Engine light came on auto zone diagnosed as engine variable timing electronic lifter control solenoid. Does this have to be changed or are there other things to do first do maybe you don't have to spend so much replacing? Just bought it and really can't afford more. He car seems to run great but am afraid to keep driving. 2001 accord with 2.3 VTEC engine.any help is greatly appreciated maybe my husband can fix it with a little help from someone! Thanks in advance.

 

Did you get the actual code number from them, like "P1259" or something. If not go back and get the actual code.

Without that, pretty much just guessing at the issue and possible fix.

Guessing = wasted $'s

 

Sorry code is P1253

 

Error code P1259 definition is code P1253

 

check to see if you have any dents in your oil pan, sometimes the dents prevent full oil pickup from the oil pickup which causes it to throw a code

If that checks out ok, then pull the vtec solenoid and see if the metal mesh filter is clogged up.

If it's clean, it's likely the vtec solenoid has just gone bad. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen. It would be wise to get all the orings and gaskets for the vtec solenoid as well.

 

You might try changing the oil and using fully synthetic oil. If it is just clogged up some it might clear it out. Taking the solenoid off requires taking off several things so that you can get to it - there are bolts at the top that are easy to access which makes it look easy, but there are also one or a couple of additional bolts on the back down low that are not at all easy. You have to take off the air intake, some water hoses etc. Bushougoma has a YouTube video on how to do it. It is not really for the faint of wrench but it can be done with just some basic hand tools and socket wrenches.

 

As dumb as it sounds, the most common vtec solenoid problem is low oil. I did not realize I had an oil leak at the pan and got the vtec code and the engine sputtering at about 3500 rpms. Went to all the trouble of chasing down the OEM gaskets for it, pulling cleaning and changing the solenoid only to realize it was low oil. Slapped head.

 

Are you the OP but you forgot your password or something ?

 

No. Just relaying my experience with same gen and P code and what solved it.

 

So all you did was change the oil pan gasket and p1259 went away?