Newbie to the forums. Have done some oil changes and replaced an alternator, that's about the extent of my experience with DIY auto. I have a 2000 Civic EX sedan and was just informed by my mechanic that the variable timing solenoid needs replaced. He says it's not available aftermarket and dealer price likely will be $350-400. Am wondering if this is something I could pull out of a salvage yard myself and if it would be worth the effort?

 

Your mechanic is an idiot. It's called a VTEC solenoid, and they are readily available, both OEM and aftermarket. It's also an extremely easy part to install yourself. What makes your mechanic think it needs to be replaced?

 

Check engine light came on, and that was what they told me after running a diagnostic. Thanks, I kinda suspected as much.

 

In the FAQ sticky, you'll find a how-to for pulling codes yourself. Follow that, and tell us what code it's throwing. Unless your mechanic actually told you the P code, in which case, give us that.

If your VTEC solenoid had failed, you would have more symptoms than just the CEL coming on.

 

Thank you for the info. I asked them to clear the code and so far the cel hasn't come back on.

 

wtf....why would you clear the code?

 

what does vtec stand for?

 

Because everything was working normally. There were no other symptoms and i wanna see if it comes on again.

 

VTEC= Valve Timing Electronic Control.

At a certain RPM your engine uses the VTEC solenoid to change which lobes your intake(SOHC) valves use. DOHC engines can control intake and exhaust

 

Almost...
VTEC -- Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control

The mechanic was correct

 

He was technically correct, but if you search for a "Variable timing solenoid", you won't find ****. If you search for the correct terminology, "VTEC solenoid", you'll actually find what you need from multiple sources. It's one of those 99% correct vs 100% correct things.

OP, if your CEL isn't on, then don't worry about it. When it does come on, pull the code for yourself, or get the full P code from your mechanic.

 

Thanks guys I really appreciate the info.

 

Listen, its the same technology but Honda has it different. VVT is freakin Toyota, Honda is Valve Timing Electronic Control. Just pointing that out so you won't look like a noob when you go ask a honda enthusiast.

 

Sorry bro but Honda had always used the full meaning of the acronym.

Yes Toyota and now every other brand has the same mechanical attributes, but Honda invented it in the early 80's. And the full operational title was the one I gave.

Honda Worldwide | History | The VTEC Engine / 1989

Yes, we all know what a vtec solenoid is and we all call it so, but the technician was correct in his wording.

 

Sorry to break it to ya, but Honda didn't invent it. Variable valve timing was being used on steam engines, before Honda even started making cars. The mechanic used the "catch all" name for the part. I've already covered why this isn't right, I don't know why I have to say it again.

 

OP- pull the solenoid off, and check the screen for any blockages.

 

Probably because it's the first thing the FSM tell you to do and some codes are intermittent.

 

So, drove it around for a few days with no issues, then the light came back on this morning. Code is P1259. My oil level is fine, should I assume the solenoid needs to be replaced? i.e., the mechanic's original diagnosis was correct...?

 

Weren't you suppose to replace that damn thing by now?

 

Not sure why you're cursing again over it😏 but as I said before they cleared the code and I wanted to see if it came on again. Thought maybe I had let the oil level get too low before. At any rate, it's back on.

 

That particular code could mean a couple different things. Don't just blindly replace parts - do diagnostics. Unless someone beats me to it, I'll post the related FSM pages when I get home from work.

 

https://honda-tech.com/hybrid-engine...rk%22-1812135/

 

HPH in for the rescue! It's the OBD2 pages you want to pay attention to, OP.

 

 

Very helpful...thanks guys

What publication is that taken from?