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DTC P0011: VTC System Malfunction (2002-2004 models)

  1. Reset the ECM/PCM (see ECM/PCM RESET (2002-2004 MODELS) ).
  2. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 RPM without load (in Park or 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 a scan tool or the HDS.

    Is Temporary DTC P0011 indicated? 

    1. YES -  Go to step 5.
    2. NO -  Intermittent failure, system is OK at this time. Check for poor connections or loose terminals at the VTC oil control solenoid valve and the ECM/PCM.
  5. Watch the low oil pressure indicator.

    Is the low oil pressure indicator on? 

    1. YES -  Check the oil pressure (see OIL PRESSURE TEST ).
    2. NO -  Go to step 6.
  6. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
  7. Remove the power steering pump (see PUMP REPLACEMENT ) and the auto-tensioner (see DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER REPLACEMENT ).
  8. Remove the VTC strainer (A), and check it for clogging.
    Fig 1: Removing VTC Strainer And Checking For Clogging
    G03650921Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Is the strainer OK? 

    1. YES -  Go to step 9.
    2. NO -  Clean the VTC strainer, and replace the engine oil filter and the engine oil.
  9. Check the VTC oil control solenoid valve (see VTC OIL CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE REMOVAL/TEST/INSTALLATION  ).

    Is the VTC oil control solenoid valve OK? 

    1. YES -  Go to step 10.
    2. 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 strainer and the VTC oil control solenoid valve.
  11. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 700-1,000 RPM.
  12. Connect ECM/PCM connector terminals A3 and B1 with a jumper wire.
    Fig 2: Connecting ECM/PCM Connector Terminals A3 And B1 With A Jumper Wire
    G03650922Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

    Did the engine stall or run rough? 

    1. 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/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see HOW TO UPDATE THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM (see ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ).
    2. NO -  Go to step 13.
  13. Check the VTC actuator (see VTC ACTUATOR INSPECTION ).

    Is the VTC actuator OK? 

    1. YES -  Update the ECM/PCM if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good ECM/PCM (see HOW TO UPDATE THE ECM/PCM ), then recheck. If the symptom/indication goes away with a known-good ECM/PCM, replace the original ECM/PCM (see ECM/PCM REPLACEMENT ).
    2. NO -  Replace the VTC actuator.
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