Does Non-Honda Oil Filter Damage V-Tec Switch?
 

2003 Honda Accord EX 4-dr 4cyl 2.4L

Diagnosed:

• P2646 - V Tec pressure switch malfuntion
• P0011 - Cam position

Issue:

• Engine light came on, car starts bucking at about 2800 RPMs.

Extraneous (possibly unnecessary info):

• Was rear-ended 4 wks ago. Picked up vehicle from repair shop this morning. Returned to repair shop who diagnosed P2646.
• Their explanation: Possibly b/c the car sat for more than a week. They reset switch and again on the way home engine light returned.
• V-tec switch replaced 10 months ago from recall or warranty, don't remember. Took it to dealer who diagnosed P2646 and P0011, the second code (P0011) the dealer says this is due to the P646. When that is fixed, the other should go away. They fixed it.

My Question: The dealer says the after market oil filter is causing the V tec switch code to come on. Is this possible? This secondary reason only came up after I declined the $800 additional brakes and rotor work. They said, if I continue to get my oil changed elsewhere using non-Honda oil filters they will not guarantee the part. I paid the $31 for the oil change. The v tec replacement was done under warranty.

Thanks for any insight.

The filter would have to be garbage for that to really be the cause. What brand & number was the filter?
General dirt, sludge, maybe leaving the oil too long, or ??? Tell us more detailed information about the oil change.

BTW, Welcome new member. Where are you located? I think in the USA it's illegal for them to deny warranty based on aftermarket parts that meet proper specs. UNLESS Honda supplies the parts & service free of charge.

OTOH, you could buy filters from the dealer & still change your own oil. They're not too rediculously priced.