It’s cold and it’s snowing and my 2013 CRV is acting up. The Check Engine light is on, as is the Exclamation Point, and the VSA light. I was told it was probably due to snow/ice build up in my tires as my car was also vibrating. I took it to the car wash and pressure rinsed all my tires. Check Engine light stayed on but the others went off… or so I thought.

RPMs above 3000 seems to be the key to having them all light up. Plus at that rate, my car was jerking and then I seemed to lose power (I couldn’t accelerate.) I went to a mechanic whose telling me the Rack or something needs to be replaced. He mentioned the word “solenoid” and a cost of almost $300!

I called the mechanic I trust back home and he said the first thing to do is to change out the oil, making sure it’s 0W20 Full Synthetic and then, if possible, get it into a heated garage for a few hours. Oh and also reset the system. He thought that’d resolve the issue.

I asked the mechanic here if he could just do an oil change but his response was that the damage was already done and that wouldn’t fix the problem.

Wondering if anyone has a thought or opinion or better explanation or idea of what’s going on as I’ve seen similar posts. I don’t want to fall victim.

rhank you!

 

The 3000 rpm issue is probably the vtec solenoid. This would be a separate issue from the VSA lights.

 

UGH . Why?!!!

 

If you had the codes that were set when the lights came on that would be helpful to diagnose. Even a repair estimate so you could relay the details of what the technician found.

$300 to replace the vtec solenoid doesn't sound unreasonable if using factory parts.

 

Before throwing a bunch of money at it for new parts, the fine mesh screens that are part of the vtec gasket and vtc solenoid are prone to plugging, hindering oil flow and causing it to go into limp mode. Super common…I’ve had several 2nd gen CRV’s and most of them have had this issue at some point.
if you or your mechanic remove and clean the screens, it’ll likely fix the problem. And it can happen more than once, depending on how the vehicle has been maintained and what type of oil has been used.

 

Remove and clean is not really an option. The screens are part of the gaske and at this age the rubber gasket is probably not going to seal after being disturbed.

Replace the gasket screen assemblies.

And on a side note the factory VTEC solenoid comes with the gasket. But there is also another screen under the power steering pump on the front of the engine.

They really only get plugged up on long oil change intervals with non synthetic oils.

 

My suggestion was for the purpose of troubleshooting; since the gasket is of the o-ring type design, it’s worth checking. If it clears up, you know what the problem was.

I agree that the screens clog as a result of poor maintenance, but a person doesn’t always know the history.

 

ive had this vehicle for a number of years and truly feel I have a “lemon” as everything has gone wrong w it. Very disappointing as I head so many great things about Hondas. I’m about ready to throw in the towel.

but back to this issue… regular oil changes w synthetic oil til just recently. I normally do not drive much or far as I live above my work. Lately I’ve been dog sitting elsewhere and now realize I’m a 1000 miles overdue . I hope I didn’t mess things up too much.

 

Have the car scanned.
sounds typical of a VTC related issue, the ecu goes into something of a safe mode/protect, and will limit power...likely why your VSA is on. Based on your comment of it being a lemon, sounds like you have owned since new so oil change neglect should not be a factor