P1253moderate severityPowertrain
VTEC System Circuit Fault
on 2013 Acura MDX 3.7L V6 · AWD
What this code means
Electrical fault in the VTEC solenoid circuit.
Symptoms
- CEL
- Loss of VTEC at high RPM
- Reduced top-end power
- Flat feeling above 4000 RPM
Common causes
- Faulty VTEC solenoid
- Open/short in wiring
- Low oil pressure
- Dirty oil clogging screens
Diagnostic steps
- Test solenoid resistance
- Check oil level
- Inspect VTEC screen
- Test with scan tool
Repair notes
Replace VTEC solenoid or change oil.
Other Powertrain codes on this vehicle
P0001
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open
P0002
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance
P0003
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low
P0004
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High
P0010
Intake Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
P0011
Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
P0012
Intake Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1
P0013
Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/Open Bank 1
P0014
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced Bank 1
P0015
Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing Over-Retarded Bank 1