[Shan2nu]

While driving the Vtec today, i suddenly noticed the engine management signal light up. But somehow, there was no diff in engine performance.

I immediately took it to a known local service station. The guy checked all the cables and hooked the car to an ECM data module.

The module checked for any errors in the ECM but found no trouble code.

Then we noticed engine oil dripping from under the car. Put the car on a ramp and found that the oil filter had suffered a puncture. The filter will be replaced on monday.

But what id like to know is, is this the reason why the ECM light has come on and if so, how come it ain't showing any trouble code when connected to a data module?

Can any of you ECM guys help explain this?

Shan2nu

[nitroxx]

shan2nu i wouldnt be able to pin point the reason why this is happening but would also bring to your notice that sometimes there are problems and the light doesnt come on too for e.g. ny check light doesnt show but my vtec has an issue after 5000rpm it loses power tremendously and need to tune it over..infact hooked mine upto a x431 scanner at the workshop and showed no errors on mine either bro

[Pankaj401]

For some fault conditions it takes multiple occurrences / drive cycles before a fault is logged in the memory.

[Rehaan]

Originally Posted by Shan2nu

I immediately took it to a known local service station.

...

Then we noticed engine oil dripping from under the car. Put the car on a ramp and found that the oil filter had suffered a puncture.

Good save man!

Would have been quite a disaster if you drove around with no oil.
As for why it didnt show up on the scanner...

cya
R

[Shan2nu]

shan2nu i wouldnt be able to pin point the reason why this is happening but would also bring to your notice that sometimes there are problems and the light doesnt come on too for e.g. ny check light doesnt show but my vtec has an issue after 5000rpm it loses power tremendously and need to tune it over..infact hooked mine upto a x431 scanner at the workshop and showed no errors on mine either bro

Hmmm, but atleast you know something is wrong with the way the engine is performing, but thats not the case with my car, the engine revvs like nothing has happened.

Good save man!

Would have been quite a disaster if you drove around with no oil.

It prob happened a few moments before the light came on. As i've never seen any oil dropping in our garage. We also checked the engine oil level, it was above the 2nd marking on the dip stick (which is good).

Do you think the light has something to do with the oil pressure? Since a certain percentage of oil is squirting out, maybe the ECM sees a diff in the amount of oil being pumped to the engine.

Anyway, once the filter is changed we'l know if the light had anything to do with it.

Shan2nu

[Rudra Sen]

Strange!! In fact last evening, we (me and N_C) saw the same in another Honda. It was not a VTEC though.

[Pankaj401]

Do you think the light has something to do with the oil pressure?

Isn't low oil pressure indicated by a seperate malfunction lamp? Only the low VTEC oil pressure in indicated by MIL.

[Pankaj401]

Any updates on this?

[Domnic]

first thing u guys dont need a scanner etc to check the codes, the most simple thing to do is near the ecu there is a green plastic holder with two couplers, usually hanging. The one with 2 wires is the one we need. Just short both the terminals and put the ignition on, if there is any codes the mil light will flash. If no codes are there it remains lit. Simple...

Yes as pankaj pointed out it would have recorded an error from the vtec pressure switch as honda (indian type 1 type 2) dont send a reading of oil pressure to the ecu.

here are a few error codes for you guys to self diagnose... the type 1 honda and type 2 vtec are obd 1...

example: __ = blink

__ .5 secs __ __ 1 sec __ .5 secs __ __

the above is error code 12...


0 Engine Control Module

1 HO2S Or O2S

2 HO2S Or O2S{2}

VSS{1}

3 MAP Sensor

4 CKP Sensor{2}

Vacuum Switch{1}

5 MAP Sensor

6 ECT Sensor

7 TP Sensor{2}

M/T Clutch Switch Signal{1}

A/T Shift Position Signal{1}

8 TDC{2}

Ignition Coil Signal{1}

9 No. 1 Cylinder Position Sensor

10 IAT Sensor

12 EGR System

13 BARO Sensor

14 IAC Valve{2}

EACV{1}

15 Ignition Output Signal

16 Fuel Injector System

17 VSS

19 Lock-Up Solenoid Valve

20 Electric Load Detector

21 VTEC Solenoid Valve

22 VTEC Pressure Switch

23 KS

30 A/T FI Signal A

31 A/T FI Signal B

41 HO2S Heater

43 Fuel Supply System

48 HO2S{3}

above are a few common honda codes

cheers

[Shan2nu]

Theres no update, as had to leave for Blore on Sunday night and i don't think my dad has taken the car for the filter replacement (god save the Vtec)!!!

The Honda guys should be in Hubli (service camp) around the 20th of this month. Planning to go there on a weekend and get the whole thing resolved. Anyway, i've asked my parents not to use the car unless the filter has been replaced.

Will give a complete update after the car gets serviced.

Shan2nu

[Rehaan]

Superb info Domnic,

I have renamed the thread and rated as 5*s.

cya
R

[Shan2nu]

UPDATE :

Finally got the car checked by Honda today. It was the O2 Sensor that had a prob and needed to be replaced.

Only prob, Honda says it'll cost 16K!!!

I've been told that an O2 Sensor costs around 8K in the market, is that right?

Which company would you guys suggest (Honda uses Denso i guess).

When picking up the Sensor, should i be looking at something in specific or will mentioning the car model be enuf? The sensor on the Vtec has 4 wires going into it.

PS : The oil leakage prob was solved with a new oil filter.

Shan2nu

[RJK]

Shan,

Same problem with my Honda. O2 sensor conked off, was told 17k to replace and the service advisor himself said that it needn't be replaced immediately. So I put it off as my car moves once in a month. Do let me know if you find the sensor for a cheaper price. Anyone has any idea if I could get the sensor here in US ?

[ported_head]

Denso 4-wire O2 sensors go for about $75 online, and is Honda OEM I think. Doesn't the non-VTEC 1.5L run a single wire O2 sensor? Then it should only be about $30 or so.

Looney dealer workshops, for 15K you can get a complete Wideband O2 kit.

[Shan2nu]

Just short both the terminals and put the ignition on, if there is any codes the mil light will flash. If no codes are there it remains lit. Simple...

The Honda chap did that and told be it was the O2 Sensor. He then fixed a new Sensor to confirm.

Somehow, at full throttle, the engine is performing extremely well. Is the busted sensor causing the engine to run richer than normal? I've been told to expect a slight drop if FE and driveability.

Shan2nu