Alright Scholars, I need some help!

After my car was left sitting for about 6 months I got it back up and about. Driving around that night I noticed the thermostat was sticking closed and causing the coolant the push back into the overflow and steam. Well I figured I might as well order an Aluminum rad, fan and new thermostat while I'm at it.

Threw the rad, fan and T stat in one night along with a heater hose which decided to crack at the same time (Lucky timing). After throwing everything in I start it up and it throws a code . At first it threw a code for a temp sensor which I forgot to plug in completely. After I fixed it and cleared the code it threw code 21 Vtec Spool Valve. There is an option in Hondata to disable the spool error check. I checked this and the code cleared. If I uncheck that option in Hondata the code comes back. So keeping the option bit checked makes the code go away.

Now the only problem is that I have no Vtec. Initially I though I knocked a wire loose or something so I checked all wires and they seem to be fine. I also checked the vtec solenoid by jumping it and it clicks so I think that's ok. I also tested the wire running from the ECU to the solenoid and that tested ok.

I tried various things tonight to no avail. I tried setting the vtec temp minimum to something very low and still no luck. Oil pressure is normal. Oil level is normal. I dont have a Vtec Oil Pressure switch.

If anyone has any other helpful hints that would be GREAT!

 

What do you mean you dont have a Vtec Oil Pressure Switch?

Without the Oil Pressure switch you ECU wont be able to read the right ammount of pressure in the oil for Vtec.

 

Not true. Mine is Bypassed. Some JDM motors do not use/need it.

Thanks for the response though


Modified by Mattb16teg at 6:44 PM 4/10/2008

 

I had the same problem with my EJ8... the engine light came on and VTEC won't engage and I brought it to a mechanic and told me get some kind of filter I think it was called VTEC filter got it straight from honda which is only less than 10 bucks... its a small piece of rubber with something that looks like a strainer and it goes in between the solenoid assembly and the engine block... I replaced that and it worked...

 

Yea its a filter that goes in between the Solenoid and the head. I doubt this is what it is because it happened directly after installing a new rad and such. So I think its more of a wiring issue. I will check just to be sure.

Thanks
Happy Friday

 

just wondering have u cleaned the screen?

 

My post above was in reference to someone else asking that question. Im alomost 100% sure thats not the issue but will try it tomorrow. Hopefully for my sake I am wrong and it'll go into warp speed after cleaning the screen.

 

yea just take a look at it,cause if that screens is cloged or drity it wont let vtec hit and it wouldnt throw a code.

 

I will check tomorrow, thanks!
If your right I will buy you a fish sandwich(lady's Man reference)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mattb16teg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I will check tomorrow, thanks!
If your right I will buy you a fish sandwich(lady's Man reference)</TD></TR></TABLE>


i like the ones from buger king only

btw i dont know if u know or not but u got 2 screens

 

Yeah to the OP.

I have the oil bypass as well.

From the way I read it, it sounded like you had a block off plate on there some how.

 

u might wanna try replacing the spool solenoid

 

TTT

similar problem here, not thread jacking but i came across a similar situation. heres the link check it out...... my solenoid and plunger are both good, oil level and pressure both good, wiring is right, and i checked all rocker arms to see if the center one moves independently of the others, and they were all good.

what engine were you having problems with again? make sure your ecu is still good or try someone else's out and see if that helps, otherwise id just double check everything again, similar to my thread.... check out the sig. most likely your's is a minor problem because vtec was engaging before, but w/ mine im stumped.. buncha

 

Took the Solenoid off, cleaned it everything was ok. Still no luck. Throws code 21 everytime : (

 

YEA IT MIGHT BE BAD HOW MUCH DOES HONDA WANT FOR A NEW ONE?AND HAVE U BEEN RESETTING THE ECU AFTER EVERYTHING U BEEN TRYING? sorry for the caps

 

YEa I tried that tonight, resetting the ECU that is. I can get a used Solenoid somewhere around here.

 

try the j/y if not find someone in your area with an extra one.other then that u can buy one used but IMO if your going to buy one i wouldnt buy a used one should just get a new one,then u know it works FOR SURE

 

Thanks for all the input everyone.
Turned out to be in the engine Harness. Some Connectors were a bit worn out.

 

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