is really loud and noticeible for me. and no theres no cels or engine oil lights. i am however a lil low on gas but that never had an effect before. and the temp was about...30 25</TD></TR></TABLE>

He is talking about your engine temp. Not outside.
READ
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTEC

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by posHonda &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ive noticed if there isnt enough throttle applied than vtec wont engage either. Im running open header right now so the sound difference between vtec being engaged and disengaged is huge and noticeable. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Vtec dont matter on how hard you give it gas. You know what vtec is???? seriously?


READ ALL 12
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VTEC

OP if your car is low on oil vtec will not work, How is your oil level?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B16B_coupe &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Vtec dont matter on how hard you give it gas. You know what vtec is???? seriously?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Acutally I did read somewhere that, VTEC won't engauge unless the TPS sensor senses like 90%-WOT. Meaning if you are moseying along at 20% throttle and decide not to shift, when you get to 5500 rpm VTEC will not engauge. I'll see if I can find the site with the info.

 

In my service man for my z6, it says for vtec to engauge it must have: a certain engine speed, coolant temp, map pressure, and certain oil pressure. I think those are all of them.

 

Try cleaning the VTEC SOLENOID with a q-tip. Maybe this might help a little.