b16a1 ecu/vtec solenoid problem

[ricodemus]

we got the b16 in, but the ecu (pw0) is throwin code 21, which is the vtec solenoid (right?). anyway, we checked the setup, and everything seems fine. we troubleshooted using the helms manual and it seems to point to the ecu, does that seem right? we gave the solenoid 12v and it made the engine scream, so its working and we checked the resistance and things were fine except from the ecu side. I guess I have to go hunting for another ecu. anyone else had this problem, or know of another check?

[Moppie]

Well if the solonoid is working, then the problem is either in the ECU, or its in the wiring to the ECU.

But also remember that the ECU will not activate the solonoid if it finds other problems.

It needs a good signal from the oil pressure sensor, the engine temp sensor, and the Vechile speed sensor.
So the car has to be moving, and the engine upto temp and with good oil pressure before it will activate.
It might be an idea to check those sensors as well before you worry about replacing the ECU.

[5_LiTeR_EaTeR]

damn I got the same problem but its with the vtec oil pressure code 22 and 15 which is ignition output signal whatever the hell that is. code 21 is the vtec solenoid. Since you checked everything after the solenoid and jumped the solenoid with 12v's then make sure the wire to it is okay and make sure YOU HAVE THE WIRE GOING TO THE RIGHT PIN IN THE ECU! As I recall it was pin "A8". Honda ecu connectors read left to right even numbers on top odds on bottom. Also make sure the ECU pin is okay. The ecu is rarely ever the problem in fuel injected vehicles. try rechecking wiring and all. Did it work before then just go out? or did you just finish the swap and fixing bugs? my vtec hasn't been working ever since I did the swap which was about 3 months ago. Clutch slips too on hole shots. Really gay.... Hope that helps buddy!

[ricodemus]

well, I was figuring that the other sensors were working soince I didnt get any codes from them, only 21 (so wouldnt that mean they are ok?). but since you mentioned the vss, maybe it makes a difference that I'm using the mechanical vss from my old tranny? I believe the wiring is right, I'll check it myself. And yes, the swap is just done, and the vtec has yet to work, the only problem we're still having. Let me know on that vss...thanks guys for your input. The only reason we're using the old one is to keep my cluster working until the SiR cluster is installed.

[Moppie]

If the mechanical one dosnt have a signal going to the ECU then no the VTEC shouldn't work.

If it does, and its sending a signal the ECU can understand then it should be fine.

As 5 liter said the ECU is very rarely the problem, and its most likely in the wiring, if its not the VSS

[ricodemus]

hmm...that may be it then - anyone know if the mechanical speed sensors from the old d-series tranny's send a signal to the ecu? Thanks for the help again moppie.

[91zc]

I am using the old mechanical speed sensor off a dseries motor and y Vtec is activating. I believe the signal is sent to the cluster and converted to an electrical signal before the ecu reads it.

[ricodemus]

Originally posted by 91zc
I am using the old mechanical speed sensor off a dseries motor and y Vtec is activating. I believe the signal is sent to the cluster and converted to an electrical signal before the ecu reads it.

yep, that seems like the verdict. I'm gonna check the wiring again, but it looks like my ecu may be faltering. This sucks, too many stupid things. I hope this motor is ready to scream at 8k when vtec is working. Thanks fellas.

[B16a4me]

Yeah, I've got the same problem. B16 into 3 gen civic and can't get VTEC. I tried fitting the speedo from the integra but still no VTEC. Is there a way of fooling the computer?

It needs to read a square wave signal from the sensor. Can this wave be simulate electronically?

Need help......Need VTEC.

[5_LiTeR_EaTeR]

well I just looked into my Vtec yesterday. WEIRD!!! okay well first I was gonna jump the vtec oil pressure switch with a 12v signal to bypass my wiring. I took a wire hooked it up to a safety pin and hooked it up to the wire that goes the the ECU and to the vtec oil pressure switch. that pin got so f**king Red HOTT!! I should have check to see if it had power or ground first anyways I check my ground to it and it was good. But listen to this. one side goes the the ecu other side to ground... my ground is good. the wire that goes to the ecu has a ground when plugged into the vtec pressure switch, When I unplug it NO MORE GROUND!? I check to see if it has ground to the pins on the switch and it doesnt!? so weird. no ground when its unplugged and there is when it is plugged in. The pins to the switch aren't grounded... you think this might mean I got a shorted pressure switch? anyone know how much thery go for? this is stupid. I think I am gonna go check my wiring to the ECu from thwe switch.

I need help too... I NEED VTEC!!!!!!!

ohh yeah... how much faster do you think it will be with the vtec? I mean the car still hauls without it but I dunno.... b16a in a CRX with all bolt ons... anyone know what I will run? THANKS

[ricodemus]

try putting 12v to the vtec solenoid and check it for function. you can hear it clicking when it is activating, or play with the throttle while toggling. We are all gonna be so happy when our vtec works. I'm in the process of getting another ecu...

It seems that most b16 powered crx's are in the high 14s in the 1/4...

[B16a4me]

Yeah, It'll be a pizza night that night for sure

Does a V-AFC need the same inputs before it'll actuate VTEC? I want to get one anyway and if it'll work without the stupid @#$% VSS, I'll make it a priority.

[5_LiTeR_EaTeR]

WAAAAAA!!! So I'm sitting at work in my garage nothing to do and decided to go on the computer and shoot up some Wiring diagrams to check my VTec. I tell my boss whats going on ( KNOWS A HELLA LOAD OF SHEITZ ) and goes ohh its a pressure switch eh? so I go outside mess with the wiring, jump the solenoid and it sounded pretty kool but it was at idle and sorta did some weird stuff. Anyways I know the switch is good cuz I check for continuity and decided to check my wiring backto the ecu. I want to bring my car in and I couldn't because we are about to leave. I grab some tool go home and cut the electrical tape I wrapped the wires in. start it up 2 times and check engne light still come on. Go back side take a nap and go over to a buddies. I get to the entrance of my sub... no check engine light..... I say hmmm to myself.... behind a tracker and I floor it down the street. HOLY SH*T!!! I got right on the ass of that tracker like no other, see that no one is coming and swing around him. I felt like an ass. I go over to my buds tell him my Vtec works and he goes yeah okay Big Al.... take him for a spin all you see him do is grab that damn "Ohh Shit!" handle and my arm yelling at me to slow my ass down! LMAO! I HAVE VTEC!!! I AM AN ADDICT!!!!! Thankyou to all of you who motivated me to look into the Vtec problem..... I am a lazy man and I still would be sitting here without Vtec. You guys are great!!!!

I NEED VTEC!!!!! Correction.... NEEDED!!! MUHAHAHAHA!!!

[jOYRiDe]

Originally posted by 5_LiTeR_EaTeR
[b]i take him for a spin all you see him do is grab that damn "Ohh Shit!" handle and my arm yelling at me to slow my ass down! B]

hahaha i get that everytime i drive with a friend in the car

[ricodemus]

5_liter - what do you think the problem was then? ..and congrats on getting it to work.