My S2000's (2004 2.2L) V-TEC seems to be not igniting during the last few days.

Its supposed to kick in at 6,000 rpm (right?), and in the past, it was noticeable with its distinct high pitch rev-sound and the sudden boost of torque. (obviously...)

However, during the last few days, even after it reaches the 6,000rpm line, and crosses it, the engine sound does not change, nor is the boost of torque noticeable. On 3rd gear ~ on, it seems as though it is kicking in (slight higher pitch rev-sound, but not so much on a sudden change of torque), but V-TEC control doesn't distinguish which gear its in to ignite, does it?

Overall, the car is running totally fine, nor does the cluster show any sign of malfunction.

Any thoughts on the cause, or if it in fact is not working, is working? My friend mentioned the possibility of the oil pressure valve controller failing, but things like this would show up on the cluster as a malfunction, wouldn't it? Should I just bring it into the shop?

 

VTEC does normally kick in around 6K RPMs depending on climate / altitude / engine temp. However, if the car is stock, I really just think you are getting used to it, and it doesn't seem as noticeable as before. If VTEC wasn't engaging due to a mechanical malfunction, you would probably have a check engine light, and the ECU would probably not let you rev past 7K RPMs before shutting it down. Even if the ECU isn't preventing you from revving to redline, the power would drop off REALLY bad after 7K on the lower cam lobes.

The simple way to tell it VTEC is working is to remove the air filter box cover and go for a drive. The intake noise will be a dead giveaway when VTEC engages.

 

take off your air box and v-tec will be more noticeable

 

How's your oil level? Have you changed your driving style in the last few days? VTEC is more prominent if you have the "pedal to the metal".

 

can you get to redline? your vtec is working fine.

I've driven the car w/ the vtec disconnected on accident and the car runs out of air at about 7krpms w/o the switch over.

 

Thanks for the reply everyone.

I can rev the engine all the way to the redline, 8000 RPM fine. No problem whatsoever. Is the 7K RPM kill if without V-TEC engagement the same for 2004 2.2L S2000? The previous S2000's redlines at 9000 RPM doesn't it? (Still learning about stuff, so just wondering)

In regards to oil, I bought the car brand new, and I have about 3000 miles on it now. (No, I haven't had it that long yet) Will this make a difference? I've been checking the oil every week, and its still fine. The manual says the initial change is not needed till 7500, but was planning on changing it in another 500 (3500) or so.

By the way, has anyone ever installed the Blue Wide Mirror from Spoon? The left side mirror, either its slightly larger than the factory mirror width, or the center double sided tape is not thick enough, the mirror ends up cracking when you try to put it on with stock double-sided tape. It might be a design flaw, 'cause I've had it happen twice. (Both on the left side)

 

I would expect the F22C to run out of breath even earlier than the F20C without VTEC.

 

[QUOTE=tetsu928,Nov 15 2004, 10:32 PM] By the way, has anyone ever installed the Blue Wide Mirror from Spoon?

 

If your VTEC "ignited", maybe it burned itself out? I think you mean engaged, although ignited does sound sicker. This is not a flame (get it)?