I have a 2005 Honda S2000 with 76,000 km and after a oil change at the dealership the VTEC is no longer kicking in. I replaced the gasket and filter on the solenoid and then pulled the back up fuse for 20 minutes. After I replaced the fuse I let the car idle for 6 minutes before driving it. The VETC does not engage in first gear, sometimes engages in second gear and engaged in the third gear and above. There is lots of oil and the dealership used AMSOIL 10w30. Any thought of what to look at next? Thanks

 

hmm interesting.. what happens when you reach VTEC stage? does it just stop revving up? does it keep revving, but in difficulty? how long ago was the oil change from the time the VTEC stopped engaging?

 

Why did you change the VTEC gasket/filter? Were there problems before the oil change?

Thanks!

 

At the VTEC stage the car revs right up to redline and remains smooth, it just don't have that VTEC kick. I didn't notice for a few days, because I do not drive the car hard that often and even before the VTEC kicks in, it has lots of power for the street.

There were no problems before the oil change, but after the problem started I checked the forums, it seemed like a good place to start, for a $30 Honda part.

I have only had the car for 6 weeks, I did a car proof (no accidents) and checked the OBD before buying it (no codes stored). I then took a major road trip putting 4,000 km on the car, during which time I had to add a quart of oil. I got the oil changed before I got home because I had the time and could get a appointment at the local dealership in my buddies small town. Thanks

 

"There were no problems before the oil change, but after the problem started I checked the forums."

So, the VTEC problems started after changing the oil? Amsoil 10W-30 is currently in the engine? Engine is at operating temp when you are trying to hit VTEC? And you are punching the throttle hard, not slowly rolling through the RPMs?

Was the old VTEC filter screen dirty? Like bits of metal or other particles stuck to it?

 

You checked the oil dipstick yourself? They can be tricky sometimes. You have to either do it after sitting overnight or wipe it a bunch of times to make sure you're getting a true reading and not pickup up oil from something as you pull the stick out.

 

Yes, the VTEC problems started after changing the oil.
Yes, Amsoil 10W-30 is currently in the engine
Yes, Engine is at operating temp when you are trying to hit VTEC
Have tried both throttle hard, not slowly rolling through the RPMs.
The old VTEC filter screen was clean, no bits of metal or other particles stuck to it.

I checked the oil on a level surface, both hot and cold, checking the dipstick several time because the new oil is almost completely transparent.

Thanks

 

"Yes, the VTEC problems started after changing the oil."

And nothing else was done to the car, during the oil change? Check to be sure the electrical connections on the VTEC solenoid are clean and secure.

 

From what I'm reading...your VTEC works. You just aren't noticing it in 1st. Because its 1st gear.

Remove the airbox lid and try flooring the throttle from a 2K RPM cruise. I'm sure you'll hear it at 6K.

The more load you put on the engine at a low RPM, the more you'll notice VTEC when it does engage.

 

Are you at WOT? Wide open throttle? AKA Pedal to to the Metal. VTEC is rpm and load activated. You gotta hit and maintain over 6000 rpm with your foot in it for VTEC to activate.

Mine is tuned down to 3600rpm but I cruise all day at 75mph at 4000 rpm and not be in VTEC. Add load to the engine and it instantly changes cams. All VTEC does is change the engine to operate on a different cam that has different timing and duration than the low cam.

Do check the wiring as the VTEC solenoid is just above the oil filter.

-- Chuck