Hello everyone,
I am new and have my new '04 3 months ago. It's about 3K miles. I first tried my Vtec at about 1K miles in third and fourth gear. Love it. However, I never can get vtec to work at my second gear (I haven't tried it at my first gear yet). I normally warm the engine up before driving and I would drive for atleast 5 to 8 miles before trying to vtec. Do i do it properly? anything i miss? Please advise. Thanks so much in advance. Tim

 

Make sure your oil is full. To activate Vtec just push the pedal ALL the way to the floor and it will kick in at about 6000 rpm. Failure to have adequate oil or enough throttle will delay or prevent Vtec.

 

3 bars in the temp control gauge and kick it!!
i love to vtec every gear until i have to slow down...
my office is near a long freeway onramp, and i usually hit 3 bars just as i get to the ramp- perfect time to jump on it!

 

The VTEC system is something the car does automatically when the engine is turning faster than 6000rpm. What exactly are you doing and what are you seeing that makes you think VTEC isn't working?

BTW, since you have an '04, the "three bars" thing doesn't apply to you. A fully warmed up '04 engine is indicated by something like six or seven bars on the temp gauge. (Just to the left of top dead center of the gauge.)

 

With your car so new, and with such low miles why not take it to the dealership? If there is a problem they could fix it under warranty.

 

Thanks so much for the replies.

Elistan, After the engine all warmed up as I described, I raise the RPM up and up pass 6K and then 7K... at that point, I think vtec is not kicking in. I do the same way with 3rd and fourth gear and I get it everytime.

Sideways, I check the oil very regularly. Almost every week, and it's OK.

Thanks,

 

I thought that Vtec is less pronounced in the MY04 vs. the earlier models. Anyways, if you're interested get a prm intake or comptec intake and you will know for sure

 

Remember that with the 04 the torque is better in the midrange and the power band is more steady than spiked. I've driven both and VTec is sometimes less noticable in the 04......it's there though.....

someone else with experience with both MY's feel free to chime in......

 

Remember that with the 04 the torque is better in the midrange and the power band is more steady than spiked. I've driven both and VTec is sometimes less noticable in the 04......it's there though.....

someone else with experience with both MY's feel free to chime in......

 

I have an 04 and it's pretty noticeable in all gears. Even if you don't floor it, you should be able to hear it and feel it. Try removing the air box cover - this will give a more pronounced change in sound when the valves open up for VTEC. Your car will be slower because of the hot air going in but the sound change will be more obvious.

You haven't changed your oil yet, have you?