What's up guys!

Recently picked up myself a real clean 1997 Prelude Base 5 speed. Ever since I purchased the car, I noticed that Vtec doesn't engage. Figured it wasn't a big issue. I looked on numerous threads to see if I could find an answer, but I was left with more questions...so I'm here seeing if anyone can help.

The dealer I bought the car from told me the Vtec Solenoid gasket was recently replaced. Now I'm wondering if the bolts aren't properly torqued down (don't have a torque wrench) causing a small leak (this can lead to no Vtec, right?) or the screen is clogged/dirty. No clue.

Oil level is fine. Oil looks to be pretty new but I'll change it the next chance I get. No check engine light, no lights on the dash at all in fact. Car runs and drives fine, no weird noises, etc. Currently has 166k (timing belt was replaced at 112k according to Carfax). Car is 100% stock, only thing that's aftermarket is the stereo.

Here are some pictures of the area near the Vtec Solenoid...don't know if there's an underlying issue with the car somewhere or if it's really the solenoid that's causing the issue. Any and all help/advice is appreciated!






Thanks in advance guys


edit : also just to add, the oil pan doesn't seem to have any dents in it.

 

Just take off the solenoid and look for yourself. They may not have even replaced anything. The top also comes off just see how clean it is and replace both gaskets. If it's really gunky spray it out with some carb cleaner. You'd be surprised at how small of a dent can make vtec not work. Just be sure.

 

That looks like they may have cleaned off the top half, but not the gasket where it bolts to the head. I would pull it off and check the screen for sure. Might as well change out the cam cap seal while you are working right there, it may be leaking as well.

While you have the solenoid off, might be a good idea to clean it out very well, and test that it is functioning while off the car with a 12v source.

 

I'll check out the screen tonight.

Also, does throttle position have to do with VTEC engagement? If it does, I've only been feathering the gas up to redline.

 

Yes, you won't get vtec engagement at low throttle, or at low engine temp. So let it warm up fully, and try it at 50% or more throttle.

I would still pull it off and check the screen first, while you are thinking about it.

 

Alright, thanks guys. I'll probably test throttle position first then the screen tonight. Will report back after!

 

Hey what's up guys! Just an update here.

Recently took off the Vtec solenoid and looked at both gaskets. The screen looked clean and the gaskets both looked new (they were also squishy and flexible as they should have been).

Still no Vtec.

Any clues to what the problem might be? I still haven't changed my oil so I'll check that next. I'll also see if I can check if the solenoid itself is working (any equipment on the cheap that I could purchase to test this?)

Thanks again guys!

 

Just 2 wires on there, 12v and ground. Just use some jumper cables, and apply power to the one side while the other is grounded, and it should click.

 

What makes you think there is no VTEC? The car would basically fall on it's face after 5k RPM. There should also be a CEL if there is a problem with the system. Does the CEL illuminate when you put the key to the "On" position? Take the airbox cover off and go for a drive.

 

Just an update guys!

Went to Honda to get my car serviced today. Found out the camm seal gasket and valve cover gasket are slightly leaking. Perhaps this is the problem? Leak causing not enough oil pressure? Other than that, just regular maintenance needed on car (ball joint cover, CV axel boot starting to tear).

Thanks again.

 

Nope those areas are not under pressure. did you ask them to check vtec operation while the car was there?

 

Darn, that's the one thing I didn't ask for. Might go back tomorrow to get them to check that out then.

 

I'd be inclinded to check the passenger footwell under the carpet where the ecu is located, if it looks like the bolts have been removed, it maybe that the ecu was swaped out with a non vtec ecu & after reading your comments about the solenoid etc, its something worth checking, In most case's you'd get an engine check light when the cars ignition is turned on, if that was the case, but thats only when the cars abs or 4ws etc arent there but were in the orignal car with vtec, I have seen this issue before in NZ and it was the ecu not being the correct factory ecu originally installed. worth a look anyway man.

 

From what I can see in the passenger area where the ECU is, nothing has been tampered with. No check engine light or anything. I will go to Honda today and get them to check the Vtec Operation (need to get another key made ). Will report back afterwards!

 

Another long awaited update!

Swapped out solenoid, I have vtec again. No clue why the CEL didn't show up on the dash (yes, the bulb works, lights on then goes off when I turn the key in the 'on' position).

Thanks for the help, guys!

 

Glad you got it fixed

 

Me too LOL. It really wasn't a good experience knowing it didn't work.

 

I remember that feeling! My 1993 went through the same sporadic issues. I believe it was the exact same culprit