Hello, I recently did a b16a jdm swap into my 97 civic ex
I bought the motor from hmotors, its an EK4 complete motor swap obd2. I have a problem with Vtec engaging. It only kicks in sometimes and I noticed it does not kick in when the check engine light it on. I used my old engine harness and there is a misc plug hanging loose not plugged into anything. it is by the engine bay left side bottom of dizzy. Can it be that wire messing up vtec?

Thanks in advance....

 

find out what the check engine light is for. VTEC needs certain things to work in order to operate.

CTS must read operating temp.
VSS above 12mph.
TPS above certain %
VTEC hardware/software/wiring in good working order (duh)
RPM at correct engagement point
Oil pressure at correct level

 

I had taken to a mechanic for the light and said something about a sensor that was loose but that they had to find the housing and put it on this engine... Its near under the dizzy close to the radiator hose

 

?? The VTEC pressure switch? It just gets deleted if you're using the JDM ECU. You only need the sensors that the ECU wants you to have.

Your question is really vague at this point. Pictures, an actual code for the CEL, or something else more descriptive would help.

 

Ok, I will try and get the code by tonight

Thanks again

 

i think this is what happen. you bought a jdm motor which has no pressure switch on the vtak soleniod. and your using a harness and ecu that are looking for a pressure switch. same **** happen to me and you have to do is a pressure switch bypass

 

I have the jdm ecu and using the 97 ex engine harness....
How do you do a pressure switch bypass?

 

http://www.clubcivic.com/board/showthread.php?t=131958

the sign of a bad vtec pressure switch or if u disconnect the vtec pressure switch is no vtec wat u are experiencing

 

For OBD1 you simply connect a wire at the ECU between the pressure switch signal wire and the VTEC solenoid wire, I suppose OBD2 is the same. If you need a pressure switch check my signature below.

 

For the check engine light I was told that I can't use a scanner and have do it the old method way. Something about pulling the wire or something. Does anybody know how? or post instructions, please and thank you

 

search the faq for more but.
http://www.phearable.net/tech/
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/%5Bfaq%5D-ecu-codes-everyone-682412/

 

bump ef9lover

 

did u do a use ur old harness and ur old dizzy and injectors? or did u get a new engine harness?.... hm.. it could be ur oil runnin low too.. that happen to me with my swap.. it'l' go vrooooom the when vtech hits it goes vreeeeeem then it stops and goes vroooom and then vreeeeemmmm again.. if its like that try seeing if oil is low.. or it could be ur wire harness or your check engine light... check engine light means it could be ur ecu cause ur runnin limp mode ur also no engagin v-tech..

 

Why are you guys suggesting a pressure switch bypass to a guy with a jdm ECU?? The ecu isn't looking for it. It's been bypassed by default.

OP, I'm almost 100% positive that you'll be able to pull codes with a scanner. It's an OBD2 ECU. Doesn't matter that its jdm.

I do, remember, however that you have to ground the VTEC solenoid...but I'm hazy on that. Although, it would'nt make sense for it to work intermittently if it wasn't grounded.

 

Hi again, I couldn't use the obd2 scanner
so I used the papar clip and got the code 21.... Help?

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid-engine-swaps-18/%5Bfaq%5D-%22my-vtec-doesnt-work%22-1812135/

 

Thanks, I got some time today to check it out....

I Appreciate it!