AutoCodes – Honda – P1259 1999 Honda Civic

P1259 1999 Honda Civic Code - VTEC System Malfunction

Quick Answer

The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system activate the VTEC solenoid valve by the command from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and it charges/discharges the hydraulic circuit of the VTEC mechanism that is installed in the valve system to switch valve timing between Low and High. Common causes include Low engine oil level or oil pressure, Faulty Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) solenoid, VTEC Solenoid harness is open or shorted. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1259 1999 Honda Civic indicates VTEC System Malfunction.
Common causes: Common causes include Low engine oil level or oil pressure, Faulty Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) solenoid, VTEC Solenoid harness is open or shorted.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 13,793

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jul 21, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1259 1999 Honda Civic Description

The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system activate the VTEC solenoid valve by the command from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), and it charges/discharges the hydraulic circuit of the VTEC mechanism that is installed in the valve system to switch valve timing between Low and High. The PCM monitors oil pressure conditions in the hydraulic circuit of the VTEC mechanism according to the VTEC oil pressure switch downstream of the VTEC solenoid valve. If there is a disparity between the oil pressure condition in the hydraulic circuit that is determined by the PCM command, and the oil pressure condition that is determined by the status of the VTEC oil pressure switch, the system is considered faulty and the P1259 code is stored.

OBDII Code P1259 1999 Honda Civic - VTEC System Malfunction - AutoCodes.com — P1259 1999 Honda Civic Code - VTEC System Malfunction

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1259 1999 Honda Civic?

Low engine oil level or oil pressure
Faulty Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) solenoid
VTEC Solenoid harness is open or shorted
VTEC circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty VTEC oil pressure switch

How to Fix the DTC P1259 1999 Honda Civic?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Make sure the oil level is good and it is not dirty, if the oil is dirty replace it with the correct oil weight. Dirty oil can clog the VTEC assembly so you might have to take it apart and clean it (and replace the seals).

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1259 1999 Honda Civic code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1259 1999 Honda Civic code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1259 1999 Honda Civic code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1259 1999 Honda Civic code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1259 1999 Honda Civic Code

1. What does OBDII code P1259 on a 1999 Honda Civic indicate?

- OBDII code P1259 on a 1999 Honda Civic indicates a VTEC system malfunction.

2. What are the common symptoms of a VTEC system malfunction (P1259) in a 1999 Honda Civic?

- Common symptoms include a check engine light, rough engine idling, decreased engine performance, and potential stalling.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1259 in a 1999 Honda Civic?

- Possible causes include low engine oil level, clogged VTEC solenoid screen, faulty VTEC oil pressure switch, or a malfunctioning VTEC pressure switch.

4. How can I diagnose a VTEC system malfunction (P1259) in my 1999 Honda Civic?

- Diagnose by checking the engine oil level, inspecting the VTEC solenoid screen for clogs, testing the VTEC oil pressure switch, and verifying proper VTEC system operation.

5. How can I repair a VTEC system malfunction (P1259) in a 1999 Honda Civic?

- Repair steps may include topping up engine oil, cleaning or replacing the VTEC solenoid screen, replacing a faulty VTEC oil pressure switch, or addressing any other identified issues causing the malfunction.

6. Can I continue driving my 1999 Honda Civic with the VTEC system malfunction (P1259) code?

- It is not recommended to drive your vehicle with a VTEC system malfunction as it can lead to engine performance issues and potential damage if left unresolved.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair a VTEC system malfunction (P1259) in a 1999 Honda Civic?

- The cost of repairs can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

8. Will resetting the OBDII code P1259 in my 1999 Honda Civic make the issue go away?

- Resetting the code may temporarily turn off the check engine light, but it will not fix the underlying problem causing the VTEC system malfunction. It's important to diagnose and repair the issue properly.

9. How often does the VTEC system malfunction (P1259) occur in a 1999 Honda Civic?

- The occurrence of a VTEC system malfunction can vary depending on factors like maintenance, driving habits, and overall vehicle condition.

10. Can a DIY enthusiast with basic automotive knowledge fix a VTEC system malfunction (P1259) in a 1999 Honda Civic?

- Depending on the specific cause, some DIY enthusiasts with basic automotive knowledge may be able to diagnose and repair a VTEC system malfunction, while more complex issues may require professional assistance.