How to Fix Variable Valve Timing in Your Car (VTEC)

VTEC. How to fix variable valve timing in your car, DIY with Scotty Kilmer. How to fix an engine with a variable valve timing system (VTEC) when the vehicle has hesitation problems while running. How to fix car hesitation. DIY car repair with Scotty Kilmer, an auto mechanic for the last 47 years.
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[@scottykilmer]

Things I used in this video: 1. Actron Scan Tool: amzn.to/2ngeCQJ 2. Mechanic’s Tool Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 3. Shop Towels: amzn.to/2jxKone 4. Disposable Gloves: amzn.to/2zSRuxO 5. Common Sense 6. 4k Camera: amzn.to/2hZ4AxX 7. Mini Microphone: amzn.to/2newgV9 8. My computer for editing / uploading: amzn.to/2i2sKYz 9. Video editing software: amzn.to/2jv5Fhf 10. Thumbnail software: amzn.to/2k7tz6C 🛠Check out my Garage to see what I use every day and highly recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/scottykilmer ❗️Check out the Scotty store: goo.gl/RwhRGU 👉Follow me on Instagram for the latest news, funnies, and exclusive info / pics: goo.gl/ohy2cA

[@5477harry]

Scotty where can I find number 5 I can't find that on amazon

[@lucasperry493]

Where do you recommend I buy this specific part from??

[@Biblebasher89]

I have no clue how I am not subscribed to you already. That’s my bad. Your videos always lift my spirit when I gotta do something I’ve never done before. Thanks for being here.

[@Guitarlife17]

Scotty you've got the best quality auto-repair content I've seen on KZbin. Most mechanics would charge you even for a simple explanation of something. You're great buddy keep up the good work!!

[@leelasmoochie]

Wow...this channel has taught me a ton about my car...when i go to the mechanic they are shocked by what i kno...i cannot say thank u enough

[@suziB1000]

Leela Crissy me too !! Plus my dad taught me some knowledge I be telling him what’s wrong before he check it out😂😂💕

[@Sci-Mon1]

Why you still going to the mechanic

[@stephaniesheridan5474]

Haha. This comment! I had a dealer call me a c*nt and all sorts of other names because I stood over the engine and pointed out all the faults with it after he told me it was fine. All thanks to Mr Kilmer 😂

[@HumbertoHacked]

@@stephaniesheridan5474 I've done over $1,000 dollars of repairs/additions to my car by myself.. Only time I'll go to a mechanic is when theres a tool that's too expensive to use.. And even then I'll go to my first job site (I used to take off bumpers and just disassemble/help out the mechanics when I wasn't sweeping and cleaning) and they'll usually let me use the equipment free of charge.. It's good to have friends in high places..

[@docholliday2961]

Never tell them you know what it's they hate that just do it yourself avoid the rip off 👍

[@the_dietcam]

This guy's shtick is hilarious. The transitions, and way he speaks, all accompanied by the education makes it worth every minute.

[@jmess1893]

this guy is so enthusiastic.. i love it

[@alexfonseca5965]

I just changed the Variable Valve Solenoid by myself! And now its going well over 3000 RPM. Thank you so much for this very detailed video!!!

[@TvrkishOutlaw]

Did you have a knock? How did you know yours was bad?

[@downhomegirl5]

Scotty your the Best, a mechanic just tried to charge me $442 for this simple repair job for my daughters truck.... Thank you for what you do!! 🙌

[@luciferstarot7695]

Thanks again scotty, fixed more issues for me and my buddies than any shop

[@cityad4856]

I love this guy he really knows his stuff man every time he hits a dead on on every car. There aren’t too many mechanics like him anymore ! Follow him I like his video he really does deserve it . Thumbs up man great job

[@pylertyler]

Vtec doesn't kick in without the stupid beauty cover

[@skyartrc8286]

Same goes for Toyota

[@dangerline95]

You should rename the title "when your vtec doesn't kick in, yo!!!!"

[@smexijalapeno3871]

Haha, I get it!!

[@kyledavis7909]

Absolutely

[@alex4695]

💀

[@HookupCultureCommunity]

"Well, it certainly goes over 3k RPM now!" *chirps second* lol

[@u1richh]

These videos are entertaining to watch in your spare time. Keep up the awesome work!

[@sudijad]

Nice video! From my personal experience with several Honda's I just replaced the gasket on the VTEC solenoid. Costs a few bucks and works perfectly.

[@mellowmanmace4346]

Thanks Scotty, this video really helped out. Oil change did the trick for the engine sputtering but i may still have to change the vvt solenoid to get the check engine light to stay off

[@davidjames666]

scotty, this exact precise video is just why you are so great. I know you have been getting unrightfully bashed for your honesty about over engineered cars. You seemed to be a little more forgiving in this video till you got to the beauty cover. Keep up the work.

[@TheBrownGarage]

lol Scotty chirpin the tires, well it goes over 3000 now lol

[@The1972Cutlass]

o OK thx , yea I didn't think about cleaning the intake manifold after I took the old one off, just use a brush or something to clean it

[@TheBrownGarage]

wire brush is a bit much, usually a rag and some brake clean has worked well for me

[@The1972Cutlass]

O OK thx

[@The1972Cutlass]

U own a Honda?, I see a vtech motor in as your picture

[@The1972Cutlass]

Hey also, my Camaro doesn't start unless I jump it off, auto zone told me the battery was good, could it be the altenator

[@mds2465]

Oh yes, the VTEC solenoid assembly. Had to replace that on my 05 CR-V. From my experience usually the only time that those things go bad is either due to lack of oil changes or just simply due to age if the car has a lot of miles on it as well. Very easy to do and not horribly expensive unlike some other things on these older Hondas.

[@PhillipHall01]

Scotty you amaze me with your knowledge . Thanks for sharing it.

[@conyo985]

1:36 Wind effect shot!

[@josegarcia-is6wu]

Dude you are so good at what you do! You been blessed!

[@jakesnake_27]

Wow, I actually had to do this exact repair on my 02 CR-V (same engine) last winter. It would chug when it got above 3k RPM. I got a P1259 code. Replaced that VTEC solenoid and it's been fine ever since.

[@MichaelBlast]

Is that a 2002 Honda engine in this video ? I have a 08 Accord 4cyl and I'm trying to figure out what is leaking on passenger side, 275k miles

[@jakesnake_27]

That’s an Element in the video, but it’s still the same K series engine, which your Accord has. I would definitely check your VTEC solenoid gasket; they are prone to leaking.

[@miguelmendez6656]

I AM GLAD I FOUD THIS VIDEO! SO MUCH FUN TO WATCH. THANKS SCOTTY!

[@afleitikh3]

Love the show Scotty, you rock!

[@LuisRomero-eq6yf]

i love this channel you make everything more simple I love it!!!!

[@plamenm1641]

Just perfectly done, mr. Kilmer!

[@jakewhoskate]

You rock. Thanks for the quality videos. Not many others even compare.

[@123clis321]

You once again are the Best on KZbin! Would you recommend switching out just the switch on the unit?

[@joefleming8974]

Thank you Scotty you help me out tremendously and keep up the good job

[@kevins.3573]

Vtec has been kicking oil all over my engine bay for past two years. I didn't tighten down my vtec solenoid enough after doing my first headgasket ever on my daily driver. Finally troubleshot that P2646 a actuator arm system blah blah blah yesterday and tracked it down to that. It's fixed. No more CEL, no more oily engine bay and constantly checking/filling the oil. Replaced the o2 sensor yesterday as well, that got ruined from driving around with blown headgasket two years ago. Damn those things are expensive. No more cylinder misfires either!

[@MyMacaroniman]

This saved me so much time and money. Thank you!!!

[@Eric-ut5ld]

I have had like 3 car problems that I learned about and fixed myself on this channel. I mean... wow.

[@92174164]

13 Years as a technician and master tech for Acura, i never once saw a VTEC solenoid fail, not by me or by one of the other 24 techs that i work with,, in 13 years! .. 10 times out of 10, if it throws a VTEC code it's because the car is very Low On Oil .. Very low.. Which causes interruption of oil pressure to the solenoid and a VTEC code Will set.. , when that happens the car defaults to a "Limp home" mode which makes the computer limit engine rpm to 3000 rpm.(unless you cycle the key, then it will drive normally, unless it occurs again)) Scotty just unplugged it to set the code for this video no doubt

[@VietnamAndKoreanFlashbacks]

you are mistaken because I've seen numerous Honda Elements with that same problem including mine

[@_Diggler]

allen luangrath I had to change our the vetch module just like Scotty did and my Element ran like a champ afterwards. Also and oil change, engine flush and general tune up 🤔

[@VietnamAndKoreanFlashbacks]

@@_Diggler No doubt in my mind that it will run it's a honda they go forever

[@Liamautomechanic]

good vid scotty scotty, i had a similar problem on a alfa 156 1.8 twin spark [ vvti],changed the valve, oil and oil filter,problem solved.

[@MrBeeradb1]

I bet that old corvette in your outro has the original chev LT 1 for the engine.I can hear the lumpy cam that it came with.

[@scottykilmer]

+MrBeeradb1 yes

[@KeithoSan]

"Stupid beauty cover" hahahahahah love it. That should be on a T-Shirt with your name on it Scotty Kilmer.

[@Juliussilva17]

I had the same problem in my old rsx and it was the screen that was dirty in the solenoid. Replaced the screen cleaned it up nicely and she ran great no cel or bog. $12 fix!

[@leonfyahrecords2262]

Scotty I got a d16v1 i think it’s the best! I got power and cheaper parts everything’s good! I would love it if you made some more videos on maintenances on these engines And any tips like this would b great ! Big respect scotty

[@ElliottRopell]

Hey I love that corvette that you have at the end!

[@EricLaPrad]

Awesome little video. Thanks!

[@samuelgarza9812]

Straight to the point love the videos

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Hi Scotty, Thanks for the massive time you spend teaching car repair! I have a question. I saw an app that had the ability to show, in a curve/chart format, VVT function. I have been using Torque pro an it is pretty nice. But I don't see the ability to plot the actual timing as the car is driven. I drive a Mazda 2001 It support OBD2. Do you know the app I refer to?

[@DavidGutierrez-lr5ny]

Hey scotty would that problem also affect the knock sensor on a honda accord (specifically 2004 accord 2.4)

[@jenntek.101]

I have an '01 that does just what he is saying about poor performance - keep in mind.... when the car is cold the solenoid works fine --- you really have to have HOT oil and have to run the car for about 45 minutes at highway speeds - then slow up a bit - and then... really romp on the gas pedal to make it kick down a gear, when it tries to upshift - that is when the 3,000rpm jumps happen (Engine shutting down)... It sort of reminds you of a rev limiter kicking in... Easy fix - like he said - just hard to see. Thanks Scotty - you've helped me in the past with some things... :)

[@andrewwatson922]

400.000 subs! good job scotty

[@romansroad2007]

Andrew Watson Now he has like 2.4 million in 3 years. Wow 3 years ago from mow

[@goriverman]

Thanks Scotty great tip

[@charlesdavidson4815]

Scotty, you ROCK!

[@clemtutt7967]

Thanks. I have this issue with my wife's Mitsubishi Fuzion in the Philippines. I was told it was the fuel pump, the transmission, and a few other things before I realized that this was the problem.

[@mdkarnish]

EASY DIY video. Thank you

[@scottykilmer]

Thanks!

[@spiroszanakos2965]

This guy is insane and i love it lol

[@bigqueue]

Ah....my Element just came up with this one......thanks for the video showing the solution!

[@playmakerg11]

And that's my man Scotty!

[@michaelncarter2400]

Cheers thank you for eliminating many hassles of getting the actuator and still had the same problem. 2009 Acura TSX code shown P1009 series. ManYourAmechanic.!!! Toots

[@jimv1484]

Well Scotty......I watch a lot of your vids.....but this vid in particular was very helpful as I have an 03 Honda Element with 188k on it with a leaky VTEC solenoid......it started w the check engine and now wont go over 3k......I remved and tested the switch and it was good......now gunna do the full Monty and replace the whole part like u did.......thanks for the info........Subscribed

[@captainteamcarry3]

Gotta love the ole honda, 5 minute video and 5 bolts to change a major engine component. Not to mention chirping those tires

[@mickeyhartsell6096]

Your the best Scotty, thank you 😊

[@sung77777]

tx you so much for this tutorial!!

[@annacahill5394]

I've really learned alot from you. Thank you so much.

[@carslover3509]

great work

[@ElGallegoT]

Vtec pressure switch is that included? Or do i have to buy it separate

[@tee_da_producer7936]

I had the same problem with my rsx and changed the solenoid and still runs funny and got the code again

[@vincentwebster8313]

This is a great starting point. On the "element" you WILL be removing the left motor mount to remove the power steering pump and tensioner pully to clean the little screen behind the cover. the hardest part is the belt reinstall its just time consuming about an hour. The solenoid in the back of the engine is tough. remove the power steering hose and metal support bracket. I tied mine over to the driver side with a bungee strap. after you remove the 2 electrical connections there are 2 plastic wire anchors on the metal heat shield they are difficult to remove. The rest is fairly simple

[@boomerguy9935]

You did it the hard way. You do not have to remove anything other than the oil filter for access to the VVY assembly. I replaced the filter/O-ring on my Element and my Accord (same K24 engine) by moving the power steering pump hose bracket out of the way and holding it in place with a bungee cord. After undoing the front connections from above, I removed the oil filter (you should change the oil and filter anyway) for better access from below with the car on front ramps. It is also much easier to use the torque wrench from below.

[@235chuck]

Hey, I thought you said to always disconnect the battery when connecting / disconnecting any parts, so Not to screw up the computer or electrical system.... Thanks for ALL these great vids Scotty!

[@scottykilmer]

+235chuck don't need to for this part. It has no power when engine is shut off

[@235chuck]

+Scotty Kilmer OK. Less steps = QUICKER Fix! Thank You Mister Kilmer!

[@Ogre302]

I had to do one of those once. I don't remember the exact engine but it was on my Niece's Accord. One of those three bolts was in a position we couldn't get to. We ended up having to modify the socket into a wrench like doohickey. All of my wrenches were too thick, a socket could get on but there was no room for a ratchet. We cut the socket down shorter and welded it to a wrench we cut.

[@floridahhh1]

Great video~ Just wanted to know do you know where that filter would be on a 2012 4.0 Tacoma ?

[@abelardohernandez3039]

That's a cool vdo...scotti and thankz for the heads up

[@pabloconstanza5618]

1:35 scotty reminiscing the good ole days when he had more hair driving a convertible with the top down and his hair dancing in the wind

[@hotpapayasalad]

"the stupid beauty cover" LOL you're funny

[@THOMASDRELICH]

hey Scotty I'm doing this for a friend on her 2005 crv . I'm changing that along with a VTEC filter and vct solenoid. is there anything I should do special to the vct solenoid? does it have to be installed "unsprung". like a timing tensioner or just unbolt and reinstall? thanks in advamce

[@roscoeelcocko1863]

Good man. I wish i lived near Houston.

[@lookitsleonardlove]

I love how you chirped 2nd lol

[@arunakhan2343]

nice video Scotty

[@Superman20000]

I have a question about the Ford Fusion. What is your opinion on the first and second version of this car is it a good car? is it expensive to do maintenance to that car?

[@larrywillard9316]

Scotty you are the man

[@riteshpahladsingh3819]

Hey Scotty i always bet my money on you, didn' t loose till now.

[@rockabillyrebel1]

Do you recommend a shop in the Spring TX area for this type of repair? I see you're in the Houston area. BTW: I also love Southern Backtones!!

[@danross5510]

very good job dude, didn't know I had one 😁😁

[@greasemonkeypol]

Hey Scotty, any suggestions on a good brand of nitrile gloves..

[@georgedelatorre8943]

I'm your biggest fan Scotty I always love your videos and teaches me alot... 👍🤘 Your awesome Scotty

[@scottykilmer]

Thanks for the support!

[@MiguelRodriguez-ri9ro]

Great video....wat where the symptoms or codes u got for this issue

[@uniq_vidzbostonmass25]

Mr. Kilmer I just replaced the same part I bought of of eBay for $35. With the old one it was leaking oil, and would only be a problem with a cold engine. Worked fine once warm. P2646 was the code that came on when accelerating with cold engine. So with the cheap new part even with engine warm it now triggers the same code, but besides fixing the leak it is worse then before. Should I take the seal from new part and swap over to the old part?

[@305dmr]

Love this dude

[@rusty358]

How much does oil viscosity affect the VVT operation?

[@smxvi2789]

hi i want to ask you a question . my crv was going up on a hoist to about 6 feet up. when the hoist stopped my new vtec solenoid that was felt in place fell out and landed 6 feet down to the concrete floor . do you that something could of broke in the part? because after the install i still have the same code .let me know thx

[@b286guy]

I think we've seen this Element show up at Scotty's garage before. Honda's K24 engine has an excellent reputation for reliability. With him mentioning dirty oil as the possible culprit, it seems like maybe the owner isn't the best about checking/changing the oil on schedule. It's that kind of crap that makes me concerned about buying a car used. Why is it so hard for some people to do basic maintenance?

[@ifried91]

hey scotty u know those beauty covers on fords are made of recycled denim and they actually absorb engine noise

[@anthonyrolan8020]

You are the man!

[@enlastedzinggrama5658]

6th video in 2 days going to do this on mine...ur 👌

[@RandyCandelario-gq6kt]

You could also try cleaning it and replacing all the gaskets on the Solenoid.

[@glocksp80smd]

Scott my question is if your do a full rebuild on a vvt engine will the computer automatically time it for you or what does the perosn havw to do that rebuilds the motor

[@dabell12]

scotty do you replace the Spool valve Solenoid with OEM or Aftermarket parts ? Standard brand is $45 cheaper than OEM . I think is a good brand , what do you think ?

[@vergelautomotive9728]

Nice sir 👍

[@BBQandBolts]

Scotty Kilmer you are a hoot.

[@snoop72072003]

Honda element baby, she's a beauty!!!!

[@foxxxxxi8814]

Question Scotty what if you get P0011 ? what could it be on 2006-2007 G35 coupe?

[@josieruiz7465]

I just have a question. My silver rock warranty shows that solenoids are covered and when I got my car checked out by pep boys there saying vva valve and down on the bottom it says remove and replace variable timing control actuator? Is this all the same thing? Or can solenoids be something different?

[@jeffgib8267]

Thanks, you just saved me $150 bucks

[@LVang152]

Can I replace the gasket or the whole since my is leaking oil? I have 2011 Honda Pilot with front spool valve leaking

[@georgemoussa9225]

just wondering, where do you get all your parts from example this one?