VTEC not engaging

[jbeni96]

This was probably covered before, but I cant find it. The problem that I have is that my 05 Stewie reaches 6,000 RPM, in any gear, and VTEC does not engage.

Besides low oil level, what else could be the problem? I checked the oil level and it's fine.

Thank you.

José

[uwimage]

make sure it's warmed up enough...It needs to have the full three bars before it will engage...I know with cooler temps it takes longer and the engine cools down faster in the fall/winter...hope this helps!

Although I don't know how cool it is in you're part of the country :laugh:

I'm sure others will chime in soon!

[jbeni96]

Thank you for the response. I had at least 4 or 5 lines on when I did this. The temperature here is probably in the 70s. The engine was nice and warm.

[equinoxiq]

4 or 6? are you serious? i don't know about other cars on this forum but my car has never shown more than 3 bars and that includes some very hot triple digit days of the summer. somethings gotta be wrong. unfortunately, that's all the input i can give. hopefully somebody more knowledgeable will reply soon

[photodavo]

He has an '05 - the temp gauge on the AP2 has more gradation than the AP1 (I think double, but not sure). It used to confuse me too until I saw one.

[jbeni96]

On my car, during normal operating conditions the temperature gauge shows 8 lines, which is 1/3 of the temperature gauge range. Maybe there is something wrong with my car, or maybe there is a big difference between the AP1 and the AP2.

I appreciate everyone's input. It really is great to have a group of people that love the S2000 as much as I do, and that are always willing to help fellow "aficionados/enthusiasts"

Thank you all.

José

[photodavo]

Jose,

The AP1 (2000 - 2003) gauge has six bars total (the last being red). Normal operating temp usually shows three bars - I don't think I have ever seen four. The AP2 (2004 +) has a different gauge cluster and your gauge has much more granularity then the AP1 but I wasn't sure how much. Maybe someone with more experience with the AP2 can chime in and let us know what the normal operating temp would be for an AP2.

Bottome line, Thomas is correct that VTEC will not engage if the car senses that the oil is not warm enough to go into VTEC but that is an experience that you would not forget - like hitting a brick wall. :) (Yes, been there done that twice in 5 years). I seriously doubt this is your issue.

I will now step aside and let Dave (repiv) take over. :D

[jbeni96]

Davo,

Thanks for the reply. I'm beginning to think that I'm the problem. There are no warning lights on, the temperature is fine, and the car has no problem getting to the red line. Maybe I'm just getting used to the pull, and can't feel it any more.

José

[photodavo]

Jose,

How far are you from Tuscon? Our Southwest Regional Director, Kerry (bipod) might be able to help you see if it seems normal. She has owned an AP! and now owns an AP2 S2000. I'm not sure she knows how a car without a superchager feels though. :)

Send her a PM if you are close enough to meet up. I'm sure she would be happy to help.

[jbeni96]

Davo,

Thank you. I am 1 hr from Tucson. I think that I will send her a message, although she might make me feel inadequate without a supercharger and all. :)

José

[photodavo]

If you golf you may feel inadequate there as well. ;)

[jgadams]

Jose,
I have an '05 and eight bars is my normal operating temperature.

As far as sensing when VTEC is engaged, it's definitely more discernable in the lower gears. If nothing else you should be able to hear the difference, especially with the top down. The car develops a much different growl when VTEC engages even with everything stock.

[Coop]

check for a vacuum line off. after the car warms up, at idle, open the hood and listen for a hissing sound and just look around for a line off.

Have you done any work under the hood lately?

[equinoxiq]

Davo,

Thanks for the reply. I'm beginning to think that I'm the problem. There are no warning lights on, the temperature is fine, and the car has no problem getting to the red line. Maybe I'm just getting used to the pull, and can't feel it any more.

José

This is different from my initial understanding. if it were a temperature issue the car would never let you go past 6000 until the car is warmed up. the car would immediately back off when you hit 6k as if you let off the pedal yourself. So you're saying you actually have the engine at above 6k then you're probably right in that you're just getting used to it. i guess that's why so many people get super and turbo chargers for this car. the first time i hit the vtec range i almost curled up into the fetal position and cried for my mom. now it doesn't even phase me. but it definitely still affects people that ride with me

[drobbins]

This was probably covered before, but I cant find it. The problem that I have is that my 05 Stewie reaches 6,000 RPM, in any gear, and VTEC does not engage.

Besides low oil level, what else could be the problem? I checked the oil level and it's fine.

Thank you.

José

Are you giving it enough gas? I can't feel VTEC unless I'm basically flooring it. If I just let the revs creep up above 6000 RPM it's not like I can feel any extra oomph. Only when I'm pushing the car do I feel VTEC engage.

I am a brand new S2000 dude, so please don't take this as expert advice, but if you are giving it enough fuel and you are still not getting VTEC engaged, I would make sure your engine is getting enough air. Is the filter clean? Maybe you could benefit from a cold air intake?

Other than that I don't have much advice. :) Let us know how you progress towards a solution.

BTW, my '05 also gets about 8 bars when the engine is warm.

[My_yella_s2k]

make sure you have oil !!!
low oil will "disable" the vtec system, as there is not enough pressure to lock the vtec rockers in place on the cams

[Goku]

I seem to remember that if Vtec does not engauge you will get a CEL. The ecu does know when its on or off. So if your just getting used to it dont worry so much. I remember when I first had the S and I thought Vtec was not kicking in and constantly checking my AFC II to make sure it did kick in... Turns out it was always kicking in, it was just in my head.

[jbeni96]

I appreciate everyone's input.

I always let my car get to normal operating temperature, which is 8 lines for my AP2. I never had issues with the VTEC before.

At some of the members' recommendations I will try resetting the ECU and a map whack. If that doesn't work, I guess it's time to go to the dealer.

I understand that there are a number of things that could be wrong with it, not necessarily the VTEC itself. Now, I just hope that I can convince the dealer that there is a problem.

I can almost guarantee that they will check it out and tell me that everything is fine and that Honda has never had a VTEC failure. It's been my experience that my dealer doesn't understand my car very much. http://www.s2ki.com/forums/html/emoticons/frown.gif

Thanks again,

José

[Racer Dude]

Update?