My ECU is looking for the fuel tank pressure sensor, which isn't equipped on my car. I swapped a B16a2 into my '96 LX sedan, and it is a perfectly functioning swap, except for the code for the FTPS. I can't pass emissions testing because of it, and I would like to know possible ways around this. I have read about the potentiometer trick to "fool" the ECU, but have also heard that can be unreliable. Which ECU could I plug in that would still run the car, not look for the FTPS, and get it through smog?

 

First off. You need to be OBDII and all OBDII ecu's look for this pressure sensor.

This is part of your evaporative controls. The system consists of an air pump, two solenoids, and a pressure sensor.

The two solenoids shut off both sides of the system then the air pump adds pressure in between the solenoids, and finally the pressure sensor measures the pressure build-up.

You need the sensor which is basically a MAP sensor.

The sensor would be cheaper than an ECU.

 

Well, that's not entirely true. My '96 LX was OBD2A, with a D16Y7 motor, and wasn't factory equipped with a fuel tank pressure sensor. This B16A2 came from a 2000 Civic Si, OBD2B, that did have a FTPS. I swapped the dash and cabin harness to convert everything over to OBD2B, and that's the issue I'm having. The fuel tank pressure sensor wasn't equipped on all OBD2 cars. At least that's what I've read.

 

I unplugged my ecu for a few minutes today to reset it, and when I plugged it back in, and turned the key on, my CEL went away. I guess the FTPS code won't get thrown unless I take the car up to highway speeds, or go through a few drive cycles. If I were to reset the computer right before I go to the emissions test facility, would it likely pass if the code wasn't thrown yet, or would the test find that there isn't an FTPS and cause me to fail anyway?

 

did you make sure your gas cap is tight? i know i am coming out of left field with this but thats the first thing i think of when i hear FTPS.

and yes especially for a FTPS if you drive for about 20-30 min to get the o2 sensor hot and reading correctly when you get to smog station it will pass with enough sensors reading.

 

You can get rid of it by reseting the ECU but it will come back on. I got rid of the code by getting all the evaporative control components from an EX civic when I swap in a D16y8. Get the charcoal canister with the selenoid, sensors with selenoid and attaching hoses (near the bottom of the fuel tank) and wiring. Was pretty easy cause I did the power window conversion at the same time and the sensor plugs into the floor harness. From there, tap the floor harness to the ECU.

 

i am running a stock Y8 in my 2000 Ex Civic with no EVAP parts what so ever and i don't get check engine lights from any of it, but IDK. I don't have SMOG checks though, i understand you all do probably.

 

I have the charcoal canister and purge valve under the hood, but there was no FTPS on '96 sedans. Only coupes had them. So if I were able to get it to the emission facility without a CEL, their equipment couldn't probe the ecu and get it to throw that code on demand, right? I don't care if the FTPS is there or not. I just gotta pass smog. My plates are already expired, and this smog testing is total crap. I just wish they could throw the sniffer hose over the tail pipe and test me that way. It was so much simpler when they did that. I'm just trying to beat the system, and I don't want to spend the money on installing and wiring an FTPS.

 

i have passed with a gutted cat. Your smog is different than my OBD2 scan but all i used to do was reset the ECU drive long enough for the sensors to give an appropriate reading and as long as 12 or 14 sensors are online then you will pass if it isn't then they will tell you to go and drive for a little longer and come back.

I did this for like 5 or 6 years now

 

The only real other way around it is to use a '96 - '97 Del Sol VTEC ECU which shouldn't look for a FTPS. however its going to cost you just as much if not more to do it this way.

You can reset the ECU, but a lot of states require that the ECU have all readiness monitors set. And by the time that happens theres a good chance the CEL will be back on.

 

I know this thread is very old...but I have a 98 honda civic ex sedan and I swap the motor to an b16a2 motor, switch the cabin harness everything plugs up and play except its throwing the ftps code just like what the title said..come smog check day I reset my battery and the code went away no CEL and my car pass smog with flying color..