Hey Guys and Gals,

A couple of weeks ago I took my '04 6MT to Acura of Auburn, MA to have them look into a Check Engine light occurrence (happened 10 days before they looked at the car). They found no problems with any of the Oxygen sensors so they reflashed the ECU with the latest firmware.

My concern is this: Ever since the reflash it seems as if my TL doesn't have the same get up and go (3rd gear passing used to be absolutely wild, now it just seems so so). Any chance that the VTEC process is not happening? Has anyone else had this happen to them?

Thanks,
TL-Rocket

 

You should hear a noticeable increase in intake noise at 4500 rpm if the VTEC is working. Also, the VTEC will not work if the engine is not up to operating temperature. A reflash will require the computer relearn the optimal parameters and don't forget the recent warmer weather will reduce HP too. If the VTEC is not working, I suspect the power would fall off before redline (it did in my '99 Civic Si when a luke warm engine would not engage VTEC).

Hopefully, Acura's latest software did not dull response. A friend owned a RX7 twin turbo that had a Jekyl and Hyde throttle response, but it was way fast. He took it back for a software update and the car felt smoother, but way too tame afterward.

 

Warm the car up.

Find a freeway on ramp without anyone in front of you.

Put car in second gear.

Mash go pedal to floor.

At about 4,500 RPM, you should feel some torque steer kick in.

No torque steer = no VTEC.