CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

I did my MPFI swap on my 88 hatch. It turned on fine and runs great, but if I'm idling on a light or a stop anywhere the CEL will come on no code just a steady red light on the ECU and the car will not rev up past 3k, Now If I turn off and back on the car it will go away and drive fine until I stop again. The it might happen again. I got the ECU and when I got home and opened it, saw it was chipped with one of those mugen spec ebay chips. I'm thinking someone messed up the ecu when they did this. What do you think. Other than that the car runs great. I can be on the highway for 45 min not a problem but at my first stop it does that. I'm thinking of trying another ECU but don't have anyone with one that I could just test, I would need to buy another one, and if that's not it then I don't want to spend the extra money.

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

Ugh, sounds like a checksum problem on the program you're running...if you start the car and let it idle for more than 45 seconds, do you get the CEL? If so, you'll need a new chip.

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

Yes, after maybe a minute or so the CEL comes on then idle goes from normal 800-1k rpm to like 2k and the light on the ecu is just solid red and will not rev pass 3k. If I just turn the key to check for any codes I don't get any, just when I let it idle. By the way the engine is a JDM 95 SOHC Vtec ZC, pretty much just like a z6 but it is stamped ZC on the block, running 90 Si IM, Dizzy, and ECU. The chip does sai d16a6 9000rpm and some other numbers I can't remember.

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

Yeah man, that's a checksum error. Basically, the ECU uses an internal check on it's program to verify that it hasn't been tampered with. If this test fails, the ECU goes into "limp mode" where the car runs like crap and you get a solid CEL. There are really two options here.

1. Find someone who'll burn you a chip with the stock program, or buy an eeprom burner and do it yourself. Either way, by replacing the program, you'll solve your problem.
2. Sell the ECU and get yourself a non-chipped one. Someone like myself would consider this a plus, since it's already modified for programmability.

You might get a better response in the "Engine Management" forum, check out topics on Ghettodyne and "Batronix Eeprommer how to". -Z

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

Thanks for the help, I'll go to engine management for more. So getting another chip or program will fix this. I just got this car a few months ago and did the swap maybe 2 weeks ago. Before I drove a 97 ex but i just hate OBD2 ECU's, and did not pay much attention to anything for this older civics until now. Thanks again

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

No problem, I'm happy to help. I would offer to burn a chip for you, but I just moved and haven't been able to find my eeprom burner, and I don't have any 27C256's (one time-programmable chips), only a few more expensive re-programmables that I'm not willing to give away.

If you don't find someone right away that can help out, lemme know and I'll hook you up. -Z

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

Well, let me know what you can do. I was right now on the ghettodyne website reading on how it works, but if I can get one sooner it'll be good. I agree with you I already have a socket on the ecu for the new chip, All I need to do is take it out and put the new chip in there.

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

how are u turning the vtec on? just curious.

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

I'm actually running it without Vtec right now. I'm thinking I might use a Tach and shiftlight to control it. I know there are risks doing this way, solenoid damage, but it is a cheap way of doing it for now. I already have the tach but have no money for any other vtec controller. I guess the next cheap way is an rpm switch, eventually I want to get a V-AFC, and use that.

Re:CEL Engine won't rev past 3k
 

Invest in a good ECU, you wont regret it!