joshs_232

Sometimes when I start my 2000 Honda Civic EX, it will set the cel. The code is P1607 which I have found has something to do with the ECM. When it does this, it will run bad, and not go over 3000 RPMS. Most of the time if I run it for a bit till it warms up and restart the car, it will then run fine. It only does this when it is cold out (20 or less) and has sat for at least a day.

I find it hard to believe it's actually a problem with the ECM since it runs perfect at all times otherwise. Is there anything at all I should check first, or just buy a new ECM?

Thanks!

TurboTagTeam

Do you have a friend that will trade you ECu's just to see if that's it???

ECU's aren't cheap. I'd make sure that's the problem first. Good Luck

joshs_232

Unfortunately, I don't know anyone else with a honda civic. Also, it doesn't do it all the time. It could take a day or a week for it to happen again. It's never happened when it's over 40 degrees outside.

joshs_232

So, apparently this is a pretty rare code to get? I hate to just buy a new ecu and not have it fix the problem.

I'm going to try to take it out and clean the contacts on it to see if that helps.

joshs_232

I got a 1999 ecu from ebay and it appears to have fixed the problem.

qinglong

Hi Joshs,

Did the new ECU fix your car problem? My Honda Civic VP 2000 has exactly the same problem as yours, it has the mileage of around 70k. If new ECU does fix the problem I might want to buy a new ECU as well. The price on the web is $299.


Thanks!

Peter

shailoche

this is classic "limp mode" operation on a honda motor. when there is some error code thrown the engine essentially stalls out and won't allow you to rev high or drive normally.
Check out your timing belt, distributor, spark plugs, and maybe even your IACV. It could be your ecu is faulty, however, you can check some other things before blowing money on a new ecu.

qinglong

the dealer did replace spark plugs and IAC IDLE Air Control Sensor for me, he also said there is a crack on the cat and replace that with the new one as well, however after all those replacements, which costs me 1.4k already, the car behavior the same way as before, i.e.,
when it is cold out, if I start the engine, engine check light will be set and is never off again. The code is P1607. When it does this, it will run bad, and sometimes the engine is vibrating badly. When it is warm, it will then run fine. I wont trust the dealer any more. Since the symptom is exactly the same as what Joshs_232's, I guess ECU is the culprit. Any hint is greatly appreciated.

navymike321

so i just ran into this same problem..i drove my car to a shop to get my exhaust put on..after that i was gonna do a base dyno before boost..and it stopped at 3500 rpm..my car has never done it before..i even did a reset for the computer(5min disconnected battery )..still nothing..i have to get a new ecu anyways for my set up..but i still wanna do a base run on it..what was it that made yours work completely..was it a blown fuse anywhere..or a fried ecu??