deschlong

iTrader: (8)

From the "Here he goes again..." dept.:

OEM JDM 5G 1992-95 Honda Civic Traction Control System (TCS) Theoretical Retrofit DIY

Preface

I haven’t performed this retrofit, nor do I intend to because I don’t plan to own a B16-series motor. However, I’ve done some research on what’s involved and thought there might be interest in a DIY for how to go about it theoretically, if someone was interested in assembling the correct parts to attempt it.

Introduction

We all know that the Japanese Market got some great equipment on these Civics. Some of you might even know that a Traction Control System (TCS) was available on the JDM EG6 and EG9 Civics. See an example of the TCS switch in Figure 1. Well, there’s a lot of mods, swaps, and retrofits I’ve seen done to these 90s Civics, and there’s barely a single question that hasn’t been asked and answered on the forums to date. K-swaps, J-swaps, XYZ-swaps? Check. Comfy CL seats? Check. AWD retrofit? Check. The list goes on. However, one retrofit that I have never seen attempted is that of the OEM JDM TCS feature on an LHD 5G Civic.


Figure 1. TCS switch.

I’m going to set about helping to change this. Even though I don’t plan on doing this mod personally, I think it would be cool to see someone else attempt it. I can think of a dozen reasons why it hasn’t been done yet, though: Availability of parts mainly comes to mind, and a lack of interest perhaps, but also a lack of documentation. I can’t do much about the former two, but the latter I can do my best to address. There was a time when I thought this retrofit wasn’t possible, but with more research I have now changed my mind. For some reason I thought it required more hardware than it did, but really it’s all electrically and computer-driven.

Herein, I’ll provide a list of required parts, and some resources to consult. Unfortunately, this install is not for your typical broke-*** Civic owner. Sorry. Actually, if you just want TCS functionality without all the attendant OEM fanciness, it will probably be cheapest to install a Hondata Traction Control. But, this write-up is for someone who wants to use all the OEM technology and features of the original unit, including using the original gauge cluster. That’s not to say you couldn’t hybridize the two systems, maybe, if you were so inclined - especially if you want to use a different motor.

TCS basically works by piggybacking on to the ABS system. The TCS brain monitors differences in wheel speed and applies the brake to reduce torque/wheel speed. This can be a front wheels vs. rear wheels problem, or a left vs. right front wheel problem where the application of the brake to one wheel mimics the function of an LSD and shift traction to the wheel with grip. I won’t claim to be an expert on the topic. Here is a little video of the basics of operation.

Disclaimer
Or, "Don't point fingers, you only have yourself to blame"

Every effort has been made to make these instructions as complete and accurate as possible with the information I have available, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The information is provided on an “as is” basis. The author(s) and the website/publisher(s) shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages or inconvenience arising from the information contained herein, nor due to any omissions. Read: Don't muck up your vehicle and try to blame me or anyone else. You are responsible for your own due diligence and research.


Parts Required

Like I stated, not for the faint of heart:

• 5G Civic with functioning ABS (or an ABS retrofit - yikes)
• ODB1 B16 Motor
• JDM TCS-enabled P30 ECU - p/n 37820-P30-930 or 37820-P30-N21
• TCS Switch (Figure 1)
• Gauge cluster with TCS symbols (Figure 2)
• TCS Brain - p/n 39900-SR3-003
• JDM TCS-enabled ABS Brain - p/n 39790-SR3-981
• Steering column sensor - p/n 53390-SR3-N52
• Wiring between all this stuff

The TCS Brain talks to the ABS brain as well as the ECU. Both of these parts are different on a JDM EG6/9 with TCS vs. a non-TCS JDM EG6/9, so you need all this stuff. Since TCS only came on the EG6/9, and TCS talks to the ECU, it follows that this retrofit is only possible if you also have a B16 motor installed that requires the P30 ECU. I’m not sure it matters if it’s a JDM or CDM/USDM version of the motor, but if you have emissions requirements that you can’t pass with a JDM ECU or motor in your jurisdiction, you’re going to have to consider carefully how you plan to do this swap. To get really fancy you may consider piggybacking both ECUs together somehow, or seeing if the TCS functionality of the JDM one can be transferred into the CDM/USDM one.


Figure 2. EG6 cluster with TCS symbols. (Courtesy BlueIntegraBoy).


Try to get a cluster that includes pigtails for the breakout box mounted on the back (Figure 2a) because these size connectors are actually uncommon due to the number of pins on them.


Figure 2a. Pigtails required on back side of TCS cluster. (Courtesy BlueIntegraBoy)

The steering sensor is a bit of an unknown currently to me as to how it works and exactly what it does (Figure 3, 3a & 3b). But, it appears to slip over the steering column under the steering wheel. However, know that other Honda vehicles from this era also had a similar sensor, such as the NSX and the 94-95 Acura Legend.


Figure 3. EG Steering column sensor (Part # 14).


Figure 3a. EG Steering column sensor, when mounted (Courtesy: derek_k)


Figure 3b. EG Steering column sensor, when mounted, showing connector (Courtesy: derek_k)



Installation Instructions


Well, you’re really in uncharted waters here. However, once you have the above parts, it’s a matter of connecting all the wiring between them.

Here are some wiring diagrams which will make your life easier. JDM TCS, ABS, and DOHC VTEC ECU (Figures 4, 5 and 6, respectively - click link above each to view larger size):

FIGURE 4 LINK TO LARGER VIEW

Figure 4. JDM TCS Wiring Diagram.

FIGURE 5 LINK TO LARGER VIEW

Figure 5. JDM ABS Wiring Diagram.

FIGURE 6 LINK TO LARGER VIEW

Figure 6. JDM DOHC VTEC ECU Wiring Diagram.

Finally, if you need to consult the service manual for TCS to diagnose a problem, and you happen to also read Japanese, well, you’re in luck there too.

And that’s all I have for you right now.
Good luck, and hopefully this idea can gain some traction.

deschlong
January, 2014

kmankd

iTrader: (3)

great info man! sad to say, i dunno if i can be the first to try this or not. parts are rare and people want way too much for the cluster itself. i have the switch though, so i guess that can be checked off the list haha.

JDMequalslife

Bump, id love to have this

tony_2018

What transmission?

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

B-series. TCS doesn't interact with the trans. Note that these were all non-LSD on the Civics with TCS, though.

tony_2018

Aww.. I see what what it does not. I was thinking it had something to do with the transmission.

NotARaCist

iTrader: (1)

lol "comfy CL seats"

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Note this system is likely similar to the one on the 94-95 Acura Legend, for which there is a Service Manual for TCS in English. (Look for the 'atfinley.com' link.)

kmankd

iTrader: (3)

finding parts for this is near impossible. still havent found a gauge cluster (at a reasonable price) and tcs ecu lol...

HiTec

I think there is a major problem with this retrofit on LHD cars. Steering Position Sensor has a RHD specific steering column housing. So SPS doesnt fit to LHD housing. I think you could use RHD column housing, but then your wiper and light switches are in reversed sides.

Heres pics taken from my sensor + RHD TCS SPS column housing:

kmankd

iTrader: (3)

Nice info! Any way of creating a custom housing or even modifying the LHD housing to get it to work? So far, from what I researched and searched for, obtaining TCS is basically impossible unless you bought a JDM RHD that came with it. Those parts are so rare to come by. SPS is worser than finding waldo. ECU for it is about the same. I did find the TCS ecu but it didn't have plugs and I wasn't gonna go searching for plugs that will work lol...

shotoutacc0rd

Is it likely the factory non-TCS abs wheel wiring is compatible?

Someone should get the Japanese manual translated, would deff make figuring it out easier.

it wouldn't be the greatest but the steering wheel switches can be relocated to the dash.

and it sucks that this is part of ABS but it makes sense that one driver aid is based on another.

and I dont think a b16 is necessarily required, the p30 after modification should be able to control a SOHC or b18'c' so long as the motor is vtec. There's probably a way to even disable the vtec CEL so it can be done on a non-vtec car.

weatherall123

Any updates on fitting the SPS on the LHD housing?

HiTec

It actually seems that the whole RHD TCS Steering column is unic. So please correct if im wrong, but i think there´s 3 types of steering columns, RHD, RHD TCS and LHD. RHD TCS housing doesn´t bolt on to the RHD column due different bolt locations. I dont have RHD TCS steering column, so i cant study the exact differences. It would need some clever 3D modelling with CAD to make LHD TCS compatible housing with 3D printer. Unfortunately i dont have that kind of skills with cad.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Good info. 3D printer + CAD time would take care of that RHD vs LHD combo switch holder in no time. Like I said, guys, this won't be easy.

HiTec is right about the steering column, or at least where the plate where the combo switch holder attaches. Look at the pics in my og post. It's offset to accommodate the box. Can be custom made though.

spAdam

iTrader: (1)

Hmm. Never though about the stalks being switched on a RHD vehicle. I wouldn't mind finding one of those steering position sensor though, could be useful for data logging.

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

Some pics from an MA5 Domani TCS equipped sedan. Basically the same chassis as EG Civic Sedan.





Steering angle sensor or whatever it's called











B18A1








TCS computer piggy backed on ABS





TCS P54 ECU

deschlong

iTrader: (8)

There is also LHD SRS Type II and RHD SRS Type II, and possibly RHD TCS + SRS Type II (but I don't think so).

tony_2018

Interesting finds guys.