BryanZ

Hi,


My apologies for such a long post: A few weeks ago a reputable shop installed a Remote Starter in my 2001 Accord EX VTEC 4 cylinder. The system didn't work, but after bringing the car back 3 or 4 times, they were able to finally get the Remote Starter to work by swaping in and out different key replicator modules.

Ever since the first visit however, the engine when started cold, runs as if in Limp Mode. In this Limp Mode, the idle speed is around 400 RPM, the acceleration is very slow, and the RPM is limited to 3000.

After the car warms up, it drives farily normal, with the exception that sometimes the engine revs itself between 1000 and 3000 RPM at any road speed between 20 and 70MPH. This freaks me out.

The local auto parts store pulled the code, which is P1607. Their computer and the Honda Dealer, said the code means the following:

ECM / PCM Internal Circuit Failure A

Probable Causes:
1 - Open or short circuit condition
2 - Poor electrical connection
3 - Failed ECM

Definition - ECM Internal Shutdown timer rationality condition

Explanation - Key turned on and the PCM detected a problem in the internal shutdown rationality circuit.

Probabl Causes:
1 - Failed ECM


Even though the guy at the Remote Starter shop was professional and courteous, their technician did leave a set of wires they connected bare - without tape.

After several attempts by the Remote Starter shop to solve this issue by testing all the sensors in the car that their Certified Auto Technician was capable of, as well as sending the car to an outside auto repair facility, they ended up removing the entire system and refunding all of our money.

The car goes to the Honda dealer next week, and the guy at Remote Starter shop said that they would pay for the replacement of the ECM / PCM if the mechanic at the dealer called him and proved via sound troubleshooting techniques that the Remote Starter shop indeed caused damage by their attempts to get the system working. They won't pay for parts that failed out of normal wear and tear, nor would I expect them to.

Has anyone experienced similiar Limp Mode, and if so, what was done to fix it?


Many thanks,

~b

P_Adams

I believe your Honda Dealer is being honest with you.
Although I don't install alarms on a professional level (I do it mostly as a favor), I take my time; research the wiring harness and avoid at all costs ANYTHING associated with the Engine Management System.
There is the good chance that they grabbed the wrong wires to splice into/cut.
If you've got an iron clad agreement to be reimbursed, let your Honda Dealer do his thing.

P

arne.kaplan

I have a 2001 cl with the same 1607 error and runs in limp mode during cold mornings

What was the resolution on your 2001 EX?

holmesnmanny

lol the odds of the ignition system components going out at the exact moment before the work was done are about the same as the Iraq war being shown to be worth it.

uberEFtuner

I would run screaming from that shop. If it takes 3 or more visits to fix it they are idiots. I,m a professional installer with more the 5 years of experience.

Did they admit that they left wires bare? If so they admitted that they screwed up. They should pay for your repairs anyway.