Hey guys, I'm new to the vtec scene and haven't posted in years! I recently am returning cuz i bought a car for my lady.

I don't think I'm inputting the correct search keywords, nor returning relevant results.

Anyway, I just acquired a 93 vtec h22a1. I realized the cluster Redline starts after 6k. I thought vtecs started at 7.5?
This made me assume that the cluster has been replaced, but then I tested and revved the car to the cluster's 6k redline the engine wouldn't go past it?

Even If it is a replaced cluster shouldn't the engine rev to the supposedly 7+k regardless?

Thanks for any help, I've been so out of the car game i don't know where to start anymore. :-)

 

Double check your engine. Sounds like you have an h23 cluster

 

Definitely I do have an H23 cluster.. but that doesn't determine the rev limitation right? Or does it? I thought the ecu did that.

What is there to check at the engine end for this issue?

 

The ECU does determine the rev limiter. If you are sure you have a h22 under the hood check to see what ecu you are using...located on passenger side near the floor board.

 

or just check your engine code on the block

 

x2!

 

Damn.. the more I find out about this car, the more I feel raped.

It is an H22a1 block. Haven't looked at the ecu yet, what am I looking for?

 

Pull back the carpet on the passenger floor panel under the dash, ECU should be a P13.

 

Thanks for that.

Confirmed. P13 L10

Wtf ...

Any other suggestions please.

 

One more thing... noticed today as sun was shining into cluster, there's a light for "4ws". Wtf! This is not a 4ws car.

Rappage continues

 

Sounds like one of two things is going on here.

1) The car is truly a h22 vtec prelude that has had the guage cluster replaced with one from a 4WS Si model AND the tachometer is not reading correctly
2) The tachometer is reading correctly and for whatever reason the ECU is not allowing the engine to rev past 6k

When you run in to the rev limiter are you in gear driving or just revving in neutral?

 

I believe it's 5200rpm on a VTEC Prelude ECU.

 

He is referring to the redline of the engine not the rpm at which the secondary lobes are used.

 

you could be running in limp mode and won't hit vtec until you fix whatever is wrong.

pull any CELs you may have. check your oil.

or your wiring is jacked.

 

Yes, along with oil if your CEL isn't on make sure the bulb is in the cluster, there are tons of shady shops that will pull the bulb to make someone think that the car has no problems. If the light is on then you need to resolve the CEL before trying to rev the car up high, it's the ECU protecting the engine. Also, sounds dumb but you aren't trying to rev it up with a cold engine are you?

 

Thanks all.

I started a new thread on the CEL... but anyway, I noticed the cell doesn't light on-off like the rest of the lights on the dash when key turns to on.

So I'm assuming the bulb is pulled.

I'm going to check the bulb first, I'm pretty sure it's been pulled to hide a cel throwing a code.



Thank again guys, I'm too old for this ****.


PS. I'm revving while warm, and while in gear. Oil needs changing but level is fine.



I'll update.

 

Can this bulb for the cel be found at local parts store?

 

Ok. Switched the bulb with the door ajar light to the cel.

Cel turns on-then off.. like a regular car would.

Warming he up and will take her through the gears to see if she throws a cel or not.


Thanks. Brb.

 

Ok, Drove around and no CEL popped up after install of bulb.

Proceeded to change plugs and oil, warmed her up, and took her for a spin.

Did a RPM/Vtech test, 5K comes around and rushes to 7K. That's taken care of, thanks to all for the suggestions.

But like always, if it's not one thing it's another.. at least for me it is.

1. After my oil change i took her for a spin and i noticed that the ABS light stayed on, came back home, turned off/on engine and it didn't come back on. What gives? Sign of something bad to come?

2. This car's front suspension is squirly to begin with, it needs driver's side Shock/strut. What's scary is on accelerations at high rpm/power the car pulls abruptly to the right. It almost pulled me into a ditch when I was testing the Vtech operation.

I checked Axles and they were fine on both sides, with no signs of boot tear or leakage. Do these cars have Rack and Pinions? If so, could this be the culprit to this issue?

Again, the car only jerks to the sides on high powerband runs. My lady would never go up to that level, but still.. it clearly means something's wrong and needs to be fixed, for it was neglected by the previous owner.

Thanks for any guidance.

 

so why did you buy this car for your lady?

i doubt you have that much torque steer...besides the obvious things, check your tie rods to make sure they're straight(or connected).

it sounds like you need to take this car to a trusted mechanic or sale it before your lady gets killed in it.

 

If you pop out the radio there is a 2 pin blue connector, jump it with a paper clip and turn the key, count the ABS light flashes and report back. ABS pump failures in these old cars is very common, not having ABS really isn't a big deal, just don't slam on the brakes.

Like already stated, check the outer tie rods and yes, these cars do have a rack and pinion steering system.

 

Thanks guys.

Will put al info to good use. He rest i know i can find searching it.

Im a body and paint guy by trade, there's a reason for that.. hate troubleshooting ****!

Much appreciated.

I'm sure I'll be back with more questions, and hopefully can help with answers in the body/paint deptment in return.


Peace .

 

Sounds like yawr making progress with the glitches. It sounds like it's an old car that just needs some maintenance. Still, if you don't mind fixing up a few things it's a nice car and better than having a monthly payment on something that's newer and not as good. The pulling to one side sounds like it could be a loose radius rod or a bad ball joint, but I'd check for other loose or worn parts.

 

Thanks f the added suggestions, adding to notes.

Yes, this car was neglected.. not abused. Will have to restore her little by little.

As you mentioned they are great cars when in good shape. You are right on the money about payments..done with that stage.

This car is for the adjustment of economy + oil prices.. considering our commute is grand, i love this car.

Thanks again.

 

Pull your Abs code as suggested to find out what going on there.
Sometimes it can just be an intermitent failure and does not require
any work. GL getting her running all nice again.