Alright,

I just bought a 1991 CRX Si. The engine didn't run right to begin with. I would start the car and it would run at a lumpy idle for a couple minutes and then it would die out. I had no idea why it would happen, but when I (attempted to) drive it home from the person I bought it from, it died out on me and I had to get it towed. I didn't really care because I was going to swap it out anyway with another stock motor. So I get it home and I buy a used D16A6 with only 120K miles (70K miles less than the original) for only $400. I swap it in and start it up. The same exact thing is happening. I started it up, runs at a lumpy idle, then dies out. Then I figured that the idle was set too low, so I adjust the throttle cable to run at a higher idle. I start it up again, still runs at a lumpy idle (around 1000 rpm), then the check engine light comes on. As soon as it came on, the idle jumped up to 1500 rpm and the lumpiness went away! Weird. It ran better with the check engine light on.

I don't understand what is happening. Is there a way that I can find out what the reason is for the check engine light with out having to pay someone $40 just to hook up an OBD tool? Can I use the paperclip trick?

thanks in advance for all the help.

I am open for any suggestions.

drive safe,

aj

 

Pull up the carpet on the passengers side and count how many times the light flashes when the check engine light comes on. The only thing I think of is your ECU is screwed or not even from a Si. Check the year etc on it. Cause i prosummed you didnt swap that.

Good luck

 

so there is an actual light thats under the carpet on the passengers side?

I will check that out.

thanks for the help.

drive safe,

aj

 

Ok if you pull up the carpet there is a little window where you can see the LED. When the light comes on this will flash. Count the flashes then post back and we will tell you whats wrong. The ECU is in the pass foot well

 

I just checked it out. It was throwing a Code 5. I checked my vaccum lines around the MAP sensor. Some were disconnected. It seems to have cured my problems.

thanks again for all the help.

drive safe,

aj

 

code 5 has to do with the MAP sensor.. .so i guess you fixed it?? or

 

my car is cured of all ailments now. Thanks to you guys.

this is the place I always come to when I have a problem.

thanks again,

aj