The only code I'm getting still on the b16 is the vtec solenoid (21). I was wondering if it is because we used the mechanical vss from my old d16 and not the vss that came with the tranny (Y1). Does the mechanical vss send any signals to the ecu (pw0)? This is the last possible problem before I go and get another ecu, because everything else (wiring, solenoid, etc.) has been checked and is fine. I don't have many qualms with not using the electrical vss, we were just gonna wait until I got the SiR cluster installed to use it. Thanks.

 

i believe that vtec won't work unless u use the electrical vss. in order for vtec to "kick in" your ecu looks at 3 things: oil pressure, rpm, and speed. so that's probably what the code means that your getting. not sure though. i think u can get by w/ using a vtec controller. lemme know what u find out, i'm in the swap process and about to get to that stage. thanks.

 

I am using the mechanical speed sensor off of my old d series motor and my Vtec seems to be working fine. I can distinctly hear the cam lobe change when I am on the throttle and the tach sweeps past 5200-5300 rpm.

The three things needed for Vtec:

Sufficient oil pressure
Car speed over 20 mph
Water Temp over 60 degrees Celsius or 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

The ECU reads the speed of the car from the Cluster, no from the VSS... only on the 92+ does the ECU read speed before the cluster.

You can use the mechanical VSS, and it's fine. I think your wiring may be skewed for the oil pressure stuff.

 

Hey I have a question also. I got a transmission from a 93 integra ls I'm using in a 93 civic with a b18a. which speed sensor can I use in the transmission to work with the 93 civic harness? thanks.

 

I've read a couple times that all b-series tranny's use the same vss. But just to be safe, maybe use one that is from a hydro tranny (assuming that the 93 ls tranny is hydro)(?)

 

You have to pull VSS from a hydro tranny. I used mine from a prelude so the pins configuration was different, but works fine as long as your tap the proper wires. Ignition, ground, vss signal. All VSS should work.

 

Thanks I'll try to find one from a hydro. the 93 ls is cable operated, thought I got a deal until I realized it was cable. oh well. I do'nt suppose the d-series will work?

 

how does the speedo read the read if you use an electric vss instead of a mechanical vss?

 

anybody know?

 

The electronic signal from VSS is same as mechanical. Voltages are same. I do remember when I ran the VSS signal back to the speedo, tach worked, no v-tec, then I had to run another line back to ecu side tapping speedsensor line and v-tec worked fine. You have a jdm cluster right?

 

The basically do the same job. In the earlier mechanicall vss, the whole cable spins from the tranny into the gauge cluster, where the sensor is. For the electrical one, imagine the cable being about 1/2inch long going DIRECTLY into the sensor, which sends an ELECTRICAL signal to the gauge cluster. It has a sensor attached to it, while the mechanical has a cable attached to it. the electrical is an obvious and well executed upgrade that honda made. Eliminates the need for a long spinning cable into the cabin. HTH, Overkll.
BTW, if you break the cable, they are cheap to buy new. $35 CDN. I was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO surprised compared to other dealer prices.

 

So when i do my b16 swap i dont need to replace my speedo cable.

 

So when i do my b16 swap i dont need to replace my speedo cable. it is a dx cluster.

 

I dont understand why you had to do that. I was under the impression that: if you are using your old cluster, use your old (d series) vss, and if you got your hands on the SiR cluster, use the electrical. For the SiR cluster you would have to run the wire to the cluster to get the signal, but either way the ecu sees it. I think I'm more confused now.

 

Is there a way of fooling the computer. I've done a B16/ 3 gen civic swap and I can't get the dash from the original car. Can a square wave signal generator be made to fool the computer?

 

That's true. 4th gauge cluster, use the mechanical VSS, SIR gauge cluster, use the electrical VSS. It comes down to the donor car, if the car used mechanical, use the mechanical and if it used electrical, use electrical. If you are using electrical in a mechanical car, then you have to somehow get the signal to the gauge cluster, where the sensor is expecting to have a rotating cable speeding around in it. they work in the same manner Later, Overkll

 

ok, i have a speedo cable, (88 crx si) goes to the tranny (b16a, y1 tranny) tach works, speedo works (needle shakes though).. and i don't get any vtec.. i am getting a code 17.. what do i do? pr3 ecu

the tranny came with a electrical vss , and i still have it, but took it off and stuck in the speedo cable