After reading all the posts about VTEC engagement and everybody comparing when and how it activates, I got curious. So I read my manual and decided to do this mod so I would know exactly when and under what conditions VTEC is activated. You may be surprised, it doesn't always come on at the same rpm.
This mod causes the right turn signal indicator to illuminate when VTEC is active. It does not interfere with the turn signals or hazard lights, but it does have priority over the turn signal indicator ( the right turn signal indicator will be lit steadily when VTEC is engaged, even if the turn signals themselves are blinking).
Mod 2 adds a VTEC counter to count the number of times VTEC is activated.
See here for details.
Remove interior trim panels (driver's side foot well) | |
Splice wires using crimp connectors (2 wires under the dash) | |
Soldering Iron. It's easier to solder the diodes together, but you could do it with crimp connectors. |
2 general purpose diodes rated 50 volts 1 amp (1N4001 or similar) | |
18" of 18 to 22 gauge wire | |
crimp splice connectors or solder (your preference) | |
Heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape |
If you bought the above stuff from Radio Shack it would maybe cost you $5.
You only need the diodes if, like me, you use the turn signal indicator to show VTEC activation. I used it so I wouldn't have to find a place to mount a separate indicator, plus it is right next to the tach and is easy to see. If you decide to use a separate indicator lamp or LED, you don't need the diodes and installation is even easier. See Optional Installation Procedure at the bottom of this page.
Diagram for using a transistor to drive the factory security LED as a VTEC indicator