The vtec oil pressure switch tells the computer when the engine has the correct amount of oil pressure for the vtec to engage.
its not really called a vtec sensor. its a Vtec Solenoid, the solenoid has an oil pressure switch mounted on the solenoid. When the head reaches a certain pressure the oil pressure switch sends a signal to the ecu and the ecu sends a signal to the solenoid to open the extra valves
VTEC could stop working for a number of reasons: Oil Pressure Sensor: Can prevent VTEC from engaging if oil pressure is insufficient (normal operation), or could incorrectly report low oil pressure (faulty operation) VTEC Solenoid: This solenoid opens to route oil through the passages in the head that provide oil pressure to engage the VTEC cam followers. If your oil has sludge or foreign material in it, the VTEC solenoid can become clogged and fail to provide enough pressure to allow VTEC to engage. Wiring: The wires that link the oil pressure switch or the VTEC solenoid to the computer could have been damaged; inspect the wiring as best you can. Computer: The computer can detect problems and put the engine into "limp mode", which can disable VTEC and lower the rev limiter to prevent damage to the valvetrain or other components of the engine if a problem is detected. This should be accompanied by a check engine light. Since your car is OBDI do a google search to find out how to read your codes. There is information out there that will tell you how to get the computer to display the code(s) and whether they are displayed by a light on the computer, or flashed out on the CEL, or displayed in another manner.
The oil pressure switch on a 2000 Honda Civic is on the top of the motor. It screws in the side of the vtec solenoid.
Code 22 means: VTEC Pressure Switch
P2646 Rocker Arm Actuator System Performance or Stuck Off. This is a generic code. The code for VTEC is DTC P2646 (VTEC oil pressure switch circuit low voltage) The fix is to replace the VTEC Oil Pressure Switch (P/N 37250-PNE-G01, H/C 6737217).
The VTEC oil pressure switch is a safeguard to the VTEC system; it will only allow VTEC to engage if there is sufficient oil pressure. VTEC only engages at higher RPMs so the engine should not spit and sputter at idle; it may well stumble at high RPMS or, if the computer is in limp mode it may engage an artificial rev limiter much lower than your redline - which would cause the car to sputter once you hit that RPM. This is to protect your engine if the computer detects a serious problem. If you do not trust the dealer (my local Honda dealer is the worst ever) then get a second opinion. Have your CEL code read, you can do this for free at Advance or Auto Zone or whatever auto parts store you have in your area, or you can buy an OBDII code reader for yourself, but they are fairly expensive. Or take it to an independent mechanic that has a good reputation for working with imports in your area.
On an 03 Accord if you pull the right wheel off, look straight ahead. To the right you'll see the oil filter, to the left is the switch.
The oil pressure valve is on the back of the engine passengers side above the oil filter. It is adjacent to the firewall. If you open the Hood go on the passengers side you will see it with a metal cover on it
The code in which you are referring to is from the OBD-O B16A Pr 3 ecu. Code 22 which is the Variable Valve Timing & Valve Lift Electronic Control Pressure Switch... aka (VTEC Pressure Switch) Hope this helped.
Its called an ls-vtec conversion, there are tons of write-ups online (honda forums) about it. However it basically involves buying an ls-vtec conversion kit and drilling/running some oil passages in order for vtec to engage.
You can use any d15 series motor as long as it is not vtec. But also it isn't to expensive to switch to a d15b vtec motor you just need vtec ecu and wiring harness that can be found for about $100 on eBay. I switched my car from d15 non-vtec to d15b vtec for about $650 including the price of the motor.