P1009 Honda VTC Valve Cleaning

Here's how to fix a P1009 or P2646 code for a stuck camshaft position on a Honda i-VTEC engine.

The P1009 code is often caused by a sticking Variable Timing Control valve. The VTC valve is responsible for controlling the intake camshaft timing. It is located on the passenger side of the engine. This is not to be confused with the VTEC valve, which is located at the back of the engine near the firewall.

Often the valve and its strainer get clogged with sludge and dirt from the engine oil. This causes insufficient oil flow and the solenoid to stick and not engage or disengage the timing control.

Sometimes the engine will run rough because it is out of time. Before spending money to replace the oil control valve altogether, try cleaning it out from debris and sludge to see if that resolves the problem. In this case, the engine light did not return even after driving 3000km!

The serpentine belt, power steering pump and belt tensioner need to be removed to access the VTC strainer. The VTC valve can be accessed on the side of the engine by merely removing a ground wire, though you'll need small hands as space is tight.

Use brake parts cleaner to clean both the strainer and solenoid, being careful to clean all mating surfaces before reinstalling.

Reset the check engine light using a scanner and then drive the vehicle a good 20-40km so the drive cycle can reset.

Ensure the engine oil level is near the full mark when diagnosing all variable timing related issues.

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