I have '97 h22 and the vtec just started acting up..Without even going full throttle(prob 3/4) the vtec will engage hard, cut off, then come back on..Sometimes at full throttle it won't even engage!!! A friend with a '99 civic SI said it might be the selenoid for the vtec..HONDA WANTS $258.48!! He also mentioned the ecu...Has anyone had this prob., know where I can find oem selenoids or better for a decent price, or know what the problem might be?

 

Do you have a Check Engine Light? Low Oil?

 

My check engine light is own because i had a friend help me with the Bank 2(after the cat) O2 sensor...BIG MISTAKE...Gonna get the guy who sold me the car to do it right this time...But now that you mention it my oil change is coming up and haven't check the oil in a few...Oh shit!!

 

The reason for vtec not working is the engine oil is low and needs to stay full. I had the same problem. the vtec solenoid runs off of oil pressure. more oil in the engine increases the pressure.

 

like everyone stated above, vtec engages with oil pressure. The check engine light puts the car in limp mode and will not go above 6100rpms when the cel light is on. it will bog like it's hitting rev limiter or something.

So check/change oil, get rid of cel code and you will be fine.

 

Shouldn't be going into vtec too much with a cel anyways... just my 2 cents.

 

It could be a number of things, I love it how everyone says check the oil, usually that's not the case anymore, never once was the cause of my vtec problems. Theres an easy way to check and see if ur solenoid is working or not, just simply get a wire and connect it to the positive terminal on ur car and put the other end on the wire of the vtec solenoid, u should here a noticeable click, if it clicks, it's good, if it only does it sometimes, take it off and clean it. U should definately pull the codes, it might be vtec does, or it might not. Hope this helps.

 

YOUR HITTIN VTEC WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND LOW OIL? SOUNDS LIKE A DUMB AZZ MOVE TO ME

 

should try taking your VTEC solenoid off and cleaning it, then add some more oil into your motor or just change it

 

clean the solenoid screen. might be clogged up since your so far over due from your oil change.