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Home >> Honda >> 2005 >> Civic Si >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Variable Valve Timing Electronic Control System (VTEC) And Variable Valve Timing (VTC ) System (Hatchback) >> DTC Troubleshooting >> DTC P0011: VTC System Malfunction
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DTC P0011: VTC System Malfunction

  1. Reset the ECM (see HOW TO UPDATE THE ECM ).
  2. Start the engine. Hold the engine at 3,000 RPM with no load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on.
  3. Test-drive at a steady speed between 20-40 mph (30-60 km/h) for 10 minutes.
  4. Check for Temporary DTC P0011 with the HDS or a scan tool.

    Is Temporary DTC P0011 indicated? 

    YES:  Go to step 5.

    NO:  Intermittent failure, system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose wires at the VTC oil control solenoid valve and at the ECM.

  5. Watch the low oil pressure light with the engine running.

    Is the low oil pressure light on? 

    YES:  Check the oil pressure (see OIL PRESSURE TEST ).

    NO:  Go to step 6.

  6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  7. Remove the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ).
  8. Remove the VTC strainer (A). Check the VTC strainer for clogging.
    Fig 1: Removing The VTC Strainer
    G01399482Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is the strainer OK? 

    YES:  Go to step 9.

    NO:  Clean the VTC strainer, then replace the engine oil filter and the engine oil.

  9. Check the VTC oil control solenoid valve (see MIL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).

    Is the VTC oil control solenoid valve OK? 

    YES:  Go to step 10.

    NO:  Clean the ports of the VTC oil control solenoid valve, or replace the VTC oil control solenoid valve (see VTC OIL CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE REMOVAL/TEST/INSTALLATION ).

  10. Install the VTC oil control solenoid valve.
  11. Start the engine. Hold the engine at 700-1,000 RPM.
  12. Connect ECM connector terminal B23 to body ground with a jumper wire.
    Fig 2: Connecting ECM Connector Terminal B23 To Body Ground With A Jumper Wire
    G01399483Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  13. Connect ECM connector terminals A3 and B1 with a jumper wire momentarily.
    NOTE: Do not jump for more than 1 minute.
    Fig 3: Connecting ECM Connector Terminals A3 And B1 With A Jumper Wire Momentarily
    G01399484Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Did the engine stall or run rough? 

    YES:  Test-drive at a steady speed between 20-40 mph (30-60 km/h) for 10 minutes. If temporary DTC P0011 is indicated, update the ECM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM, then recheck (see ECM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING ). If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM, replace the original ECM.

    NO:  Go to step 14.

  14. Check the VTC actuator (see VTC ACTUATOR INSPECTION ).

    Is the VTC actuator OK? 

    YES:  Remove the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ), and clean or replace the VTC oil strainer. Update the ECM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM, then recheck (see ECM UPDATING AND SUBSTITUTION FOR TESTING ). If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM, replace the original ECM.

    NO:  Replace the VTC actuator.

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