Rep Power: 0

What does the gravy boat light mean ? Thanks Olly I have the oil pressure light (gravy boat) light on all the time and then the eml light comes on and throws up code p2646. When I start my car it will run and fine and hit vtec in first and second no problem nothing wrong unless I hit limiter in these gears then it goes straight to limp mode but if I go into 3rd and try and go above 4000rpm it goes straight into limp mode aswell and won’t go above 4000rpm I take it that this is being caused by the low oil pressure not activating vtec properly but what could be causing this. Engine oil was changed recently along with new filter and the oil level is fine. Also replaced the idle air control valve as the car was suffering from surging idle and also changed the vtec solenoid and sensor to see if that would make a difference but no change. Any help would be appreciated and please get back to me asap
Thanks Olly

 
Rep Power: 222

It means that car isn't detecting oil pressure.
have you checked the oil level?
Oil pressure switch/sensor might be bad but you need to do some checking before throwing parts at it

 
Rep Power: 0

Hi Colin The oil is fine Ive checked that and am keeping an eye on it it’s just at the top of marking. I don’t think it can be bad oil pressure sensor however as that is only wired to the light on the dash it doesn’t go to the ecu so therefore if the sensor was bad it wouldn’t be able to put the car into limp mode and wouldn’t be able to stop the car hitting vtec any other ideas ? thanks Olly

 
Rep Power: 224

Low oil pressure will cause both. Has the oil/filter been changed recently? Major oil leak somewhere? Wrong oil used?

 
Rep Power: 0

The engine was changed 500mile ago when I changed the engine I did the head gasket and changed oil filter etc there are no oil leaks and the oil I used was the recommended 5W-30 so that’s all correct. It’s not losing oil so that’s not the problem I’m wondering if it would be oil pump or something like that or could there be a fault with the wiring ? thanks Olly

 
Rep Power: 133

A good rule of thumb is that if the P1259 (or P2646) code sets at 4000 RPM or below, it’s usually the VTEC pressure switch wiring issue or bad switch. If it is set at 4000 RPM or greater, it’ll usually be an oil related issue.Here are the most common causes for P2646:

• Wrong Oil– If you are unsure of the oil weight used in your CR-V’s last oil change, this would be a great place to start. Even if you are sure of the oil weight, take a look at the dipstick. Make sure that it doesn’t look milky. If it does look milky, you could have some coolant leaking into the oil pan. That’s usually caused by a leaking head gasket. This would hurt the oil’s viscosity and trigger the P2646.
• Low Oil– If the dipstick is not registering oil at all, it may be too low for the VTEC system to function properly.
• Wiring Issue– P2646 indicates that the voltage from the VTEC/Rocker oil pressure switch is low. This means that a wiring issue very well could be at fault. Take a look at the wiring harness where it plugs into this switch. Make sure that it is undamaged and securely plugged in. Trace the wiring back and see if it is damaged anywhere.
• Bad VTEC/Rocker Oil Pressure Switch– After looking at the oil and making sure that it’s ok, and checking the electrical connection, replacing the switch is the next thing to try. On most Honda made vehicles they aren’t that hard to get to. And, they aren’t that expensive. There are many technical service bulletins on Honda made vehicles for this switch.

Clogged VTEC solenoid filter or poor fitting rubber seal?