P1259 VTEC system fault

By: Diagno editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-15

P1259 means: VTEC system fault. The engine computer turns the camshaft using oil pressure so the valves open at the right moment. Drive gently and have the car checked soon. The repair usually costs about €80–900 in Estonia. The most common cause: oil level low, oil old or the wrong grade.

What it means

The engine computer turns the camshaft using oil pressure so the valves open at the right moment. Right now the camshaft isn't where the computer wants it, or the computer can't drive the control valve properly.

This is a make-specific code (Honda). The exact meaning can vary by model and year.

What you may notice

• Engine light on
• Rough idle
• Less power, especially at low revs
• Higher fuel consumption

What could be wrong

1. 1Oil level low, oil old or the wrong grade
2. 2Control valve sticking or its screen blocked
3. 3Worn camshaft phaser
4. 4Stretched timing chain

Repair difficulty: Moderate

What you can check yourself

Check the oil level first and when it was last changed. Old oil is the most common cause of this fault. You can check the simple things yourself, but the repair is best done in a workshop.

How we fix it

1. We check the oil and compare actual and target cam position on the diagnostic tool
2. We clean or replace the control valve
3. If the chain has stretched, we replace the chain kit

Standard SAE description: VTEC System Malfunction