So guys and girls, I haven't been on Honda-Tech all that long and I have seen my fair share of threads with the title "my vtec isn't working" or something similar.

After a quick google search I found an immense number of threads on many different forums related to vtec not working. Its obvious that this is a recurring thread that most of the OG members are probably tired of seeing.

My thought was to create this thread as a big list of things to check when vtec isn't working with some relative order from general to specific. I am by no means an expert but I have learned a couple reasons why vtec might not be working. I'll list the few possible causes that I know of and I hope others will contribute things they know of to check or look for.

As far as vtec not working in an ls vtec or b20 vtec setup I am not familar with reasons specific to a setup like that. I know BamBam is kind of the resident ls/b20 vtec expert so maybe he can contribute some things he knows of.

As far as DIY vtec such as wiring it in, I once again ask fellow members for input. I leave a bit to be desired in the wiring department.

All in all I think this could be a useful thread to refer people to if we can get good information. I plan to update my original post with new things people post to try to make it easy for everyone to just run though the list.

So here we go guys; l don't know much but it will at least get us started.

1. Under any circumstances, VTEC will not work with a CEL. (Posted by dntnedvtec)

2. Check your oil (obvious for most of us, but I'd be willing to bet people have posted with out even checking it)

3. Look for oil leaks (specifically around the cam cap and the vtec solenoid) a big enough oil leak can cause a large enough drop in oil pressure for vtec not to work.

4. Check the screen in the vtec solenoid itself. Make sure it is not clogged.

5. Verify that your vtec solenoid is good.

6. An oil pump on its way out can cause a drop in oil pressure causing vtec not to work

7. Check the screen on the oil pick up. If it is clogged your oil pressure can drop enough for vtec to not work.

8. Check for an o-ring under cam cap number 3. It is for an oil passage. If the o-ring is no where to be found, chances are vtec will not work.

9. If your oil pan is dented, ensure your oil pick up isn't damaged. Along with no vtec your rod and main bearings can burn up due to lack of oil (Posted by Tonio)

10. More info here https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-prelude-4/official-%22why-vtec-doesnt-engage%22-thread-830163/ (Posted by dopematic)

As I said, I am not a guru by any stretch of the imagination, this is just the short list of things that come to mind. I invite everyone to contribute so we can make this a useful thread.

 

You may not be able to touch the bottom of a tuna can, but you'll blow the sides outta that biatch..


More thread listings like this, is more likely to help end users, then individually threads.

 

I have seen rods and mains being starved of oil due to a dented oil pan and damaged pick-up. Also, I posted the OEM way to troubleshoot "why VTEC is not working" a while back It has worked for me EVERY time.

 

thread link. BTW , you got your tracking??

 

I must say you are a treasure trove of creative sayings. Lol

 

I can take pictures of said crank/rods/pan/pick-up and start a thread on it if you want. Yes I got the tracking number

 

Here is the dented pan...



Here is the #3 main...



I threw the rod bearings out, but you get the idea.

 

You forgot CELs. Under any circumstances, VTEC will not work with a CEL. duh right? I too have seen, "My VTECH isn't working, I checked everything!!! Oh, BTW I have a CEL..."

 

there is also some great information in this thread

https://honda-tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=830163

 

Title should be edited to "official list of things to check when "my vtec no go like bwaah""

And I smell sticky...along with an official things to check "when I uh like can't get my car to start, MAN" thread

 

Lol