What does VTEC do on a Honda Civic?
VTEC is simply a cam profile switching mechanism. Two cams are combined into one: a street friendly cam that idles well, makes good power in the low and mid RPM band, has low emissions; and another optimized purely for high RPM power. On the D-series engine this is applied to the intake valves only.
How to fix the VTEC on a Honda Element?
Either clean the wire filter in the vtec control module or change out the entire VTEC control on the back of the engine. Or. And here is my fix of choice. Change the oil and use 10w30. The additional pressure will help the vtec. I have run 10w30 since my first oil change and never an issue.
Where is the VTEC oil pressure switch wire?
On your engine harness, locate the VTEC oil pressure switch plug/wire (this wire comes from OBD1 ECU pin D6). Use a common T-tap or other method and simply tap this into the VTEC solenoid valve wire (the VTEC solenoid wire comes from OBD1 ECU pin A4). Do not cut the VTEC solenoid wire, simply connect the Vtec pressure switch wire to it.
Do you cut the solenoid wire on a VTEC pressure switch?
Do not cut the VTEC solenoid wire, simply connect the Vtec pressure switch wire to it. That’s it, your ECU will now be fooled into thinking that it has a VTEC pressure switch and VTEC will now function. Enjoy!
Either clean the wire filter in the vtec control module or change out the entire VTEC control on the back of the engine. Or. And here is my fix of choice. Change the oil and use 10w30. The additional pressure will help the vtec. I have run 10w30 since my first oil change and never an issue.
What should I do if oil leaking from my VTEC solenoid?
15815-RAA-A02 VTEC Solenoid Valve Filter (manual); spool valve filter assembly (online parts db). If oil is leaking from the VTEC solenoid, it can only be from these two parts. If you are going to inspect the unit, get the filter since it’ll need to be replaced anyway.
How much does it cost to replace VTEC solenoid in Honda Element?
If it’s hard and brittle, there will probably be oil residue on the bottom of the unit so replace it, the part is about $3. I used a electronic (very small) screwdriver to pick it out of the channel.
Where is the pressure switch on a Honda Element?
The pressure switch showed no signs of leaking so I left it be. The VTEC Solenoid (from the front) is on the passenger backside of the engine, you’ll want to have a telescoping mirror to see down and behind the unit, this helps a ton. To replace/inspect the unit (which should be done with a cold engine).