Vtec Gone!!
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,307
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From: Ogden
Sounds like you may be a victim of OGS (Oxygenated Gas Syndrome). Parts of Europe and Canada routinely use oxygenated fuels to reduce emissions. Common additives may cause problems. Check the pump:
1) Ethanol- Maximum 10% by volume
2) Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (aka MTBE)- Maximum 15% by volume
3) Methanol- Maximum 0% by volume
Check the pump as the information normally will be posted on the pump itself.
If you exceed the maximums listed then you have used "bad gas"......
1) Ethanol- Maximum 10% by volume
2) Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (aka MTBE)- Maximum 15% by volume
3) Methanol- Maximum 0% by volume
Check the pump as the information normally will be posted on the pump itself.
If you exceed the maximums listed then you have used "bad gas"......
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Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Sellersburg
That wouldn't explain my problems... I had exactly the same experience after an oil change to Mobil 1 and I live in the US. The VTEC just dimenished- the oil level was fine.
I just reset the ECU tonight and need to drive this weekend. So far the drive tonight only bolstered my suspiscion that the responsiveness of the car was enhanced by resetting the ECU. VTEC seemed more powerful in 1st, but again I won't know the difference until I engage in 2nd or 3rd.
-B
I just reset the ECU tonight and need to drive this weekend. So far the drive tonight only bolstered my suspiscion that the responsiveness of the car was enhanced by resetting the ECU. VTEC seemed more powerful in 1st, but again I won't know the difference until I engage in 2nd or 3rd.
-B
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Joined: Jan 2001
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I've noticed a similar drop-off in Vtec - I realized I was low on oil and topped it off. Still lacks the surge I had just a few weeks ago. I only have about 1200 miles on it.
Rather than disconnecting the battery, can I just "unplug" the ECU and plug it back in? If so, where is it and how would I do this? I'd like to test this ECU theory to see if there's any change for me - other than the Vtec, the car is running fine.
Be sure to let us know what you find out bguernsey...
Rather than disconnecting the battery, can I just "unplug" the ECU and plug it back in? If so, where is it and how would I do this? I'd like to test this ECU theory to see if there's any change for me - other than the Vtec, the car is running fine.
Be sure to let us know what you find out bguernsey...
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I knew I had read somthing on this before - this is from cdelena on a previous thread (hope he doesn't mind me re-printing it...I tend to respect his opinion on these issues):
"Sounds like it might be the MAP sensor (assuming it happens with a fully warmed engine). Apparently a number of us have had the problem that feels like intermittent VTEC operation or fuel starvation that is caused by a sticking MAP sensor.
As stupid as this sounds, this works.. Remove the MAP sensor from the top of the throttle body and tap on it several times with the screwdriver. Reinstall and you are ready to go.. it should be fixed."
That's what I was refering to about "unplugging" the ECU...I meant the MAP sensor - heck, I'm not even sure what the either of them do or if the ECU can even be unplugged.
I'll try looking into the MAP sensor fix and see what results - maybe disconnecting the battery resets both the ECU and the MAP sensor?
"Sounds like it might be the MAP sensor (assuming it happens with a fully warmed engine). Apparently a number of us have had the problem that feels like intermittent VTEC operation or fuel starvation that is caused by a sticking MAP sensor.
As stupid as this sounds, this works.. Remove the MAP sensor from the top of the throttle body and tap on it several times with the screwdriver. Reinstall and you are ready to go.. it should be fixed."
That's what I was refering to about "unplugging" the ECU...I meant the MAP sensor - heck, I'm not even sure what the either of them do or if the ECU can even be unplugged.
I'll try looking into the MAP sensor fix and see what results - maybe disconnecting the battery resets both the ECU and the MAP sensor?
Thread Starter
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From: Eastbourne
Hi Everybody - thanks for your feedback, that's what I love about this forum. 
Taking the various points made I would answer as follows:-
Petrol (Gas) - No the petrol was the same as in the car when I took it to the dealer for the service (97 ron).
Oil - the dealer put in Helix Ultra 5W/40 (whatever that is!). I checked the level and it was spot on.
Weather - believe me it's not to hot here in England at the moment!!! Just snow, rain and more rain
Engine warmed up - never vtec without 3 bars on the dial.
Mileage - 4429
ECU & MAP - I have no idea what you are talking about I am an utter Luddite and have no idea about things mechanical. I assume that the battery was disconnected during the service because I asked the dealer to hard wire in my V1. He did a great job of this by the way running the cable behind the plastic trim round the windscreen with only sufficient cable emerging by the light to plug in. I think another advantage of this is that is the suction cups slip the wire will stop the unit falling onto the facia.
Any more ideas about how to get my vtec back? Weather permitting I will take my baby out for a long run at the weekend for an extended test.
Thanks again for all the replies.
Nick
Taking the various points made I would answer as follows:-
Petrol (Gas) - No the petrol was the same as in the car when I took it to the dealer for the service (97 ron).
Oil - the dealer put in Helix Ultra 5W/40 (whatever that is!). I checked the level and it was spot on.
Weather - believe me it's not to hot here in England at the moment!!! Just snow, rain and more rain
Engine warmed up - never vtec without 3 bars on the dial.
Mileage - 4429
ECU & MAP - I have no idea what you are talking about I am an utter Luddite and have no idea about things mechanical. I assume that the battery was disconnected during the service because I asked the dealer to hard wire in my V1. He did a great job of this by the way running the cable behind the plastic trim round the windscreen with only sufficient cable emerging by the light to plug in. I think another advantage of this is that is the suction cups slip the wire will stop the unit falling onto the facia.
Any more ideas about how to get my vtec back? Weather permitting I will take my baby out for a long run at the weekend for an extended test.
Thanks again for all the replies.
Nick
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Nick,
If the oil is synthetic 5-40W (I use Mobil 1 0-40W) the kick may not be so pronounced, I think there has been technical explanations of this and different oils as you may have read give different results! I noticed with Synthetic how much quicker the car warmed up (3 Bars), have you noticed this?
If the oil is synthetic 5-40W (I use Mobil 1 0-40W) the kick may not be so pronounced, I think there has been technical explanations of this and different oils as you may have read give different results! I noticed with Synthetic how much quicker the car warmed up (3 Bars), have you noticed this?
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Unknown
Originally posted by bguernsey
If you fail 3 times typing the code, I think the radio becomes permanently locked.
-B
If you fail 3 times typing the code, I think the radio becomes permanently locked.
-B
