Alright guys I'm having an issue with a swap I've recently done in my hatch, hoping that maybe you guys that maybe a little bit more savvy around motors may be able to help me.

I've swapped a B16a2 into my 96 CX which I planned to run on a chipped p28 which I ran on my previous setup (b18c1 shortblock/b16a2 head.)

The car is currently giving me a solid cel when running otherwise known as a code 0 or PCM code which from reading is attributed to a problem with the ecu.

As for the car, it turns over and runs, the car idles between 1-2k rpm's and "red-lining" at about 4.5k rpm's running rather rich on the p28 presumably due to the previous tune which is still on the ecu. Now in line of thinking the ecu is bad I tried a virgin P72 ecu yesterday, now the car will not idle by itself on this particular pcm, instead you have to apply throttle and then once you let of the gas the car will die.

Which leaves me with my P28 and "limp mode" like issue that i'm having. Now my question is, could my tune/mapping from my previous setup possibly be conflicting the motor to the point of putting the vehicle in limp mode? or is the ecu indeed bad? and if the ecu is bad why wouldn't the virgin p72 run the b16a2?

Now in regard to the PCM code, could there possibly be something else aside from the physical ecu itself which would cause for the system to throw this code & run like this? i.e. Timing? or should I primarily be focusing on the ecu?

I've searched and searched and when it comes to this particular code it seems as though everyone is quick to say bad ecu but rather than throwing money towards "possible" solutions I'd like to find a solution that's spot on.

For those of you that take the time to read my novel if you could give a e-diagnosis or contribute to the thread with some knowledge or tips other then "search" please be my guest, i'd definitely appreciate it!

Thanks y'all!

 

Have you checked mechanical timing? When you put the p72 in did you get any cels?

 

I would rock a p30 that's what I'm gonna put in my b16 a3 but the p28 should work but yea maybe the tune u have is screwing it up and the if u get any cels on the p72 then let us know what that says

 

I'm attempting to get ahold of a timing light now to ensure that the motor is indeed in time. as for the CEL's on the p72 I didn't receive any when plugged in which I felt was odd since the car didn't hold it's own idle, when i get home this evening I'll jump for codes again and see if anything may come up.

well i'm not objective to grabbing a P30 or even a P2T w/jumper harness but what's throwing me off is the lack of idle from the p72, after doing all this reading it seems like it should have atleast been able to idle with the gsr ecu.

 

When the engine will start and run, code 0 may also indicate a short in a CEL or service connector wire.

 

I have a P30 for sale. LMK if your interested.

 

update!

So after tinkering with the car for a little bit it's now giving me a code 22 with the P28 which after reading is attributed to an issue with the VTEC Solenoid.

I'm looking up the wiring now to make sure i'm using the right plug (wire combo) for the solenoid and once i get back to the car i'll clean out the unit to see if that may help. I still find it odd that the P72 still won't run my car but whatever as long as I can get the p28 to run it i'll be a happy citizen.

While I was out messing with the car I also did some retarding & advancing of the dizzy trying to see if the timing may be messed up there but moving the distributor yielded no results.

I've checked the oil level as well and it's still good & full. So hopefully a cleaning of the solenoid in addition to making sure it's properly wired will give me the outcome I desire: a fully running motor.

 

You need to check the mechanical timing as in making sure the timing marks line up.

 

Yeah that's what it's looking like is the issue now that i've gotten passed the CEL issues I was having... headed to buy a timing light today after work.