1997 HONDA CIVIC Code 38

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)

Main Bearings
4.
Glearance
1.To check main bearing-to-journal oil clearance.
remove the main caps and bearing halves.
Clean each main journal and bearing half with a
clean shop towel.
Place one strip of plastigage across each main jour-
na l.
NOTE: lf the engine is still in the car when you bolt
the main cap down to check clearance, the weight
of the crankshaft and flvwheel will flaften the plasti-
gage further than just the torque on the cap bolt.
and give you an incorrect reading. For an accurate
reading, support the crank with a jack under the
counterweights and check only one bearing at a
time,
Reinstall the bearings and caps, then torque the
bolts.
lst step: 25 N'm (2.5 kgl'm. 18 lbf'ft)
FinalsteD:
B16A2 engine:
76 N.m (7.8 kgf.m, 56 lbf'ft)
D16Y5, Dl6Y7, D16Y8 engines:
51 N.m (5.2 kgf'm, 38 lbf'ft)
NOTE: Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspec-
tron.
Remove the cap and bearing again, and measure the
widest part ot the plastigage.
Main Boaring-toJournal Oil Clearance:
816A2 engine:
Standald {New}:
No. l, 2, 4, 5 Journals:
O.O2,l - 0.042 mm 10'00(B - 0.0017 in)
No. 3 Journals:
0.030 - 0.048 mm {0'0012 - 0'0019 in)
Servico Limit: 0.06 mm {0.002 in,
Dl6Y5, Dl6
r, Dl6Y8 engines:
Standard (Nsw):
No. 1,5 Journals:
0.018 - 0.035 mm {0.0007 - 0'001'[ in)
No. 2. 3, 4 Journals:
0.02,1 - 0.0,(2 mm {0'0009 - 0.0017 in}
Service Limit: 0.05 mm (0.002 in)
\
7-9
7.
lf the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow,
(remove the engine if it's still in the car), remove the
crankshaft, and remove the upper half of the bear-
ing. Install a new. complete bearing with the same
color code {select the color as shown on the next
page), and rechsck the clearance.
CAUTION: Do nol fil€, shim, or scrape the bearings
or tho cap3 to adiust cleatanc€.
lf the plastigage shows the clearance is still incor-
rect, try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color
listed above or below that one), and check again
NOTE: lf the proper clearance cannot be obtained
by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings,
replace the crankshaft and start over.

Main Bearing
Selection
CAUTION: lf the codes are indecipherable because of anaccumulation of dirt and dust, do not scrub them with a
wire brush or scraper. Clean them only with solvent ol
deiergent.
Crankshaft Bore Code Location
81642 engine:
Letters have been stamped on the end of the block as acode for the size of each of the 5 main journal bores.
Use them, and the numbers or bars stamped on the
crank {codes for main journal size), to choose the correct
beaflngs.
Main JournalCode Locations {Nombers or Barc)
Eearing ldentificationColor code rson lhe edge ofthe bear ng.Larger crank bore
acD
-----------""' Smallerbeanngtlhrcker)
9""1B':""
Alack
Black
Alue
7-10
\
D16Y5, D16Y7, D16Y8 engines:
Letters have been stamped on the end of the block as acode for the size of each of the 5 main journal bores.
Use them, and the numbers stamped on the crankshaft(codes for main journal size), to choose the correct bear-
Ings.
Main Journal Code Location (Numbers)
\
Color codeon theedge ofthe bearing-
Ldrger crank bore
Smaller bea ng {th'cker)
lr-l
t#lt+,tlf l 4 tlf '- 't
Smaller Smallermaan bearingjournal {thicker)
RedPinkGreen
PinkGreenBrown
GreenBrownBlack
GreenBrownBlackElue
I
Bearing ldentification
BcD

Connecting Rod Bearings
Clearance
Remove the connecting rod cap and bearing half
Clean the crankshaft rod iournal and bearing half
with a clean shop towel.
Place plastigage across the rod journal.
Reinstall the bearing half and cap, and torque the nuts.
Torque
Bl6A2 engine:
40 N.m (4.1 kgl.m, 30 lbf'ft)
Dr6Y5, D16Y7, D16Y8 enginss:
31 N'm (3.2 kgf.m, 23 lbf ftl
NOTE| Do not rotate the crankshaft during inspection.
Remove the rod cap and bearing half and measure
the widest part of the plastigage.
Connecting Rod Bearing-to.Journal Oil Glearance:
816A2 engine:
Standard lNewl: 0.032 - 0.050 mm
10.0013 - 0.0020 in)
Service Limit: 0.06 mm 10.002 inl
D16Y5, D16Y7, D16Y8 engines:
Standard lNew): 0.020 - 0.038 mm
(0.0008 - 0.0015 in)
Service Limit 0.05 mm 10.002 inl
'1.
4.
lf the plastigage measures too wide or too narrow'
remove the upper half of the bearing, install a new,
complete bearing with the same color code (select
the color as shown in the right column), and
recheck the clearance.
CAUTION: Do not lile, shim, or scrape the bearings
or the caps to adiust clgarance.
lf the plastigage shows the clearance is still incorrect.
try the next larger or smaller bearing (the color listed
above or below that one), and check clearance again.
NOTE: lf the Droper clearance cannot be obtained
by using the appropriate larger or smaller bearings,
replace the crankshaft and start over.
PLASTIGAGE STRIP
\
7.
7-11
Selection
CAUTION: lf the codes are indecipherable because of
an accumulation of dirt and dust, do not sclub them
with a wile brush or scraper. Clean them only with sol-
vent or detergent,
Connecting Rod Code Location
Numbers have been stamped on the side of each con
necting rod as a code for the size of the big end Use
them, and the letters stamped on the crankshaft (codes
for rod journal size), to choose the correct bearlngs
Half of number ls
stamped on bearingcap and the otherhalf is stamped onrod.
Bearing ldentilication
Color code is on theedge ofthe bearing.
lfA--;T] |
lle"'tt l;llcorlll ll
I lD;;ilril |l-l
Larger brg end bore
Smaller Smallerrod bearlngjournal (thicker)
---------------- Smallerbearing{thrcker)
RedPinkGreen
PinkGreen
GreenErownBlack
GreenBrownBlackBlue
1234
Connecting Rod Journal Code Locations (Lettels)

!
Fuel and Emrsslons
SoecialToofs .....,...."..,. 11-2
Component Locations
lndex ....................., ......... 11-3
Svstem Description
Vacuum Connections ................,,..,.. ......... 11-12
Electrical Connections ...............,.,.,... ....... 11-29
System Connectors ........,.,.,.......................... 1 1-51
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Procedures ................. .. 11-81
Engine Control Module/PowertrainControl Module TerminalAfiangement ....,.,..... 11-88
Diagnostic Trouble Code Chart .................,., 11.97
How to Read Flowcharts .,.......................... . 11-103
PGM-Fl System
System Description ...... 11-10,1
Troubleshooting Flowcharts
Engine Control Module/PowertrainContlol Module ........ 11-107
Manitold Absolute Pressure Sensor .....'. . ... 11-115
fntake Air Temperatuie Sensor ..... . . ., . 11'121
Engine Coolant Temperatuae Sensol ........., 11-128
Throttle Position Sensor ...................,........... 11-132
Primary Heated Orygen Sensor (Sensor 1l ... 11-139
Secondary Heated Oxygen Sensor(Sensor 21.................................................... 1 1-153
Heated Oxygen Sensor Heater ...................,. 11-157
Fuel Supply System ...... 11-164
Random Mislire ......., ..11-166
Misfire Detected in One Cylindsr ................. 11-167
Knock Sensor .,.,............ 11-170
CKP/TDC/CYP Sensor ................................... 11'172
Vehicle Speed Sensor ...........,......,...,.,........... 1t-176
Barometric Pressure Sensor ...............,......... I 1-178
Electrical Load Detector,.,,............................ 1 1-179
CKF Sensor .................... 11-183
ECM/PCM Internal Circuit ............................. I 1-188
A/T Signal {TMA/TMBI .................................. I 1-189
ldle Control System
System Doscriplion ............ 11-190
Troubleshooting Flowcharts
ldle Control System ...... 11-192
ldle Air Control Va1ve .................................... I 1-19i1
Starter Switch Signal .................................... 1 1'202
Air Conditioning Signal ................................. 11'201
Ahernator FR Signal .................................... . 1 1-208
BrakeSwitch Signal ..................................... f 1"210
Power Sleering Prossure Switch Signal ......11-212
A/T Gear Position Signal ............................... 11-216
Clutch Swiich Signal ................................-.... 11-214
ldte Speed Setting . .............11-220
Fuel Supply System
Fuel Lines .,...................,.,.,.,11-221
Fuef Tube/Ouick-Connect Fittings ..........,.,........ 11 -227
System Description ....'.... 11-230
Fuel Pressure .......,.,,........... 11-230
Fuef fniectors ......................11-232
Fu€f Pressure Regulator .....,.......................'...,. 11-231
Fuef Fifter ............................11-235
Fuel Pump .............'.......'.... 11-236
PGM-FI Main Relay .............11'237
Fuel Tank ................ ....,...'.'.' 11'211
Intake Air System
System Description ....-.-.....11-243
Air Cfeaner ...........,......."". .11-211
Throttle Cable .....................11-211
Throttfe Body ........ ..'... . . .,.11-211
Fuel Iniestion Air Control System ,.,.,....-........... 11-250
Emission Control System
System Description .-..........11-252
Taifpip€ Emission ...............11-252
Three Way Catafytic Convert€r ............,.,,.,.,.,.... 11 -252
Exhaust Gas Racirculaiion System ...,.,,,,.,.,.,.,,. 11'254
Positive Crankcas€ Ventilation System .... . . .. 11-266
Evaoorative Emission Controls ..................,,..,.,. 11 -267

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

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Procedures (cont,dl
ll, Engine Control Module (ECM)/powertrain Control Module (pCM) Reset procedure
NoTE: Resetting the EcM/PcM will erase any stored DTcs and any freeze data. lt will also restart all readiness codemonitors.
Either of the following actions will reset the ECM/PCM.
. Use the OBD ll scan tool or Honda pGM Tester to clear the EClM,s/pCM,s memory.
NorE: see the oBD ll scan tool or Honda PGM Tester user's manuals for specific operating instructions.
' Turn the ignition switch oFF. Remove the BACK uP (7.5 A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box for 10 sec-onds.
NorE: Bemoving the BACK uP (7 5 A) fuse cancels the clock and the radio presets. Make note of the customer,spresets so you can reset then
lll. Final Procedure (this procedure must be done after any troubleshoottng)
1. Remove the SCS Service Connector if it is connected.
NoTE: If the Scs service connector is connected and there are no DTcs stored in the EcMipcM, the MtL will stayon when the ignition switch is turned ON 0l).
2. Do the ECM/PCM Reset procedure.
3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
1-82

lf the inspection for a particular code requires voltage or resistance checks at the ECM/PCM connectors, remove the right
kick panel. Pull the carpet back to expose the ECM/PCM. Remove the ABS control unit if so equipped. unbolt the EcM/
PCM bolt. Turn the ignition switch oFF, and connect the backprobe sets and a digital multimeter as described below
check the system according to the procedure described for the appropriate code(s) listed on the following pages'
The illustrationshows '96 - '98 models.
How to Use lhe Backprobe Sets
connect the backprobe adapters to the stacking patch cords, and connect the cords to a multimeter. using the wire insula-
tion as a guide for the contoured trp of the backprobe adapter. gently slide the tip into the connector from the wire side
until it comes in contact with terminal end of the wire'
BackProbe
BACKPROEE SET
07SAZ - 001000A lTwo
DIGITAL MULTIMETER(Commercially avail.bleI orKs - AHM - 32 - oo3 (cont'd)
KICK PANEL
1 1-83