My check engine light went on and I took it to my mech. who scanned it with the computer. The code came up faulty VTECH circuit, or short circuit. He said it wouldn't damage the engine, that I could wait until next year to fix it. What it would really affect was my smog he said. I'm not comfortable seeing the check engine light on all the time--it kind of worries me. Was my mechanic, whom I trust and has done good jobs on my car, wrong or right? Please let me know! Thanks.

 

You don't need VTEC. It will be fine without it, you will just lack a little bit of power.

 

Try unplugging the VTEC solenoid and sensor under the hood (on the back of the engine near the distributor). That may clear the short so the light stays out except if you try to rev above 5500 (rare in everyday driving) the VTEC won't kick in and that will trigger a light.

 

Well thank you very much for answering both of you! I'll try to find the solenoid mk378. One other thing, there was a little oil on one of the nut/screws on the vtec cover (or gasket?). Should I worry about that? Thanks again.

 

My boyfriend has a 93 Ex his vtech has quite on him several times since he bought the car. the solenoid is always the problem too. It actually just started acting up today!

 

That can also be caused by low oil pressure due to low oil levels. I have had that come up on my car because I was low on oil and didnt realize it and was getting on the interstate and went above 5500 rpm to merge with traffic