Hello all. I was hoping someone out there might have some thoughts to help me with my '02 CRV P1259 troubleshooting.

We've owned this car for two years and it has 198K miles. This is the first time this fault code has come up. It happened during a freeway drive and the car bucked with any RPM above ~2600 but drove normally below that. Oil condition at the time was topped off and oil had not hit 3K since last oil change. Since I've owned the car I've always changed the oil myself using 5W20 in the 3K-5K interval.

I began the usual diagnostics. Continuity existed between the VTEC oil pressure switch terminals. Oil pressure switch had a good ground and 12v at the connector when unplugged (0v when plugged in as I understand is correct since this is a pull down type switch). VTEC solenoid valve resistance between terminals checked okay at 15.8 ohms. I removed the switch and solenoid to inspect VTEC filter and found it approximately 50% clogged. Encouraged, I cleaned the filter and reinstalled then test drove and the condition immediately returned after ~10 minutes of freeway driving. At this point I went ahead and replaced the pressure switch / solenoid / filter unit even though the tests previously passed in hopes that I might have luck. Upon removing the original oil pressure switch & solenoid I found the VTEC filter clogged again at nearly 50%. Something did not seem right that it would clog again that fast after a cleaning and only one test drive. I installed my new pressure switch / solenoid / filter unit and at this time also removed the VTC filter screen for inspection on the block behind the tensioner pulley and PS pump. I found this filter screen to be "blown out" and the screen had separated from the gasket. The filter screen was also dirty. Encouraged again, I thought maybe the failure of this filter led to the high dirt blockage at my VTEC filter leading to the half clogged filter again right after one test drive. I replaced the VTEC filter and did a fresh oil change (5W20) at this time and test drove again. Condition immediately returned after a 10 minute freeway drive. Curious, I pulled the VTEC filter and it was clear this time with no blockage.

At this time I removed and inspected the VTC oil solenoid at the front of the block near the tensioner pulley. That solenoid checked good with movement when energized and matched the piston view as per the tech manual specs. I cleaned and reinstalled the VTC oil solenoid.

I had also seen two different random posts that mentioned a loose bolt in the valve/rocker arm area near the passenger side corner of the head which could cause loss of VTEC oil pressure. I removed the valve cover and inspected and did not see any bolts that were loose, missing, or out of place. I replaced valve cover with fresh gasket set. The P1259 condition is very easily replicated and comes on every time after about 10 minutes of freeway driving.

I think I've read every internet post on this code at least 2 or 3 times and I believe I've tried every troubleshooting step with the exception of hooking up the specialty tool pressure gauge to the oil pressure switch.

I'm about to swallow my pride and take this to the dealer since I'm about out of ideas. But I'd love to hear from the Honda community first. I'd really like to get our CRV back into service. Thanks in advance for any and all ideas!! I am sure someone out there knows what I am missing and can save me the big dealer diagnostic dollars.

 

This was March, last year, but I am wondering if you'll get a notification of this reply, and perhaps chime in on what you found....