# P2646 Code on 2004 Honda Element

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/p2646-code-on-2004-honda-element/131335>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** oil-changes, engines, oil, element, honda\
**Created:** [December 24, 2018, 5:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/p2646-code-on-2004-honda-element/131335 "2018-12-24T05:04:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Misael\_Ramos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a6a055/32.png) [@Misael\_Ramos](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Misael_Ramos)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 5:04am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/p2646-code-on-2004-honda-element/131335/1 "2018-12-24T05:04:10Z")

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Check engine came on and it read P2646 which is apparently as a result of engine sludge immobilizing a rocker arm actuator. Should I do a flush? With what?

Solution was to replace the spool valve gasket ($5-15). I also changed the oil as the owner had put in waaaayyyy too much. Oil was not dirty but could be due to the added oil.

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**Author:** ![COROLLAGUY1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/corollaguy1/32/7575_2.png) [@COROLLAGUY1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/COROLLAGUY1)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 10:52am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/p2646-code-on-2004-honda-element/131335/2 "2018-12-24T10:52:53Z")

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Its not always caused by dirty oil and sludge. First,take out the dipstick and check the color of the oil.Is it clean?If relatively clean,there might be a problem with the VTEC valve assembly. Follow this video to replace it.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 4:15pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/p2646-code-on-2004-honda-element/131335/3 "2018-12-24T16:15:36Z")

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Change the oil and filter and add Seafoam to the oil to see if provides any benefit.

> **[Sea Foam Motor Treatment](https://seafoamsales.com/sea-foam-motor-treatment/)**
>
> MAKE THE PROVEN CHOICE!
> Works and Performs Quickly:
> Professional mechanics and do-it-yourselfers everywhere rely on this product every day. Sea Foam Motor Treatment dissolves and cleans fuel and oil residues and deposits, stabilizes fuel, controls...

Tester