2012 Honda CR-Z Base, Standard TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

System Description: VTEC

  • This system improves fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions at all levels of engine speed, vehicle speed, and engine load.
  • The VTEC system changes the cam profile to correspond to engine speed. It maximizes torque at low engine speed and output at high engine speed.
  • The valve pause cam (low lift cam) is used at low engine speeds, and the high lift cam is used at high engine speeds.
  • The rocker arm oil control solenoid switches both intake rocker arms of the VTEC system on and off; the solenoid is controlled by the ECM/PCM.
  • The rocker arm oil pressure switch detects VTEC system oil pressure and sends this information to the ECM/PCM.
    ROCKER ARM OIL CONTROL SOLENOID REFERENCE

    ENGINE SPEED ROCKER ARM OIL CONTROL SOLENOID ROCKER ARM OIL PRESSURE SWITCH INTAKE VALVE LIFT
    LOW OFF ON PAUSE (LOW)
    HIGH ON OFF HIGH
    Fig 1: Identifying Rocker Arm Oil Control Solenoid, Rocker Arm Oil Control Arm And Rocker Arm Oil Pressure Switch
    G06949764Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.