We just swapped out the 2.3l F23A in my daughters 2001 accord I4 Vtec. Aside from a vacuum line or two missing from the throttle body, the swapped engine is a perfect fit. During the swap, the first time we put the automatic transmission on, the center spindle clicked in place, but the outer spindle must not have aligned correctly. We bolted the tranny on, but when we got the engine all the way in the car, it wouldn't crank. Couldn't even turn it with a socket wrench on the crank pulley. Pulled the radiator, axles, and subframe, loosened the tranny bolts, and realigned it. It clicked in this time. Went together flush and crank turned like it should. Put most things back in place and started the car, just to see if it would run. Started right up (small victory) and we ran it for just a few seconds.

Radiator was still off (figured we'd see if it starts before completely finishing up). Once it started, it shot ATF out one of the hoses into the driveway. I mention that because I'm wondering if the ATF fluid messed up one of my electrical connections.

Topped off the ATF, replaced the radiator, added coolant, and made sure everything was as it should be. Started up again. Good idle, though it was surging a little. That got better when we temporarily plugged one of the open vacuum ports on the throttle body. Tranny was squeaking/whining at first, but it went away after a few minutes. Figured the ATF needed to get circulated?

It was idling fine for a few minutes. I revved it up to 3000 RPMs or so twice and the car died. It started back up, but then while idling, the speedometer shot to 30mph or so for a second, then dropped back down. Very strange. Turned it off for a minute, then when I put the key in the tach needle bounced all over, before I actually started the car. Then it wouldn't start at all. Put in key, press brake (brake lights work), but nothing when I turn the key to ignition. No clicking starter, nothing. Can't take the car out of park without a screwdriver in the bypass slot. Car won't start in neutral either.

Battery is fully charged. All cluster lights come on as they should when key turned to ON.
Checked fuses driver side, passenger side, and under hood. All look good.
Went and bought new main relay, plugged it in. No change.
Checked all grounds for solid contact

I know we had accidentally switched the thermostat and Vtec pressure sensor clips, but I don't think that would short out the car, would it?

It seems like an electrical issues, that started when I revved the engine. Could the ATF that spilled have messed with one of the solinoids on the front of the tranny? That's right where it was shooting out. Could we have mess up the tranny when we bolted it together without the outer spindle lining up?

I'm open to suggestions, and appreciate your help and insight.

Thanks,

Scott

 

So yesterday we tested the ignition control switch, and got proper continuity at each key position. I pulled the negative battery while doing that test. Once I replaced it, I tested the car again, and it cranked. Didn't start, but at least cranked. Then on second try, nothing. No crank. However, I noticed 2 things: When I turned the key to the ON position, there was a "chatter" under the dash, that faded after a second or two. Not a normal fuel pump sound. sounded like something was trying to work, but slowly dying. I also noticed the D4 flicker for a moment. Is there a way to pull a D4 code from this car without an OBD2 scanner?

We're gong to check all the harness connections and grounds again today. Any other ideas?

Thanks.

 

Sooo...maybe we're not so smart after all...It turned out that while we installed the swap, we didn't tighten the ECU ground to the throttle body. Just missed it, with all the connections. It was on, but loose, which explains the intermittent behavior. The "chatter" under the dash was the main relay buzzing. I researched online and everybody said to check the grounds, and that's when we found it. We tightened that up, and she started right up. No CEL, no D4 light. Idles great. Taking it to emissions test tomorrow.