VTEC not engaging

Jbeni96 · 12-06-2007, 06:24 PM

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

controller · 12-06-2007, 06:56 PM

Car warm or not? Car purposely keeps you out of vtec before warming.

Jbeni96 · 12-06-2007, 07:02 PM

Thank you controller. I had 4-5 lines on my temperature gauge. I never had any issues with VTEC at that temperature in the past. The weather is cooling off here, but the engine temperature is what counts right?

controller · 12-06-2007, 07:05 PM

I know the 04+ cluster is different than the 00-03, I have a flat bar, and it won't let me vtec until after it gets to 3. I don't know how many lines you'll need, maybe an ap2 owner can chime in on that one.

Jbeni96 · 12-06-2007, 08:24 PM

On my car, during normal operating conditions the temperature gauge shows 8 lines. I never even drive the car unless I have at least 3 lines. Maybe there is something wrong with my car.

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

Zawazeuss · 12-09-2007, 10:28 PM

Is it you governor kicking in and your not able to exceed 6k rpms or no power above 6k? Do you have a rough idle? I've heard this guy, Jeremy Clarkson from a car show called Top Gear, claim that honda has never had a failure with thier VTEC system... Maybe it's something simple; like spark plug wires shifting at high rpms, or it's your ignition system. I'd start with a good visual inspection if you haven't got there yet...

Good luck, I'll be watching this. Hope you get your VTEC back!!!

Mike in AK

Java Junky · 12-10-2007, 03:08 AM

Yup: engine temp'z whut counts Jb. Maybe, I'm missin' it, but is VTEC still unavailable once you allow the car to reach a normal operatin' temperature? If you said that it was, I apologize for askin' but I didn't see it.
Is your ambient temp droppin' down hard? When it does, not only do the cars alter their personalities to some extent, but we kind'a lag behind adjustin' to those personality changes.
Although, if VTEC ain't happenin' at all, even when she's properly warmed up, there's definitely somethin' ungood afoot.
Way too many possibilities for not bein' able to get up into the higher RPM range though n' some of 'em ungood ta the point'a doon damage.
If VTEC is truly unavailable, you need ta see your wrench.
Good luck.
Java

bobby2002s2k. · 12-10-2007, 05:27 AM

Also may want to check the Vtec solenoid.

DJJSR · 12-10-2007, 05:32 AM

Vtec will engage on an AP1 with only 3 bars on the temperature gauge. Not so on an AP2. Mine won't engage until I have 7 bars.

12-06-2007, 06:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jbeni96 Proud Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 38	VTEC not engaging 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 Last edited by Jbeni96 : 12-06-2007 at 06:28 PM.

12-10-2007, 03:08 AM	#7 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,306	Yup: engine temp'z whut counts Jb. Maybe, I'm missin' it, but is VTEC still unavailable once you allow the car to reach a normal operatin' temperature? If you said that it was, I apologize for askin' but I didn't see it. Is your ambient temp droppin' down hard? When it does, not only do the cars alter their personalities to some extent, but we kind'a lag behind adjustin' to those personality changes. Although, if VTEC ain't happenin' at all, even when she's properly warmed up, there's definitely somethin' ungood afoot. Way too many possibilities for not bein' able to get up into the higher RPM range though n' some of 'em ungood ta the point'a doon damage. If VTEC is truly unavailable, you need ta see your wrench. Good luck. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

12-10-2007, 05:27 AM	#8 (permalink)
bobby2002s2k. S2K 4 life!! Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 258	Also may want to check the Vtec solenoid. __________________ ITs been over a year and i still cant keep my foot off the floor!

12-10-2007, 05:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
DJJSR Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hooterville Posts: 1,568	Vtec will engage on an AP1 with only 3 bars on the temperature gauge. Not so on an AP2. Mine won't engage until I have 7 bars. __________________ Don

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12-06-2007, 06:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
controller Yellow is the fastest. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 278	Car warm or not? Car purposely keeps you out of vtec before warming.

12-06-2007, 07:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
Jbeni96 Proud Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 38	Thank you controller. I had 4-5 lines on my temperature gauge. I never had any issues with VTEC at that temperature in the past. The weather is cooling off here, but the engine temperature is what counts right?

12-06-2007, 07:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
controller Yellow is the fastest. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 278	I know the 04+ cluster is different than the 00-03, I have a flat bar, and it won't let me vtec until after it gets to 3. I don't know how many lines you'll need, maybe an ap2 owner can chime in on that one.

12-06-2007, 08:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Jbeni96 Proud Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 38	On my car, during normal operating conditions the temperature gauge shows 8 lines. I never even drive the car unless I have at least 3 lines. Maybe there is something wrong with my car. 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

12-09-2007, 10:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
Zawazeuss Alaska Cold, S2K Hot!!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alaska Posts: 21	Is it you governor kicking in and your not able to exceed 6k rpms or no power above 6k? Do you have a rough idle? I've heard this guy, Jeremy Clarkson from a car show called Top Gear, claim that honda has never had a failure with thier VTEC system... Maybe it's something simple; like spark plug wires shifting at high rpms, or it's your ignition system. I'd start with a good visual inspection if you haven't got there yet... Good luck, I'll be watching this. Hope you get your VTEC back!!! Mike in AK