1998 HONDA CIVIC diagnostic

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)

!
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

I
CLUTCH SWITCH lDl6Y5 onginoM,/TITroubleshooting, page 1 1-218
'96 - 98 modsls:
Sell-diagnostic Procedures.page 11 81
ENGINC CONTROL MOOUI.T(FCMI/POWERTRATN
CONTROL MODULE IPCMITroubleshooting, page 1 1-107
'9!, - 0o modol3:
PGM.FI MAIN RELAYRslay Testing, page 11-237Troubleshooting, page 1 1-238PGM.FI MAIN RELAYRelay Testing, page l1 237Troubleshooting, pago 1'! 238
SERVICEl2Pl
CONNECTOR
ENGINE CONTROL MODU1T(ECM}/POWERTRAIN
CONTROL MODULE IPCMITroubleshooting, page 11 111SERVICE CHECK CONNECTORtzPlSelf-diagnostic Procedures,page 11-81
Self-diagnostic Procedures,page 11-81
{cont'd)
11-7

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
ECM/PCM Data
By connecting the OBD ll scan tool or the Honda pGM Tester to the l6p data link connector (DLC), various data can beretrieved from the EcM/PcM. The items Iisted in the table below conform to the sAE recommended practice.The Honda PGM Tester also reads data beyond that recommended bv SAE.understanding this data wil help to find the causes of intermittent fairures or engine probrems,
NOTE:
' The "operating values" given below are approximate values and may be different depending on the environment andthe individual vehicle.. Unless noted otherwise, "at idle speed,, means idling with the engine completely warmed up, Ay'T in position @ or E],M/T in neutral, and the Ay'C and all accessories turned off.
(
DataDescriptionOperating ValueFreeze Data
Diagnostic
Trouble Code(DTC)
lf the ECM /PCM detects a problem, it will store it as acode consisting of one letter and four numbers.Depending on the problem, an SAE-defined code (poxxx)or a Honda-defined code (Plxxx) will be outDut to therester.
lf no problem is detected,
there is no output.
YES
Engine SpeedThe ECM/PCM computes engine speed from the signalssent from the Crankshaft Position sensor.This data is used for determining the time and amount offuel injection,
Nearly the same as
tachometer indication.YES
Vehicle SpeedThe ECM/PCM converts pulse signals from the VehicleSpeed Sensor (VSS) into speed data.Nearly the same as
speedometer indicationYES
Manifold
Absolute
Pressure {MAP)
The absolute pressure caused in the intake manifold bvengine load and speed.With engine stopped:
Nearly the same as atmo-
spheflc pressure
At idle speed:
24 - 31 kPa (180 - 280
mmHg, 7.1 - 11.0 inHg)
YES
Engine Coolant
Temperature
(ECT)
The ECT sensor converts coolant temperature into volt_age and signals the ECM/PCM. The sensor is a thermistorwhose internal resistance changes with coolant temDera_ture. The ECM/PCM uses the voltage signals from theECT sensor to determine the amount of iniected fuel.
With cold engine:
Same as ambient temper,
ature and IAT
With engine warmed up:
176 - 194.F (80 - 90.C)
YES
Heated Oxygen
Sensor {HO2S)(Primary,
Sensor 1)(Secondary
Sensor 2)
The Heated Oxygen Sensor detects the oxygen contentin the exhaust gas and sends voltage signals to theECI\4/PCM. Based on these signats, the ECM/pCM con_trols the airlfuel ratio. When the oxygen content is high(that is, when the ratio is leaner than the stoichiometricratio), the voltage signal is lower.When the oxygen content is low (that is, when the ratiois richer than the stoichiometric ratio), the voltage signalis higher.
0.0 - 1.25 V
At idle speed:
about 0.1 - 0.9 V
NO(Sensor 1)
1 1-86

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
DTClMlL indicationlDatection hsmProbablo CausePage
P0137(63)Secondary Heated Oxygen SensorCircuit Low Voltage(Sensor 2)
Short in Secondary HO2S lSensor 2) circuitSecondary H02S {Sensor 2)ECM/PCI\41 1-153
P0r38 {63)Secondary Heated Oxygen SensorCircuit High Voltage(Sensor 2)
Open in Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2) circuitSecondary HO2S (Sensor 2)EC[I/PCM11-154
P0'139 (63)Secondary Heated Orygen SensorSlow Response(Sensor 2)
Secondary H02S lSensor 2)1l-156
P0141 (65)
Secondary Heated Oxygen SensorHeaterCircuit Malfunction(Sensor 2)
. Open or short in Secondary HO2S (Sensor2) heater circuit. ECM/PCM11-157
P0171 (45)
System Too LeanFuel supply systemPrimary HO2S (Sensor 1)MAP sensorContaminated fuelValve clearanceExhaust leakage
11,164
P0172 (45)
System Too RichFuel supply systemPrimary HO2S (sensor l)MAP sensorContaminated fuelValve clearance
11-164
P0300*16' }l?
andsome ofPo3o1 /r'' \P0302 l72lP0303 l73lP0304 \7 4l
Random Misfirelgnition systemFuel supply systemMAP sensorEGR systemIAC valveContaminated fuelLack of fuel
r1-r66
P0301P0302P0303P0304
/rt\172ll73l\7 4l
- Cylinder 1- Cylinder 2- Cylinder 3- Cylinder 4Misfire Detected
Fuel InjectorFuel Injector circuitlgnition systemLow compressionValve clearance
11 167
P0325*3 (23)Knock Sensor (KS) CircuitMalfunctionOpen or short in Knock Sensor (KS) circuitKnock Sensor {KS)ECM/FCtvl11-170
P0335(4)Crankshaft PositionSensor CircuitMalfunction
Crankshaft Position SensorCrankshaft Position Sensor circuitECM/PCM11-172
P0336(4)Crankshaft PositionSensorRange/Performance
. Crankshaft Position Sensor. Timing belt skipped teeth11-172
P040'r*r (80)Exhaust GasRecirculationInsufficient Flow Detected
' EGR valve. EGR line
P0420(67)Catalyst SystemEfficiency BelowThreshold
. Th.ee Way Catalytic converter. Secondary HO2S11 253
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTCI Chat (cont'dl
*3: D16Y5 engine (CVT), D16Y8 engine and B1642 engine*4: D'16Y5 engine*16: '98 model+17: '99 - 00 models
,Jla
1 1-98

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