LI_Guy824

Hi All,

I've done some searching for these answers and haven't been able to find exactly what I need. Please forgive me if this is a repeat.

A little over a year ago my CEL came on. I have a Mac Taskmaster and pulled code P1457. When it came time for NYS inspection I began replacing parts. In total I replaced the Vent Canister Shut Valve, the Bypass Solenoid Valve, the Two Way Valve, the Fuel Pressure Sensor, the Gas Cap, the Charcoal Canister and the hose that goes into the Vent Canister Shut Valve. The other day, after replacing the canister and resetting the ecu, the light came back on. I used the Taskmaster to double check the code and it passed (both permanent and temporary, no codes). I used a jumper wire in the OBDII port to check the code that way. I haven't done this before but I turned the key on and the light turned off but then came on solid without flashing or anything.

I've decided it's probably the ECU at this point. My question is if I replace the ECU with a used one for the same car, does it have to be remapped by Honda? I called them and of course they said yes and it would be $150. They also suggested my taskmaster may not be capable of pulling every code (BS?) and I should come in for a diagnostic (also $150). Thanks in advance and any other suggestions are always welcome!

Former User

Does the CEL remain on steady both with and without the 2P service connector jumped?

kyden

a new ecu is plug and play. you can't flash or program it anyway.

JRCivic1

There is no immobilizer in a '00 Civic EX, so the computer should not require any programming to start the car if you replace the ECU. Programming may be required for your remote lock/unlock key fob, but nothing else. I suggest trying another ECU and see where that gets you. If the key fob doesn't work, then go to Honda for programming, otherwise, drive on.

If the ECU is a stock "P2P" unit, there is no reason for a "phantom" code, so chances are good there is a problem with the ECU.

kyden

the key fob is programmed to the door lock module.

LI_Guy824

Wow thanks guys. The light does stay steady with and without the wire in the OBDII port. Also I don't have keyless entry so I should be good there. I guess the guy at Honda was saying the VIN is programmed into the computer so when they hook up the diagnostic to do the inspection I have to have the correct VIN programmed into the computer so the DMV knows my car was inspected.

kyden

VIN is not stored in the ecu for 96-00 civics.

Former User

Why are you jumping the OBD2 port rather than the service connector above the ECU? Click the codes link in my signature.

renzis00

drive the car a bit, park it, dont turn off your engine, use that jump method. if no codes shown, try resetting the ECU, pull the #15 Fuse on the Under-hood fuse/relay box for 10-20 seconds and push it back, drive the car a bit, check for the code.

LI_Guy824

Thanks RonJ I'll give that method a try too. I should have probably mentioned the last time I ran the code I had reset it the night before and drove about 80 miles before it came on. When it came on I had my scanner in the car with me and pulled over to pull it right away with the car still running. I also finished my drive home, another 20ish miles, and tried again also without having shut the car off. I bought a used computer on eBay the other day for $60 so hopefully it will be here on Friday and I can give it a try.