VTEC yo Issue - Acura RSX-S

I ended up pressing my RSX into communting duty this week while my Bolt was at the dealer getting a new battery (warranty on GM/LG's dime)

It has been throwing an evap code periodically which I just clear with the ScanGauge intil I get time to dig into that issue.

On the way to the Chevy dealer last night it popped a code; I was abit suprised when I went to clear it and a P0011 showed up 🤦‍♂️.

I havent dug out the shop manual yet, but doing a bit of google surfing I saw a few old threads in Acura forums about modded engines, associated misfires and stuck high idle. Also a few less flatbiller threads from other Honda products with K20/24 engines that discuss pulling out the VTEC actuator to clean and check the screen.

Based on that, I figure I'll start with an oil change and look at the actuator.

For backstory, its completely stock, 128k with oil changes every 5k. I've known the previous owner since birth and have all of his service records since new (engineer-level records complete with excel printouts and reciepts)  The car runs fine and VTEC kicks in as normal at 6k.  I'll go digging for the service manual this weekend, but wanted to get thoughts from Pete and other Honda gurus out there.

My thought right now is to start with an oil change even though its a few k early, then pull out and inspect the actuator.

That sounds like a good start.

Not a VTEC yo issue but an iVtec yo issue. 

That code is in reference to variable cam timing performance typically a failed VTC actuator (cam gear) failed/failing ecu, and/or dirty/low oil and high RPM are also contributors. 

I think the actuator is so easy to get to in that engine bay you could have it out and sprayed off in 15 minutes. 

twowheeled said:

I think the actuator is so easy to get to in that engine bay you could have it out and sprayed off in 15 minutes. 

Just did another one a few weeks back. Some of the early cars had the oil filter on that motor up high and you have to pull it to change the part. They run around 50$ on amazon. 

the rubber seals must be replaced if you pull the part, they flatten out bad and will leak horribly if you reuse the filter./seal combo I have yet to see one with a clogged filter that had good service history FYI. 

Byrneon27 said:

Not a VTEC yo issue but an iVtec yo issue. 

That code is in reference to variable cam timing performance typically a failed VTC actuator (cam gear) failed/failing ecu, and/or dirty/low oil and high RPM are also contributors.

All of this.  P0011 is a camshaft position correlation code, IE one of the camshafts is off time.

It is not unheard of for K engines to jump time at mileage under 80k. If the VTC (not VTEC) actuator lock pin isn't engaging (2-3 second rattle on cold starts) the chain can be worn enough that the shock from the VTC actuator can cause it to jump time.

VTC is the variable cam timing system. The actuator is the cam sprocket.  The solenoid is the electrical component and almost never fails aside from occasional oil leaks through the connector.

Edit: Googling suggests that P0011 is over advanced, not retarded as a jumped chain should provide.  This points to a probable stuck solenoid.  It's easy enough to get access to, to remove it and see if it's full of gunk. (May have to jack the engine up, IIRC it just slides in the front of the engine with a fancy long headed bolt) You can use jumper wires to see if it moves when you apply power to it. Sometimes all it takes is a little exercising to make it free up.  Or you might remove it and find that it's full of shavings.  Clean and install and cross fingers?

Great time to check or replace your timing chain, guides, tensioner, and put on a new VTC gear with a 50 degree range.  Maybe even a set of warmer cams while at it.