P2646 code 2005 civic, vtec not kicking in yo
P2646 code 2005 civic, vtec not kicking in yo
im struggling with this stupid VTEC sensor on the passenger side of the head it keeps throwing the p2646 code (A Rocker Arm Actuator System Performance Stuck Off Bank 1). I changed the oil, replaced the oil pressure sender switch on the Vtec actuator, and after those didnt fix it i replaced the entire Vtec actuator with a new honda part for $200. Its still throwing the code.
This issue started a few months ago when a local shop replaced the Head gasket. Code popped up the day after i took the car home from the head gasket job. They decked the head and replaced the gasket which solved the overheating issue i chased for months.
Given the head gasket job they did, is there a chance something is bad inside the head from the shops handy work or does this sound like an electrical issue (pinched wire etc)? I took it back to the shop that did the head gasket job and they trouble-shot until they got to the point where they had to confirm the vtec actuator's sensor was getting oil pressure which they dont have the special service tool for and are now telling me to go to honda for diagnostic. Now honda is going to rail me for a few hours of labor to diagnose something i am fairly certain is related to this head gasket job. Do you guys have any input about potential causes here for this code? I have replaced the entire part that i am seeing is even related to this code.
2005 Civic EX 140K miles. COMPLETELY STOCK, hasnt been abused its my daily driver just FYI.
This issue started a few months ago when a local shop replaced the Head gasket. Code popped up the day after i took the car home from the head gasket job. They decked the head and replaced the gasket which solved the overheating issue i chased for months.
Given the head gasket job they did, is there a chance something is bad inside the head from the shops handy work or does this sound like an electrical issue (pinched wire etc)? I took it back to the shop that did the head gasket job and they trouble-shot until they got to the point where they had to confirm the vtec actuator's sensor was getting oil pressure which they dont have the special service tool for and are now telling me to go to honda for diagnostic. Now honda is going to rail me for a few hours of labor to diagnose something i am fairly certain is related to this head gasket job. Do you guys have any input about potential causes here for this code? I have replaced the entire part that i am seeing is even related to this code.
2005 Civic EX 140K miles. COMPLETELY STOCK, hasnt been abused its my daily driver just FYI.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
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Re: P2646 code 2005 civic, vtec not kicking in yo
Remove the valve cover.
Look for this bolt missing:

A short bolt was supposed to be in that hole, may be shown in the pic but not sure, as this wasn't my pic..
VTEC actuating oil pressure is bleeding out through the open hole.
Look for this bolt missing:
A short bolt was supposed to be in that hole, may be shown in the pic but not sure, as this wasn't my pic..
VTEC actuating oil pressure is bleeding out through the open hole.
Last edited by ezone; Oct 5, 2015 at 09:13 PM.
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 32,017
Likes: 256
From: Midwest. Aiming about mid-chest
Rep Power: 518 










Re: P2646 code 2005 civic, vtec not kicking in yo
Also....make sure all the wires are plugged in, and plugged in to the correct connectors.
And the oil filter......I've actually seen VTEC codes cured by replacing the oil filter. If all else fails, switch to a better brand (factory?)
And the oil filter......I've actually seen VTEC codes cured by replacing the oil filter. If all else fails, switch to a better brand (factory?)
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