I just picked up a 02 ex with the v-tec engine, auto with 106 k miles. I have done some research and have found this is a common problem with the v-tec selinoid. I have also read that it could be a a 14mm bolt around the # 4 cylinder that tends to back out. My question is where should I begin in troubleshooting this? Any help would be great!

I wanted to add no CEL and its running like crap. Lagging a lot it when the gas Pedal is pressed. It's like when I press it half way, it takes a second to realize its down. I think the throttle cable is loose. How do I go about adjusting it properly?

 

check to see if your injectors are plugged in. my car was doing the same thing one day really laggy wouldnt rev and one of my injectors came unplugged just some where to check as you troubleshoot

 

Injectors are connected

 

Fixed the lagging. The throttle cable just needed to be adjusted. Now I still need help on where to start troubleshooting the reving problem. I'm going to clean out the vtec solenoid soon and see if that helps. I just don't understand why I do not have a CEL. I have heard that the ECM will go into a "limp" or safe mode and my symptoms match that. How can you get it out of this mode?

 

My buddy's EM2 did that (but his threw a valve timing code). The light would be on for a few days and he could not rev, then the it would stop. and it wouldnt happen again until he ran it hard. I dont know why, but we randomly changed his oil and it never happened again. I don't know if this is a coincedence or what haha but hope you figure it out

 

So I have further inspected and it looks like someone has switched the vtec head out with a non vtec head. What a load of crap.
So here are you options/ questions:
Get a vtec head/ if I do this, will I need to get the ecu flashed?
Get a non vtec ecu/ will I need to get it flashed?

And how much does it cost to get a ecu flashed? Since my vtec ecu is in the limp mode, will it need to be flashed in order to run correctly when I get the vtec head on?

 

You will need to get a vtec head from an EX model. The ECU will need to be re-programmed and the dealer is the only one that can do it. Most dealers will charge around $300.

 

Wow!!!!!! Stealership strikes again!!! I think the ecu in the car now is for vtec. So I would still need to get it re-programmed when I put the new vtec head on?

 

I believe that it will as it will then have the correct components to manage for everything to work together as it should. You may want to call your local Honda dealer and describe the situation to them. If you can get any numbers off of the ECU, they should be able to tell you what that ECU is from.

 

If I pull the PCM/ECM won't it have to be flashed by the dealership and the key wont work until they flash it?

 

You can pull the ECM out without it having to be flashed just to it will be operable