During 6 Cylinder Mode

With rocker arm oil control solenoids A (Bank 1), B (Bank 1), and A (Bank 2) OFF, the rocker arm oil control valves direct oil pressure. Oil pressure enters the secondary rocker arm from the oil passage in the rocker shaft, and it moves the VTEC switching piston, sliding it into the primary rocker arm and locking primary rocker arms and secondary rocker arms together. The rocker arms are lifted by the camshaft, and all cylinders are active.

Fig 1: VCM System-Operation Diagram - 6 Cylinder Mode (Rear Bank 1 And Front Bank 2)

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.