All of a sudden a new problem. The temperature has been dropping really low the last few days; that is the only difference really...

I've put an exhaust system on about 3 weeks ago with no issues; this install also included the test pipe.

Oil is at okay level (although always a bitch for me to read properly, it seems the dipstick gets alot of oil splash on the way out of engine for inspection), no CEL, what could be the issue here? I waited for the regular 3 bars to come up before attempting to rev over 6000 and was saddened when the car didn't react like it usually does when I step on her.

Could the ambient outside temperature have anything to do with this? Even after 1 hour of driving, no VTEC.

Besides low oil pressure, what else could I inspect?

 

motor was still cold - thats the only thing I can thnk of. I have hit that 6k limit before when I wasn't paying attention and I was at two bars. How long were you driving it for to warm it up before you tried to go into VTEC?

 

He said after an hour, no vtec. could be the solenoid.

 

Yeah, I've hit the 6000k wall once before as well; I always pay attention to ensure I've got 3 bars before flying... And yes vtec9, after an hour of driving, the car was definately warm, and nothing.

Can I inspect this solenoid, could the fluctuations in temperate create some moisture at the connections perhaps?

 

Ive had this problem as well, my solution was a clogged cat.

Don't think that would be your problem.....but you never know. Might be worth looking into.

If you know a Honda Tech with a hand held you can drive and try to engage vtec to test the solenoid


Replacing the vtec solenoid isn't hard. you can try and clean the plug too.

 

He said he just installed an exhaust with test pipe.. couldn't be the cat.

 

I had the same prob when I first installed a single exhaust and test pipe...it just felt gutless! I almost went back to the shop to complain.
I searched around the forums and found out the car is 'tuned' with back-pressure, ie. cat n dual exhaust, so when u take all that back pressure off the car it still tuned to what u had on and vtec will engage but you wont feel it for a while. Let the ecu do its work and it will compensate for the extra flow. It took me a few days of daily driving before I felt the vtec kick again, especially at high speeds! good stuff! my05 had less than 20K miles so I knew it wasnt worn parts.
Give it some time to learn there is no more back pressure.

Not saying this is the remedy just saying this could be it.

Good luck!

 

Interesting. Although I must mention that immediately after the test pipe and exhaust install I had Vtec like normal. The jolt felt just as responsive as it did to stock cat with exhaust. It is three weeks later and suddenly this...

I will check connections at the solenoid when I get home... I left her at home since I'm concerned and not to mention the inch of snow that premiered this morning.

 

Okay, so I was way off! Connections might be okay if it worked fine for 3 weeks and then this. It is wierd!
Now it sounds like an electrical gremlin. Double check the wires in all the areas there was work done.

Vtec is part of the excitement on these cars....

 

The only wires that I was in contact with when doing the test pipe and exhaust were the two that lead into the o2 sensor. I was very careful not to twist these, etc, they are in great shape and totally connected....