1996 HONDA CIVIC DTC chart

VTEC Control System
Troubleshooting Flowchart
tFtrsrl #ilH:::lj1t:"J:T,?ffnostic
rrouble code (Drc) Pr25e: A probrem in the vrEc Pressure switch circuit or
Reter to page 1 l-38 th roug h 1 1-55 before trou bleshooting.
* Road Test:Accelerate in 1st gear to an engine speed over 3,000 rpm(D16Y5 engine) or 6,000 rpm (D'16Y8 engine).Hold that engine speed for at least two seconds.It DTC P1259 is not repeated during the first road test, repeatthis test two more tames.
VTEC PRESSURE SWITCH 2PCONNECTOR
Terminal side ofmale terminals
Wire sid6 ol femalerermtnats
VTM
l1 (BLu/BLK)
f;-) |I
I
Y
I
The MIL has been reoorted on.DTC P1259 is sto.ed.
Check the VTEC Cont.ol Syst6m:1. Do the engine control module(ECM)/powertrain control module lPCM) Reset Procedure (see
section 11).2. Stan the engine.3. Warm up the engine to normaloperating temperature (cool-
ing fan comes on).4. Do the Boad Test.*Intermittont tailura, 3y3t.m is OKat thia time.Check for ooor connoctionr o.loose wirea at VTEC oiassurclwitch, VTEC solonoid valvo .ndECM/PCM,
ls OTC P1259 indicated?
Test rhe VTEC Prensure Switch:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the VTEC Pressureswitch 2P connector.3. Check for continuity betweenVTEC pressure switch 2P con-nector terminal No. 1 and No.2.
Replace the VTEC preasure 3witch.ls there continuity?
Te3t the VTEC Pressure SwitchWire:1. Turn the ignition switch ON lll).2. Measure the voltage betweenVTEC press u re switch 2Pconnector No. l and bodyground.
In3poct for en opon or shod toground in thG wi.. bctwoon thoVTEC pro$ur6 switch rnd ECM/PCM l'96 - 9a: C15,'99 - 00: C101.lf tha wiro i3 OK,3ubrtitute aknown-good ECM/PCM andrecheck.
ls there battery voltage?
{To page 6'4i

VTEC Control SYstem
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code {DTC) Pl259:
VTEC Solenoid Valve circuit
Refer to page 1'l-38 through 11 55 before troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Flowchart
YES
A problem in the WEC Pressure Switch circuit or
* Road Test:Accelerate in 1st gear to an engine speed over 6,000 rp '
Hold that engine speed for at leasttwo seconos'
lf the DTC P1259 is not repeated during the first road test'
repeat this test two more times
VTEC PRESSURE SWITCH 2P
CONNECTOR
Terminalside ofmale termtnals
WM
/1 IBLU/BLKI
/ 1 Y------rt--------- l I
\1-/ |I
I
I1
Wire side of femaleterminals
(cont'd)
6-51
The MIL has been teported on.
DTC P1259 is siored.
Check the VTEC Control SYsiem:
1. Do the engine control module(ECM ) Reset Procedure (see
section 11).
2. Start the engine
3. Warm uP the engine to normal
operating temPerature (cool
ing fan comes on).
4. Do the Road Test.*lntermittent failure, sYstem is OK
at this time.Check for Poor connectlons or
loose wires at VTEC Pressureswilch. VTEC aolenoid valvo and
ECM.
ls DTC P1259 indicated?
Test the VTEC Pressure Switch:
1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect the VTEC Pressure
switch 2P connector.
3. Check for continuity between
VTEC pressure switch 2P con
nector telminal No 1 and
No.2.
Reolace the VTEC Pre3sure switch.
Test the VTEC Pressure Switch
Wire:1. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
2. N4easure the voltage between
VTEC press u re switch 2P
connector No. 1 and bodyground,
Inspect lor an open or short toground in the wire between the
VTEC orassure swilch and ECM
{c101.lf the wire i3 OK, substitute a
known-good ECM and recheck.
{To page 6 52)

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Procedures
How To Begin Troubleshooting
When the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MlL) has been reported on, or there is a driveability problem, use the appropr'-
ate orocedure below to diagnose and repair the problem'
A. When the MIL has come on:
,1. connect the Honda PGM Tester or an oBD ll scan tool to the 16P Data Link connector (DLC) located near the left
kick panel.
2. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll)
3. Check the DTC and note it. Also check and note
the freeze trame data
Refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart and
begin troubleshooting.
NOTE:
.SeetheoBD||scantoolorHondaPGMTesteruser,smanua|sforspecificoperatinginstructions..
.Thescantoo|oltestercanreadtheDiagnosticTroub|ecodes(DTc},freezeframedata,currentdata,andother
Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (PCM) data'
oFreezeframedataindicatestheengineconditionswhenthefirstma|function,misfireorfue|trimma|function
was detected. lt can be useful information when troubleshooting'
B. When the MIL has not come on , out there is a d riveability problem, refer to the Symptom Chart on page 1 1-84'
c.DTcswi|lbeindicatedbytheb|inkingoftheMa|function|ndicatorLamp(M|L)withthescsserviceconnectorcon.
nected.
Connect the SCS service connector to Service Check Connector as shown (The 2P Service Check Connector is
|ocatedunderthedashonthepassenger,ssideofthevehic|e')TurntheignitionswitchoN{||)'
OBO ll SCAN TOOL olHONOA PGM TESTER
SERVICE CHECKCONNECTOR I2P)
scs sERvlcE(cont'd)
MALFUNCTIONINDICATORLAMP
DATA LINK CONNECTOR Il6PI
07PAZ - (x)l0100
11-81

Probable Cause List lFor th€ DTC Chart, see page 11-971*: '99 - 00 models
Probable GausePageSystem
11 1-107Engine Control Module (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module (l'uM)
PGM-Fl main relay
l^^iti^n cwetam
211-230,231
3't't-237
Section 23
51'1-172,183Crankshaft Position/fop Dead Center/Cylinder Fosltlon sensor clrculr' Lr\F selrsor
circuit
Intake Air Temperature (lAT) sensor circuit
ldle Air Control (lAC) Valve
ldle speed adjustment
Throttle bodY
Throftle cable
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor
Throftle Position (TP) sensor
Barometric pressure (BARO) senso'
Mf g"a, po"ition signal (see page 11-216) or clutch switch signal
Brake switch signal
Air Cleaner
lntake air pipe
Three Way Catalytic Converter (TWC)
Evaporative emission (EVAP) control
Contaminated fuel
ORVR vent shut valvs
't1-124
71 1-194
I11-220 - 223
11-241
'1011-244
1111-115
1211-132
13't1-178
14Section 14. 11-218
1511-210
16't1-244
1811-252
1911-261
20
21*11-296
(cont'd)
11-85

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTCI Chart
connector is connecteda1: Dl6Y5 engine (CVT)*2: Except D16Y5 engine (M/T)*14:'97 model*15:'96 model*16: '98 model
(cont'd)
11-97
DTC
{MlL indication*lDelection liemProbable CausePage
Manifold Absolute
Pressure Circuit
Range/Performance Problem
. Vacuu m connection. MAP sensor11115
P0107 (3)
Manifold Absolute
Pressure Circuit
Low Input
Open or short in MAP sensor circuit
MAP sensor
ECMiPCM
TCM*1
11't1'l
P0108 (3)Manifold Absolute
Pressure Circuit
High Input
Open in MAP sensor circuit
MAP sensor
ECtvt/PCM
't 1 121
P0.111*14. *15 (10)
lntake Air Temperature
Circuit
Range/Performance Problem
. IAT sensor11-124
PO112 {10}
Intake Air
Temperature Circuit
Low Input
Short in IAT sensor circuit
IAT sensor
ECMiPCM
11-125
P0113 (10)lntake Air
Temperature Circuit
High Input
Open in IAT sensor circuit
IAT sensor
ECM/PCM
't1-126
P0116 (86)Engine Coolant
Temperature Circuit
Range/Performance Problem
. ECT sensor. Cooling system11-124
PO't't7 {6)
Engine Coolant
Temperature Circuit
Low Input
Short in ECT sensor circuit
ECT sensor
ECM/PCM
11-129
P0118 (6)Engine Coolant
Temperature Circuit
High lnput
Open in ECT sensor circuit
ECT sensor
ECM/PCM
11-130
?0122 t1l
Throttle Position
CircuitLow Input
Open or short in TP sensor circuit
TP sensorECM/PCM
TCM*1
11-132
P0123 (7)Throttle Position
Circuit
High Input
Open in TP sensor circuit
TP sensor
ECM/PClvl
11-136
P0131*' (1)
Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor
Circuit Low Voltage(Sensor 1)
Short in Primary HO2S (Sensorl ) circuit
Primary HO2S {Sensor 1)
Fuel supply system
ECM/PCM
1 1-139
P0132*' ('r)
Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor
Circuit High Voltage(Sensor 1)
Open in Primary HO2S {Sensor 1} circuit
Primary HO2S (Sensor 1)
ECM/PCM
1 1- 143
P0133*' (61)
Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor
Slow Response(Sensor 1)
. Primary HO2S (Sensorl). Exhaust system11-145
P0135*? (41)
Primary Heated Oxygen
Sensor Heater
Circuit Malfunction(Sensor 1)
. Open or short in Primary HO2S(Sensor 1) heater circuit. ECM11-151
*: The DTCS in parenthesis will be indicated by the blinking of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MlL) when the SCS service
! ta

Troubleshooting
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTGI Chart (cont'dl
*7: D16YS engine (M/T)*8: D16Y5, D'16Y8 engine*9: USA model*14r'97 model*15r '96 model
DTC(MlL indicationlDetection lt6mProbablc CausePage
P1162+1 (48)Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor 1) CircuitMalfunction
Open or short in Primarv HO2S (Sensor 1Primary H02S (Sensor 1)1 1- 146
P]163' (61)Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor '1) CircuitSlow Response
. Primary HO2S (Sensor 1)
11-145
Pl164*r (61)Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor l) Cjrcuit Range/Performance Problem
. Primary HO2S (Sensor 1)
1 1- 150
P1165*? (61)Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor 1) Circuit Range/Performance Problem
. Primary HO2S (Sensor 1)
11-150
P1166' (41i
Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor '1) Heater System ElectricalProblem
Open or short in Primary HO2S (Sensor 1)heater circuitPrimary HO2S (Sensor 1)ECM/PCM
1 1-'161
P1167*' (41)Primary Heated Oxygen SensorlSensor 1) Heater SystemMalfunction
Open in Primary HO2S (Sensor 1) VS+ circuitPrimary HO2S (Sensor 1) HeaterPrimarv HO2S {Sensor 1)1 1- 163
P1168*' (48)Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor 1) LABEL Low Input
. Short in Primary HO2S (Sensor 1) LABELcircuit11-151
Pl169*? (48)
Primary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor 1)IABEL High Input. Open in Primary HO2S (Sensor 1)IABELcircuit. Short in ground circuit11.152
P1259*3(221
WEC System MalfunctionWEC Solenoid ValveOpen or short in WEC SolenoidValve circu itVTEC Pressure SwitchOpen or short in VTEC Pressure SwitchcircuitECM,FCM
Section 6
P1297*s (20)Electrical LoadDetector CircuitLow Input
Electrical Load DetectorElectrical Load Detector circuitECM/PCM11-179
Pr298+' l20l
Electrical LoadDetector CircuitHigh Input
Electrical Load DetectorElectrical Load Detector circuitECM/PCM1 1-181
anosome ofP0301P0302P0303P0304
l71ll72ll73ll7 4l
Bandom Misfirelgnition systemFuel supply systemMAP sensorEGR systemIAC valveContaminated fuelLack ol fuel
11-166
1 1-100

How to Read Flowcharts
A flowchart is designed to be used from start to final repair. lt's like a map showing you the shortest distance. But beware:
lf you go off the "map" anywhere but a "stop" symbol, you can easily get lost.
tSrARTl(bold type)
FanoNl
@
tsroP I
{bold type)
Describes the conditions or situation to start a troubleshooting flowchart.
Asks you to do something; perform a test, set up a condition etc.
Asks you about the result of an action, then sends you in the appropriate troubleshooting direction.
The end of a series of actions and decisions. describes a final repair action and sometimes directs you to
an earlier part of the flowchart to confirm your repair,
NOTE:
. The term "lntermittent Failure" is used in these charts, lt simply means a system may have had a failure. but it checks
out OK at this time. lf the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MlL) on the dash does not come on, check for poor connections
or loose wires at all connectors related to the circuit that you are troubleshooting (see illustration below)'
. Most of the troubleshooting flowcharts have you reset the Engine Control Moduls (ECM)/Powertrain Control Module
(pCM) and try to duplicate the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). lf the problem is intermittent and you can't duplicate the
code, do not continue though the flowchart. To do so will only result in confusion and, possibly, a needlessly replaced
ECM/PCM.
. ,,Open" and "Short" are common electrical terms. An open is a break in a wire or at a connection. A short is an acci-
dental connection of a wire to ground or to another wire. In simple electronics, this usually means something won't
work at all. In complex electronics (like ECM's/PCM'sl. this can sometim€s mean something works, but not the way it's
suDDosed to.
toosE
1 1-103

PGM-FI System
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECTI Sensor
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble code (DTC) P0116; A range/performance problem in the EngrneCoolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor circuit.
The ECT Sensor is a temperature dependant resistor (thermistor). The resistance of the thermistor decreases as the enginecoolant temperature increases as shown oetow.
RESISTANCE(ko)
NOTE: lf DTC P0117 and/or P01'18 are stored at the same time as DTCfor DTC P0116.
Possible Cause
. ECT sensor deterioration. Malfunction in the thermostat and cooling system
Troubleshooting Flowchart
-a 32 68 r0a la0l?6 2t2 2481'rr-20 o 20 ao o D r@ Il, r'c)
ENGINE COOLANT IEMPERATURE
P0116, troubleshoot those DTCS first. then recheck
11-128
THERMISTOR
- The MIL has bogn reported on.- DTC P0116 is stored.
Problem verification:1. Start the engine. Hotd theengine at 3,000 rpm with noload (in Park or neutral) untilthe radiator fan comes on,then let it idle.2. With the scan tool, check the
Intermiftent lailure. system is OKai thi. time. Ch.ck the thc.mo-stat 6nd thc cooling system.
is 176 200'F {80 - 93'C)or0.0-0.TVindicated?
Check the thermostat and thecooling system. ll they als OK,raplace the ECT sensor.