1998 HONDA CIVIC Trouble shooting ignition system

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

I
VTEC Control System
Troubleshooting Flowchart (cont'd)
VTEC PRESSURE SwlTCH 2PCONNECTOR
Wire side of female(€rmrnats
VTEC SOLENOID VALVE lPCONNECTOR
I r----'t I
ll ' ff---r'-'1
I
I
-L
Terminal side ofmale terminal
A/T LOW PRESSUREw/PAt{EL07406-0070300
NOTE: Keep measuring time as short aspossible because engine is running with noload (less than one minute).
PRESSURE GAUGEADAPTER07NAJ - P07010A
A/T PRESSURE I{OSE07406 - 0020201
ot
A/T PRESSURE HOSE.2,210 mm07MAJ - PY&llA andA/T PRESSURE ADAPTER07MAJ - PY,()120
6-4
(From page 6-3)
(To page 6-5)
Test the VTEC Pr6suro SwitchWiro:Nleasure voltage across the VTECpressure switch 2P connector.
. Rcpai. opon in tho wirebrtw.en VTEC pr6.urc switchand G101.. lf th. wir6 b OK, sub.thuto alnown-good ECM/PCM !ndracheck.
ls there baftery voltage?
Te3t the VTEC Solonoid V.lve:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the VTEC solenoidvalve 1P connector.3. Check for continuity betweenthe VTEC solenoid valve 1Pconnector terminal No. 1 andbody ground.
ls there 14 - 30 0?
Te3t tho WEC Solonoid Vatvo:'1. Remove the VTEC pressureswatch and install the specialtool as shown, then reinstallthe VTEC pressure switch.2. Reconnoct the VTEC solenoidvalve 1P connector and VTECpressure switch 2P connector.3, Connect the tachometer (seesection 11).4. Stan the engine.5, Warm up engine to normaloperating temperature (cool,ing fan comes on).6. Check oil pressure at enginespeeds D16Y5 engine: 1,000and 3.000 rpm, D16Y8 engine:1,000,3,000 and 5,000 rpm.
ls pressure below 49 kPa(0.5 kgflcm,, 7 psi)?In.poct the VTEC aolonoid vllvols.c p.g. &6).
:(
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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)

VTEC Control System
Troubleshooting Flowchart (cont,d)
VTEC PRESSURE SWITCH 2PCONNECTOR
Wire side of temaleterminals
OIL PRESSURE GAUGE(Comm.rcially avail.bte)
GAUGE JOINT ADAPTERSNAP.ON MT26.1710 x 1.0 ftm. Use new washer wheninstalling the sealing bott.
NOTE: Keep measuring time as shorr aspossible because engine is running witn noload lless than one minute).
6-52
(
VTEC SOLENOID VALVE lPCONNECTOF
Ir------r I
lLl.ll-r
II
It
Terminal side ofmale terminal
I
(From page 6-5l l
(To page 6-53)
Test tha VTEC P.es3uro SwitchWi.e:Measure voltage across the VTECpressure switch 2P connector.
Ropair opon in the wiro batwoenVIEC pr...urc switch and G lot .lf the wiro is OK, 3ubltitutr aknown-good ECM and rochack.
ls there battery voltage?
Test the VTEC Solenoid V.tve:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the VTEC solenoidvalve 1P connector.3. Check for continuity betweenthe VTEC solenoid valve 1Pconnector terminal No, I andbody ground.
ls there 14 - 30 O?
Te3t the VTEC Sotonoid Vatve:'1. Remove the VTEC pressureswitch and install the specialtool as shown. then reinstallthe VTEC pressure switch.2. Reconnect the VTEC solenoidvalve 1P connector and VTECpressure switch 2P connector,3. Connect the tachometer (seesection 1l).4. Start the engine.5. Warm up engine to normaloperatrng temperature (cool-ing fan comes on).6. Check oil pressure at enginespeed of 1,000,3,000 and5,000 rpm.
ls pressure below 49 kPa(0.5 kgflcm,,7 psi)?Inipoct thg VTEC aolenoid valvel3ee P8go 6-54).
I

3.
5.
6.
1.
Fuel Cut-off Control
. During deceleration with the throttle valve closed, current to the fuel injectors is cut off to improve fuel economy at
speeds over the following rpm:. D16Y5 engine (M/T):850 rpm. D]6Y5 engine (CVT), D'16Y8 engine (USA M/T): 920 rpm
. Dl6Y8 engine (USA A,/I), D16Y7 engine (USA A,/T);910 rpm
. D16Y8 engine (Canada M/T), D16Y7 engine (canada): 990 rpm
' D16Y8 engine (Canada M/T): 1,000 rpm
. 816A2 engine: 970 rpm
. Fuel cut-off action also takes place when engine speed exceeds 6,900 rpm (D16Y5, D16Y7 engine; D'16Y8 engine:
7,000 rpm. 816A2 engine: 8.100 rpm), regardless of the position of the throttle valve, to protect the engine from
over-rewing. With '99 Dl6Y7 engine (A,/T) and '99 D16Y8 engine (A./T), the PCM cuts the fuel at engine speeds over
5,000 rpm when the vehicle is not moving.
IVC Compressor Clutch Relay
When the ECM/PCM receives a demand for cooling from the air conditioning system, it delays the compressor from
being energized, and enriches the mixture to assure smooth transition to the A,/C mode
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Purge Control Solenoid Valve*'
When the engine coolant temperature is above 154'F (68'C). the ECM/PCM controls the EVAP purge control solenoid
valve which controls vacuum to the EVAP purge control canister.
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Purge Control Solenoid Valve*a
When the engine coolant temperature above 154"F (68"C), intake air temperature above 32"F (0'C) and vehicle speed
above 0 mile (0 km/h) or [Ay'C compressor clutch on and intake air temperature above 160"F (41'C)], the ECM/PCM
controls the EVAP purge control solenoid valve which controls vacuum to the EVAP purge control canister.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Control Solenoid Valve*?
When EGR is required for control of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. the ECM controls the EGR control solenoid
valve which supplies regulated vacuum to the EGR valve
Alternator Control
The system controls the voltage generated at the alternator in accordance with the electrical load and driving mode,
which reduces the engine load to improve the fuel economy.
ECM/PCM Fail-safe/Back-up Functions
1. Fail safe Function
When an abnormality occurs in a signal from a sensor, the ECM/PCM ignores that signal and assumes a pre-pro-
grammed value for that sensor that allows the engine to continue to run.
2. Back-uD Function
When an abnormality occurs in the ECM/PCM itself, the fuel injectors are controlled by a back-up circuit independent
of the system in order to permit minimal driving.
3. Self diagnosis Function lMalfunction Indicator Lamp (MlL)l
When an abnormality occurs in a signal from a sensor, the ECM/PCM supplies ground for the lvllL and stores the DTC
in erasable memory. When the ignition is initially turned on, the ECM/PCM supplies ground for the MIL for two sec-
onds to check the MIL bulb condition.
4. Two Trip Detection Method
To prevent false indications, the Two Trip Detection Method is used for the HO2S, fuel metering-related. idle control
system, ECT sensor, EGR system and EVAP control system self-diagnostic functions. When an abnormality occurs,
the ECM/PCM stores it in its memory. When the same abnormality recurs after the ignition switch is turned OFF and
ON 0l) again, the ECM/PCM informs the driver by lighting the MlL. However, to ease troubleshooting, this function is
cancelled when you jump the service check connector. The MIL will then blink immediately when an abnormality
occurs,
5. Two (or Three) Driving Cycle Detection Method
A "Driving Cycle" consists ot starting the engine. beginning closed loop operation, and stopping the engine. lf misfir-
ing that increases emissions is detected during two consecutive driving cycles, or TWC deterioration is detected dur-
ing three consecutive driving cycles, the ECM/PCM turns the MIL on. However, to ease troubleshooting, this function
is cancelled when you jump the service check connector. The MIL will then blink immediately when an abnormality
occurs.
(cont'd)
1 1-1 05
.1.

PGM-FI System
Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCMI
('96 - 98 Models,'99 - 00 Dl6Y5 engine with M/Tl (cont'd)
NOTE:. When there is oo Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored, the MtL wi

stay on if the SCSservace connector is connected and the ignition switch is on,. lf this symptom is intermittent, checklor:- A loose Fl E/M 115 A) fuse in the under hood luse/relay box- A loose No. 13 FUEL PUMP fuse (15 A) in the underdash fuse/relay box- An intermittent shon in the wire between the ECM/PCM (C7) and the service cnecKconnector- An intermittent short in the wire between the ECM/PCM (A18) and the gaugeassembly- An intermittent shon in the wire between the ECM/PCM {D4) and the MAp sensorAn intermittent short in the wire between the ECM/PCM (D10), the Tp sensor, theEGR valve l:ft sensor (D16Y5 engine) and/or the Fuel tank pressure sensor (,96Dl6Y8 engine (coupe), '97 016Y7 engine (coupe: KL model, sedan: KL (LX) modeli,'97 016Y8 engine {coupe: all models, sedan: KL modeti,'98,all models}- PGM-FImain relay. See the OBD ll scan tool or Honda PGM Tester user's manuals lor specitic operatinginstructions.
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR C 13lPI
Wire side of female terminals
(To page 11 109)
(To page 11,109)
11-108
The Maltunction Indicator Lamp(MlLl stays on o. comes on eftartwo s€conds,
Check the Oiagnoslic TroubleCode {DTC}I1. Connect a scan tool or HondaPGM Tester.2. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
3. Read the DTC with the scantool or Honda PGM Tester.
Go to troubleshooting p.oc€dur€s(se€ pago 11{11.Are any DTC{s) indicated?
Check the DTC by MIL indication:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Connect the SCS service con,nector to the service checkconnector.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (lli.
Repair opon ol short in wirebotwoen the ECM/PCM (C8)
and Data Link Connector.Go to troublelhooting proce-dure ls6e page 11-811.
Does the MIL indicate any DTC?
Try to start the engine.
Does the engine start?
Check for a short in the wire(SCS lin€l:1. Disconnect the SCS serviceconnector.2. Stop the engine and turn theignition switch ON {lli.3. Measure voltage between theECM/PCM connector terminalC7 and body ground.
Ropair short to body Iround inthe wire betweon ECM/PCM lCTland sorvice check connector.
ls there approx. 5 V?
scs tBRNI

\
t,96 D16Y8 engine (coup6l,'9? Dl6Y7 engine (coupe: KL model, sedan: KL (LX) model)"g7 Dl6Y8 ongine (coupe: all mod-
els, sedan: KL model,'98-8ll modelsl 39 - 00 Dl5Y5 engine with M/Tl:
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble code (DTc) P1456: Evaporative Emission (EVAP) control system leak
detected (fuel tank sYsteml
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1457: Evaporative Emission (EVAP) control system leak
detected (EVAP control canister system).
Fr4t6l
fF14s7
Possible Causs
. Fuel fill cap
. Vacuum Connections
. Fuel Tank
. EVAP Control Canister Vent Shut Valve
. EVAP Control Canister Vent Shut Valve Circuit
. EVAP Purge Control Solenoid Valve
. EVAP Purge Control Solenoid Valve Circuit
. EVAP Bypass Solenoid Valve
. EVAP Bypass Solenoid Valve Circuit
. Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
. Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit
. EVAP Control Canister
. Throttle Body
Troublsshooting Flowchart
VACUUMPUMP/GAUGE,0 - 30 in.HgA973X - 041 -
xxxxx
I
EVAPCONTROL
.4, cANrsrER
re ./ VALVE
{S----r*::n
\(cont'd)
- The MIL ha3 been rePofted
on.- DTC P1456 or P1457 is stored.
Check the EVAP control canbtol
vent shut valve:1. Disconnect the vacuum hose
Irom the EVAP three waY
valve and connect a vacuurnpump to the hose.
2. Remove the EVAP control
canister vent shut valve Irofi
the canrster.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (lli
4. Apply vacuum to the hose.
Chock for . shon in the wire(VSv linel:Disconnect the 2P connector {rom
the EVAP control canister vent
Does the valve hold vacuum?
Repair short in the wir€ betwcen
the EVAP control canister vent
shut v.lve and tho ECM/PCM
tA29|.
Does the valve hold vacuum?
Check the EVAP control canister
vent shui valve:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
2. Connect ECM/PCM connectorterminal A29 to body ground
with a iumPer wire.
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4. Applyvacuum to the hose
Reohce the EVAP control canis-
ter vent shttt valve.
Does the valve hold vacuum?
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR A {32P)
37I9t01t't2t3t5t6ItItt9202a2a
25aA
ILT GRN/W{T) I JUMPER WIRE
Wire side of femll terminals
(To page 11-284i(To page 11 284)
11-283

Emission Control System
Evaporative Emission {EVAP) Controls (cont'dl
\J
tF1456-l
tP14sz-l
EVAPCONTROLCANISTERVENTSHUTVALVE
O.RINGReplace.
EVAPCONTROLCANISTER
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR A I32PI
(To page 11'289)
'99 - 00 modols except Dl6Y5 engine with M/T:
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1456: Evaporative Emission (EVAP) control system leak
detected (fuel tank svstem).
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1457: Evaporative Emission (EVAP) control system leak
detected (EVAP control canister system).
Possible Cause
. Fuel fill cap
. Vacuum Connections
. FuelTank
. EVAP Control Canister Vent Shut Valve
. EVAP Control Canister Vent Shut Valve Circuit
. EVAP Purge Control Solenoid Valve
o EVAP Purge Control Solenoid Valve Circuit
. EVAP Bypass Solenoid Valve
0 -30 in,Hg
. EVAP Bypass Solenoid Valve Circuit
. Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
. Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuir
. EVAP Control Canister
. ORVR vent shut valve
. ORVR vapor recirculation valve
. Throttle Body
Troubleshooting Flowchart
VACUUMPUMP/GAUGE,A973X - oal -
xxxxx
T-t
t\
The MIL has been reported on.DTC P1456 o. P1457 is stored.
Check the EVAP cont.ol canistervent shul valve:1. Disconnect the vacuum hosefrom the EVAP three wayvalve and connect a vacuumpump to the hose.2. Remove the EVAP controlcanister vent shut valve fromtne canrster.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4. Apply vacuum to the hose.Check for a short in the wiro(VSV linel:Disconnect the 2P connector fromthe EVAP control canister ventDoes the vaive hold vacuum?
RoDair 3hort in the wire botwe€nthe EVAP control canilter ventshut valve and the ECM/PCM{A4t.
Does the valve hold vacuum?Check the EVAP cont.ol canisterv€nl shut valve:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Connect ECM/PCM connectorterminal A4 to body groundwith a jumper wire.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4. Apply vacuum to the hose.
Reolace the EVAP control canis-ter veni shut valve.
Does the valve hold vacuum?
Wire side of female terminals
11-288
lTo page 11-289)