Honda/Acura 2.4L K24 P2646 VTEC Spool Valve (Solenoid) 3 Easy Steps - Permanent Fix

[@JoseMartinez-2018]

I've done this job before. If you are going go through all this hassle. Regardless or not you should just go ahead and put new screens. If not the rubber seal is just going to continue to wear out. Then you will have a oil leak. Without knowing it. Also replace the O ring on the sensor. You can by the complete kit for about $10.00 bucks. I always say do it the right way not the cheap way.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the feedback Jose, it's defiantly a good idea to replace the o-rings while you have it apart. Like you mentioned, it's cheap insurance to prevent anything from leaking down the road. Thanks for hanging out, Cheers!

[@BONESYOU]

Thanks for the save. My screen was clogged and ripped

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, glad you enjoyed the video. Great to hear that you were able to get yours all cleaned up and running good again. Cheers!

[@ct4cf]

I recommend cleaning up that capture well 4that tensioner nut& applying a few dollops of HONDABOND 2elimate the fall out problem which can waste a considerable amount of time. I usually don't clear codes as a way of testing the self clearing mode over time. If I bother 2open the VTEC spool or solenoid wells; I ALWAYS inspect &replace those filters. I like 2tie back that PS hose &that wiring harness w/2 bungie cords 4my comfort as those wire ties tend2 scratch me up.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the tips, appreciate the feedback. That nut can be an issue if it falls out when reassembling things. Thanks again for hanging out, Cheers!

[@jaguars08221]

Also the other problem could be the connector to the oil sensor has cracked on top and is letting moisture get into the connector and causing it to fail.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the tip, appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@Codadams]

Thanks for the detailed video. I don’t have Hondas but it’s always good to know.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words, appreciate the feedback. Cheers!

[@user-li2wv3vs9f]

I wouldn't reuse the vtwc spool valve gasket. I wouldn't be shocked if things started leaking soon after. Also, many of the Honda models have another gasket thats inside the valve. The replacement kits usually include both.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, appreciate the feedback. We will keep tabs on it to see if there are any leaks that develop. Cheers!

[@MrConduct]

YES, definetly worth $13 for a new set!!! The gaskets eventually flatten out and cause oil leaks!

[@JoseMartinez-2018]

You are correct. I just commented on this. Just buy the kit. It cost like $10.00 buck. You get the two screens & the O ring. 👍

[@EdA-bz3bu]

So, the flush fixed it? Did it come back? I appreciate your videos.✌️

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question, we have not had the error code come up again since the repair. If it does come back, you will know that the Spool Valve is definitely bad and will need to be replaced. If you don't perform the cleaning and add fresh oil, then you will not be 100% sure what the issue is. Good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@calebmoran5580]

Awsome video, great job! Thanks!

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words Caleb, glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@MrConduct]

Awesome video Bradley!!!

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers!

[@rogervaillant6044]

Any advice on removing stubborn spool assembly bolts, scared to break them …thanks, really good detailed video

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments Roger, appreciate the feedback. Our recommendation would be to get the engine good and hot before trying to remove them if you feel they may be corroded. The you will have to have long sleeves on and regular gloves to protect yourself from the hot exhaust in that area. They shouldn't be that tight unless someone else has already been in there and cranked them down more than they should. The torque spec is only 8.7 ft. lbs for those M6 10mm bolts. Good luck on your Honda project, let us know how it goes. Cheers!

[@jamesedwards1588]

Thanks. Great video.

[@BradleysGarage]

Appreciate the feedback ,glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@sofiareid9902]

Thank you for this video. Can you drive it with this code? Have taken it to 2 different machines, solonoids replaced, oil changed and still getting code.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Sofia, sorry to hear you are still having trouble with your Element. You can drive with the code but it generally puts the car into limp mode where you cannot rev past 3k RPM. This makes it difficult to accelerate and you have to drive like your Grandma. Are you using Genuine Honda parts for the repair? Aftermarket Dorman or other brands are not reliable and the issue ends up remaining or comes back in a very short time. The P2646 is specific to the VTEC solenoid so if it is brand new and the front screen has also been cleaned, then you should be good. Doing the engine flush and fresh oil is more of a long term preventative measure to ensure you will not have any issue in the future. Let us know how it goes with you Honda project. Cheers!

[@byebyefederalreserve]

@@BradleysGarage It could also be water intrusion. That is the issue in my case since after heavy rainfall I get the code. After many warm days and it dries out my engine is fine. This video explains it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4rbl617ntN4jrM

[@EmilioShack1982emilioRoman]

I did all + replacing the VTEC Solenoid and VVT solenoid and still have this issue. I checked the wiring andnit looks good, and ideas?

[@BradleysGarage]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Honda Emilio. The only thing that comes to mind is the brand of solenoid you used? Honda's are very picky when it comes to electronic parts. If it is not a Genuine Honda part, this might be causing your issue. If it is a genuine Honda part, and you have flushed and changed you oil, along with cleaning or new screens, there really isn't anything else that typically causes this issue besides wiring. Please let us know, Cheers!

[@EmilioShack1982emilioRoman]

@@BradleysGarage I used Carquest and then got a refund for it and got a NTK. With the NTK check engine come and goes, that's along with the limp mode. It comes and goes

[@abdallanakhle8751]

Thx

[@BradleysGarage]

Glad you enjoyed the video, good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@carlosrivera-hg1gw]

Hello i have a 2006 honda civic si same code replace selinoid and plugs still geting same code does the vvt has to do something whith dint change the vvt selinoid

[@BradleysGarage]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with your Honda Carlos. There are (4) main causes for the P2646 code to come up. The first is the oil level, make sure it is at the FULL mark. The second would be clogged VVT screens. The third thing would be a faulty oil pressure sensor or bad wiring to the sensor. If all of the above are good then the only thing left would be the solenoid valve assembly itself is bad. There is also a small possibility that the wiring connection at the solenoid could be bad and not making a good connection. Those are really the only reasons why the P2646 code appears. Be sure to verify all of the above steps have been addressed and you should solve the issue. Let us know how things go, good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@sofiareid9902]

Also, would this issue cause the car not to start when cold under 40 degrees car won't start its a 2003 honda element.

[@BradleysGarage]

No, this error code only affects the operation of the VTEC. This only comes into play above 3k RPM. Not wanting to start would be a different problem. Are you getting any other codes for the no start condition? Let us know, Cheers!

[@leoaries8171]

Where can I find the engine cleaner? What is it called?

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the question Leo, the engine flush is made by Liqui Moly. You can purchase the product here - www.fcpeuro.com/products/pro-line-engine-flush-500ml-can-liqui-moly-lm2037 Or from Amazon - www.amazon.com/Liqui-Moly-2037-Pro-Line-Engine/dp/B00CR3RXTO Good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@leoaries8171]

Thank you!!

[@BradleysGarage]

@@leoaries8171 No worries, good luck on your Honda project. Cheers!

[@mattfoley6082]

Not much help since you don't show what was causing the code.

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments Matt. There are three reasons why the P2646 comes up. 1. Low oil or dirty oil 2. Solenoid screens are clogged 3. VTEC Spool Valve Solenoid itself is bad You can perform an oil change or engine flush with oil change to rule out steep one. If the code returns, you will need to remove both screens to check for clogs. If after the screen cleaning the code returns, you know the Spool Valve is bad and will need to be replaced. Good luck on your Honda project, Cheers!

[@mattfoley6082]

@@BradleysGarage 1 and 2 are easy to do but if they don't fix it then you can't assume 3. Sometimes the pressure sensor is bad Sometimes the electrical connection is bad (e.g., loose connection or wet from water or oil leak). Honda Element Owners Club site goes into great detail. Many people have wasted money replacing the VTEC spool valve when that was not the problem. I'm not a mechanic, just a DIYer 2003 Element owner. I'm currently having this problem intermittently and trying to trace the source.

[@BradleysGarage]

@@mattfoley6082 Thanks for the response, sorry if our reply made it seem like those were the only possibilities. The ones you pointed out can be a factor but are much less likely to be the issue. We currently have (3) Honda's with the 2.4L so these steps have helped solve all the issues we have had over the years with our cars. It has never been the pressure sensor or electrical connection for us. Good luck on your Honda project, thanks again for hanging out. Cheers!

[@videosplus7750]

There you go! you got another fart can back on the road..

[@BradleysGarage]

Thanks for the comments, appreciate the feedback. Cheers!