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Honda Accord: Why is My VTEC Solenoid Leaking Oil?

Oil leaks can be caused by many things, but what's the culprit? Learn more about a leaking VTEC solenoid here.

By Piyush Kayastha - April 1, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Accord (1990-2002).

Oil leaks are often hard to pinpoint because the causes are varied. On many Honda vehicles, the VTEC solenoid has been found to be the culprit. More commonly, the gasket could be faulty and all that needs replacing. When this solenoid is bad, the motor's VTEC will not "activate." It is largely dependent on the engine's oil pressure and engine temperature. However, there are other areas related to oil pressure such as the oil pressure switches. Read on for information on how to troubleshoot and fix this problem.

Materials Needed

  • Adjustable wrench
  • 10mm socket wrench
  • Razor blade
  • Flat head screwdriver

Step 1 – Determine oil pressure and engine temperature

If the motor is not maintaining oil pressure or reaching engine temperatures, it can cause the solenoid to fail and not activate VTEC.

  • With the engine cool, pull the dipstick and make sure the oil level is not low.
  • By reading the temperature gauge, when the car is running, we want to make sure it reaches 178 degrees.
  • If either does not confirm, then you may need to troubleshoot those two issues independently.
Figure 1. VTEC engine schematic.

Pro Tip

If the oil is low, it is worth topping off to determine if the engine reaches optimum oil pressure. it will also give you a chance to see if oil is seeping from other areas.

Step 2 – Replace solenoid gasket

The gasket mating the solenoid to the head could be the cause of the leak.

  • Clean area around solenoid thoroughly.
  • Remove three 10mm bolts.
  • Remove old gasket and clean the area.
  • Re-install new gasket and secure the solenoid with the same bolts.
Figure 2. VTEC solenoid diagram.

Pro Tip

Using Brake Clean is a good agent to clean off oil residue.

Step 3 – Monitor leak

Once the gasket has been replaced, we want to make sure the leak doesn't return.

  • Drive the car to operating temperature.
  • Visually inspect the solenoid, oil pan, and oil pressure switch areas for seeping oil.
  • Confirm that VTEC "activates" at 178 degrees.
  • If VTEC does not activate, it may be necessary to replace the solenoid itself.
Figure 3. Solenoid location.

Pro Tip

It is wise to monitor the other areas prone to oil leaks, such as the oil pressure switches or the surrounding area of the oil plan (which could point to the oil pan gasket), as they too may be a source of seepage or leaks. Replace or service those components accordingly.

Featured Video: Honda Accord Oil Pressure Switch Replacement

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