joelmatt89

so when i get to about 6100 rpm the cel will turn on and read 21, the vtec is not engaging. It only turns on when i get up to that rpm, then it turns off when the car is restarted. So what does that mean. I would think it either doesn't have enough oil pressure although my oil is full and recently changed or the solenoid is bad. If I did have a defective bad solenoid. Would that only come on like that or is it possible that there is something else i am missing. I know this is a pretty common problem. But most the threads i could find low oil was to blame, so what should i look for and how can i test if the solenoid is bad. Can someone walk me through the steps for diagnosing this. The engine is a b16a2 with a p28 ecu chipped by phearable.

On a side not i was trying to wire up a kill switch using my seatbelt switch. Unfortunately i found that normally the switch is open (has continuity when the seatbelt isn't buckled). So i was wondering is there any relays on civic that are vital that operation that work like that. I know it is kind of a shot in the dark but i was thinkin it would make a really good switch since i don't know any thieves that buckle up while their trying to jump a car.

turboedsohc89

Can you hear the vtech kick in? or nothing at all? I mean ive seen a CEL as a shift light thats what i put on the kids cars I make ECUs for. werid

JSPECSIR

meter the solenoid, it should read between 14-25 ohms. then meter the wire from the solenoid back to the pin at the ecu. then let us know what you find

joelmatt89

No i can't feel the vtec at all. I know the car has a shift light that will turn on if you get to like 8100 rpm, and if that was the case it still wouldn't explain why i am getting a code 21. i know the wire is good because when i got the car the engine had just been swapped and the vtec hadn't been connected to the ecu, but thanks for the ohm reading i will test that tomorrow.

joelmatt89

i am gettin 14.2 ohms and the wire to the ecu is good it has like .06, so what would be the next thing to check

JSPECSIR

hmmmm, maybe try another ecu.