i was under the impression that the vtec (pressure) solenoid and the vtec pressure "switch" were the same thing.

 

vtec will still engage even if you through a cel, depending on what cell you through your ecu can be put into a limp mode, this will no occure everytime it depends on the code, when this happens you will only get 80% of the timming and fuel

All stock honda ecus have 2 map programs, one for regualar no problem driving and one for limp mode

 

ok i used the code reader and it came back clean...i was thinking it could just be that the filter for the solenoid is dirty. i was able to remove 2 of the three bolts. the lower one on the tranny side of the engine. anyone do this before? also, should i replace the filter or can i get away with just cleaning it(assuming that it is just gunked up)

thanks,
andrew