I have a 02 Honda civic 5speed. I recently replaced the engine because the timing belt broke and unfortunately, I wasn't lucky.

The new engine is a VTEC however we didn't activate the VTECwe, are using it as regular engine as we were told we didn't have to convert to VTEC.

After getting the engine in and firing up the car, I noticed when it's in neutral the car idles high, it sounds like the engine is reviving but my foot is not on the gas pedal and if I drive it, when I put it in gear, the engine light blinks and I hear a click click coming from the glove box. While this is happening the car loses power and acts like it going to stall but doesn't. The engine lights never stays on, it blinks and that's it.

​​​​​​Any thought about what's going on, is greatly appreciated!

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So, is the chassis an LX/DX or is it an EX? Is the ECU from the original engine? Have you tried pulling codes? Is the throttle body from the original engine?

 

It's a DX. Yes, the old throttle body is on the new engine. The engine is after market from Japan. The new throttle body had corrosion so we put the old on new. I read somewhere the throttle body might need to be calibrated? It's that true? ECU is from the old engine. I have not pulled codes, I didn't think I could if the light doesn't stay on.

 

Well, the ECU could be toast if its not at least storing those codes. Codes stick around for a while, even after the problem has been fixed.

 

I think your right. I had someone check codes, but it wasn't registering. The issue I was having with the rough idle turned out to be something different. The throttle cable wasn't connected right. I replaced a couple gaskets for the throttle body and started the car. Nothing. The green immobilizer light keeps blinking now. I'm so close to figuring this out. Do you know, if I change the old ecu to the new VTEC ecu, do I then have to hook up the VTEC capacity within the car? Or can I buy a regular ecu and just insert that one? And does this require me to take to a dealer?

Thank you for your knowledge!

 

Since the car didn't come with VTEC originally, you would need to do some wiring to add in VTEC control if you run the new ECU.


You're going to need to go the dealer anytime you change the ECU, to pair the Immobilizer system.