Swap is so close to done but **** keeps turning up!

VTEC Harness - ( VTEC, VTEC Oil Pressure, JDM O2, Knock Sensor )

This is about a B16A swap into my 1988 CRX Si.

Alright, initially when I pinned the ECU I had crossed the JDM O2 wire and the VTEC wire. Hence the check engine light and CEL Code 21 ( VTEC System Failure ). I traced the wires and made sure they were all correct. Switched those two and the check engine light went away and I wasn't throwing 21 anymore. Took it out to see if VTEC would engage. Prior to the wires being crossed, the rev limiter would hit at 7200rpms ( it's NOT an Automatic PR3 ecu, I promise ) and would not hit VTEC. Switched the two wires and took it out, now rev limits at 6500rpms. So, I changed the grounding location of the VTEC Oil Pressure wire to the chassis instead of the block and it rev limits at 7200rpms again, still without VTEC. Now it is throwing Code 22 ( VTEC Oil Pressue ). I think I know the problem with that ( Poor wiring, not soldered, twisted together and electrical taped )

I am throwing code 17 ( VSS failure ). The cable is loosely in the tranny cause I don't have the clip for it. The MPH and RPMS look correct and the needles function, but I am still getting the code since it's not sitting firmly in the tranny. My question is CAN THAT EFFECT VTEC ENGAGEMENT? ( This is assuming I fix the Code 22 issue ) I am thinking maybe the loose connection may not be reading the RPMs and MPHs correctly and the ECU is not getting good info so VTEC doesn't engage and it rev limits early. So, are VSS and VTEC related like that?

Here is the other problem. I had the alternator tested and the test showed there is no output from the alternator. I am not buying that it would just randomly die after I swapped this motor into my car out of nowhere. The wiring harness is the stock 88 CRX Si harness. The plug to the alternator plugs right into it and they aren't cut or damaged at all.

I've noticed that in the fuse box in the engine bay, the starter's positive wire splits into two, one goes to the fuse box, one goes to the battery terminal. Tonight at a cruise in, I looked into my friends' CRX's fuse box, and the positive wire from the starter goes to the same little port in the fuse box where it is screwed down. But, there is a little port with a screw in it next to that one. Mine is empty, his has a wire running out from it. What does that second little port next to the starter wire port do? What wire is supposed to go there? I am thinking maybe the wire from there sends power to the alternator?

Please help! My parents gave me a Sept. 1st deadline to have my car running and I need some help with this one! Thanks a lot HT.


Modified by ExodusJKD at 3:32 AM 8/22/2004

 

Figured out the Alternator problem!

The second little port is a wire on the harness that goes from the fuse box to the alternator. It's not the green plug, it's the one that is held down with a nut on the alternator. I looked at one of my other harnesses, looked at the one on the motor, found it hidden under the other plugs on the wiring harness and screwed it down. One issue down! I'm retarded!

Now for VTEC, does the VSS code being thrown effect VTEC engagment? Like I said the needles are functioning even though the cable is plugged loosely in the tranny but the code is still being thrown... If I get that clip on there so it sits down snug and the code goes away, VTEC should start working right?

I found that the wire to wire connection for the VTEC Oil Pressue wire is poor, I'm gonna solder that to correct the Code 22 I am getting. There is barely any connection between the wire and it's held together loosely by electrical tape. The dude who had this before me was lazy

 

I'm having close to the same problem as you are. I seem to be having alot of trouble throwing a vss code. I don't have the clip in my vss either. I think the vtec and vss are connected. I don't think vtec will work unless you are going so fast or if the ecu doesn't see a vss signal. I'm not sure on this, someone might want to back me up on it.

 

Correct, not working VSS would indeed cause your VTEC not engaging.