I have had this car for about 4 months. No problems until now. A few times now the car has been "jumping" when accerating and the rpms are around 3000. It's not consistent when it does this. Took it to the mechanic. The codes it gives off are for VTECH malfunction and catalyst below threshold. They replaced the VTECH switch. I got maybe a mile from the shop and car is doing the same thing, engine light is back on. Based on what I have read online and my own experience with my last car I really hope its an o2 sensor gone bad. Catalytic converters aren't cheap. Any ideas?

 

This is a common complaint. Is this your problem ? 2003 CR-V: rpm..VTEC solenoid..new one..we drove it three days

Get the actual codes and post them here.

I'm guessing the mechanic didn't test the VTEC switch. If that is the case I would go elsewhere. Ask then to clean your VTC Strainer and filter

If you are the least bit mechanically inclined this is something you can do:
This is a Honda accord but similar to your CR-V

Post all your codes and we can better assist with the other issues.

 

[QUOTE=EJ8_Man;50743812]This is a common complaint. Is this your problem ? 2003 CR-V: rpm..VTEC solenoid..new one..we drove it three days

Get the actual codes and post them here.

I'm guessing the mechanic didn't test the VTEC switch. If that is the case I would go elsewhere. Ask then to clean your VTC Strainer and filter

If you are the least bit mechanically inclined this is something you can do:
This is a Honda accord but similar to your CR-V

Post all your codes and we can better assist with the other issues.[/QUOTE

P0420 and P1259 were the codes it showed before I took it to the mechanic the first time. I haven't had it scanned since the VTEC switch was replaced. I have noticed that the car isn't "jumping" as often now although I haven't yet been on the highway with it since all this started. I also added fuel system cleaner to it when I filled up yesterday.

 

How many miles are on this vehicle and do you have any maintenance history for it? What has been done to te vehicle since yoi bought it?

The oil in this vehicle probably was not changed at the correct interval which clogged the VTC strainer and VTEC solenoid (switch) filters. The VTEC solenoid filter should have been replaced with the replacement of the solenoid. That leaves a potentially clogged VTC strainer filter.

The other code is a catalyst issue resulting from dead plugs, a bad O2 sensor, or a dead cat converter. Replace the plugs with
NGK: ZFR6K-11
or
DENSO: KJ20DR-M11

Check the air filter and replace if necessary. Clean the VTC filter. Change your oil with 0W -20 or 5W-20. Reset your codes and see what comes back.

 

Car is at 165,000 miles. Oil was changed when purchased and again about 2 weeks ago. I don't know much about the car's maintance prior. Before I bought it some work to the A/C was done. A fan replaced if my memory is correct. I had to put a new Battery in about a month after I bought it. I'll take a look at the air filter.

Today my check engine light went off and stayed of for a least an hour driving around town. I haven't noticed any problems today, it could be a fluke or a bottle of fuel system cleaner did the trick. I will know tomorrow as I have got alot to do and no way of avoiding the freeway.

I appreciate your help with this.

 

With 165k miles and a questionable history it wont hurt anything to service all the general maintenance items/fluids. The Intermittent check engine light is probably still stored in the ECU. I guess it's not a problem unless it comes back.

I'd highly reccomend checking your valve lash. My exhaust valves were way out of spec (tight) when I purchased mine at 100k.

This is your maintenance list and schedule:

 

The car is under factory recall for air bags. While it was with them, they did a thorough inspection and recommended transmission and cooling system flush. After that and a new air filter it seems to be running much better. Thank you.