Okay guys i've searched and searched all day and can't seem to find anyone having the exact same issue, or at least with answers. I have a d16z6 i bought with vtec not working. ive done just about everything i can think of, took off the whole solenoid, cleaned the screens, just did an oil change so its at the right level ect. I decided to run the codes and i got 22 for the pressure switch. I decided to bypass the switch at the ecu, and ran a vtec light to monitor. I now get vtec.. SOMETIMES. Ill go for a ride, it will engage, light comes on showing it. ill turn the corner and do it again, and ill get a quick flash of the vtec light, then the engine light will come on and no vtec. If i shut the car off and restart, it may work again, or do the same thing. Sounds like maybe a short or something? any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

 

bump!

 

I think the ECU turns on the solenoid, then checks for a response from the pressure switch. If the pressure doesn't respond as expected, it bails out of VTEC and turns on the CEL.

I would suggest replacing the pressure switch if you haven't already. I think it needs to respond dynamically, you can't just hotwire it.

 

that makes since. but it still engages half the time, so i dont know if it has to be wired right, instead of bypassing it. blaah its a pain lol

 

so i just went to the garage and unplugged the solenoid clip and ran a direct wire to the ecu to see if the wire was shorted or bad, same thing, cel when vtec was supposed to crossover, just got home and ran the code, its 21. does this sound like a bad solenoid?

 

code 21-VTEC spool solenoid valve
i would find another complete vtec solnoid and oil pressure switch and swap it out, check on ebay or at a junkyard, and only a z6 will fit.

 

thanks for the advice. heres an update though. decided to take off the solenoid, (top half anyway) and it was siliconed on... and the piston had silicone all over it and i had to push down on it pretty hard and work with it to free it up. could be causing the code 21? my question is does the ecu HAVE to be reset to clear the code so it doesn't throw it again or no?

 

no you should be fine..but if you want just unplug the ecu or the neg on the battery for 2 mins