PRODUCT DETAILS
Honda K Series VTEC Oil Pressure Switch - 37250-PR3-003
Getting a check engine light with a VTEC system malfunction code and your K series won't rev past 6000 RPM? Your VTEC oil pressure switch is probably dead. Honda part number 37250-PR3-003 is the OEM sensor that tells your ECU when VTEC's got enough oil pressure to engage. When it fails, your ECU won't activate VTEC because it thinks oil pressure's too low. You're stuck in low cam and your engine feels gutless at high RPM. Fresh OEM sensor fixes it and VTEC kicks back in where it should.
Here's What the VTEC Oil Pressure Switch Actually Does
Your VTEC system uses oil pressure to lock the high-lift cam lobes to the rocker arms. When you hit the VTEC engagement point (usually around 5800-6000 RPM depending on your engine), your ECU sends a signal to the VTEC solenoid. The solenoid opens and sends oil pressure to the VTEC mechanism in your cylinder head. The VTEC oil pressure switch monitors that oil pressure. When pressure's high enough, the switch closes and sends a signal back to the ECU saying "VTEC's got pressure, we're good to go." The ECU sees that signal and knows VTEC engaged properly. If the switch doesn't send that signal, the ECU thinks VTEC didn't engage and it throws a code. On some engines, the ECU won't even try to activate VTEC if the pressure switch is dead. You're stuck in low cam and your engine won't rev properly.
This is NOT Your Oil Pressure Dash Light Switch
Don't confuse this VTEC oil pressure switch with the oil pressure sender that controls your dash light. The VTEC switch (37250-PR3-003) mounts on the VTEC spool valve assembly on your cylinder head. It communicates directly with your ECU for VTEC operation. The oil pressure sender (37240-PT0-014) mounts on your oil pump and controls the low oil pressure warning light on your dash. Two completely different sensors in different locations doing different jobs. If your oil pressure light's on, you need 37240-PT0-014. If VTEC's not working and you've got a check engine code, you need 37250-PR3-003.
Why These Switches Always Fail
The VTEC oil pressure switch sits in your cylinder head bathed in hot engine oil. After 100k+ miles or 20+ years, the internal contacts corrode or the switch mechanism fails. Sometimes the connector gets oil-soaked and corroded from oil weeping past the O-ring. Once the switch is dead, it can't send the pressure signal to your ECU. You'll get a check engine code (P1259 on Hondas, varies by year and model) and VTEC won't engage. Your engine's gonna feel slow above 5500 RPM because you're running on the low-lift cam lobes instead of the high-lift VTEC lobes. Swapping in a fresh sensor fixes it instantly.
What You Get
- Honda OEM VTEC oil pressure switch (part number 37250-PR3-003)
- Direct replacement for factory VTEC pressure switch
- Mounts on VTEC spool valve assembly (cylinder head)
- Monitors VTEC oil pressure and sends signal to ECU
- Includes O-ring seal
- Same part your engine came with from the factory
Fits Your Car
- 2013-2015 Acura ILX
- 2002-2006 Acura RSX
- 2004-2014 Acura TSX
- 2008-2012 Honda Accord
- 2006-2015 Honda Civic Si
- 2010-2014 Honda CR-V
- 2012-2015 Honda Crosstour
Compatible Engines
- K20A2
- K20Z1, K20Z3
- K24A2
- k24Y2
- K24Z1, K24Z2, K24Z3, K24Z7