P1259 fault code: what it means

P1259: Honda VTEC system fault. The ECU commanded VTEC (oil-pressure switched cam lobes) but did not see the right response. Above about 4000 rpm it is usually oil related; near idle usually electrical.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Costly if missed

Usual causes, most likely first

VTEC solenoid wiring or connector (if set near idle)
faulty VTEC solenoid or blocked solenoid screen
faulty VTEC oil pressure switch
low or dirty engine oil (if set above about 4000 rpm)

P1259 by make

Honda

Honda VTEC system fault. The ECU commanded VTEC (oil-pressure switched cam lobes) but did not see the right response. Above about 4000 rpm it is usually oil related; near idle usually electrical.

Usual causes: VTEC solenoid wiring or connector (if set near idle); faulty VTEC solenoid or blocked solenoid screen; faulty VTEC oil pressure switch; low or dirty engine oil (if set above about 4000 rpm)

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Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.