error 22 on ecu.. EF8 (b16a1)

**Dxs** · 24-02-2006 11:53 AM

Alright.. basically here is the story.

I have an EF8 which has an b16a1 stock. When i bought it it came with stock headers and a spoon vtec controller.. which looks like this

basically plugs into the ecu and the original ecu cables plug into it.

Anyway i had and still have an oil leak so did the sump gasket to try to stop it and got some new SS headers at the same time. I also removed the vtec controller because i have heard bad things about these/had no use for it.

Ok so i have hardly driven the car but when the vtec controller was in and the stock headers.. vtec would kick in depending on when it was set.. ie no engine lights..

So yeah i took the car out for a spin the other day, and i couldnt recall hitting vtec. And then i got to a round about, the car was warm and so was the temp outside, so took it beyond 5.2k rpm 2nd gear and then i get engine light. Go home and check the ecu code and it is 22 which is vtec valve.

So anyway today i play around with the wires near the vtec solenoid (i think) but they look all fine, so i take it for a drive.. i guess the car is a little cooler to begin with, and rev the car in 3rd or 2nd and get vtec happening.. then i drive a little more put into 2nd, rev, and engine light comes on and no vtec.. same code..

So yeah, just wanting some feedback. Basically it seemed fine with the vtec controller (never drove it much though).. But now vtec sometimes doesnt kick in.

Now i am sus on the headers.. they have no heat shielding.. is it possible for the oil or something to get too hot and then vtec doesnt kick in.. but why would u get an error code..

thoughts? (+ soz for long post)

**EGB16A** · 24-02-2006 12:22 PM

the vtec controller eliminates the vtec pressure valve, thats why vtec is working consistantly for you when its installed.

don't worry about your header, it shouldn't cause this problem. Take the solenoid off and check the wire screen underneith. Give it a good clean!

Check your oil also, it might be time for a change? or top it up if its low.

regards
Lloyd

**Dxs** · 24-02-2006 12:28 PM

thanks mate..

oil level is fine and the oil has been changed 3 times in 1000 k's

anyone have a write up or something for cleaning and removing the valve?

and it is normal for the valve to be inconsistant? like sometimes work and sometimes not? or work less when hotter?

**EGB16A** · 24-02-2006 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Dxs

thanks mate..

oil level is fine and the oil has been changed 3 times in 1000 k's

anyone have a write up or something for cleaning and removing the valve?

and it is normal for the valve to be inconsistant? like sometimes work and sometimes not? or work less when hotter?

it seems to be more of an issue on older b16a engines. I'm not sure about the temperature issue, but heat can limit the life of alot of things i guess. Its easy to clean the screen under the solenoid.

Simply undo the three 10mm bolts at the top where the finger is pointing to (only two are visible in this pic, there is one behind the solenoid) and disconnect the plug fore the solenoid. You'll see the screen under that. give it a clean and see how you go. This has worked for alot of people apparently.

**Dxs** · 24-02-2006 01:43 PM

ok cheers.. will give it a shot over the weekend..

anyone else have anything to add?

also i have error 22
"21 VTEC spool solenoid valve
22 VTEC pressure valve "

just confirming.. just incase you may be thinking of 21 which is the solenoid valve.. the pressure valve is the same thing though?

**90xsi** · 24-02-2006 03:50 PM

Check wiring around ecu, plugs,
wiring for (vtec)(A8)green, and (vtm)(B5)blue

Refer to this link for Pr3/Pw0 wiring

http://www.hondata.com/techwiringpw0.html

**VT3C** · 24-02-2006 04:05 PM

yeah your vtec controller intercepts the signal to the ECU from VPS (etc) but if you removed your vtec controller there may be a broken link in the chain.. ie. your solenoid (etc) wires may not actually reach the ECU anymore. You'll find that if your VTEC solenoid screen is clogged it wont throw a code for VPS or anything. the code says to me a wiring issue. check your wiring from the solenoid (etc) to your ECU's correct pinouts and then if they are all fine, is prob an earth.

**Dxs** · 24-02-2006 08:37 PM

ok will have a look at that as well..

but the thing is vtec kicked in a couple of times then it didnt after the 3rd try from one drive

**Dxs** · 26-02-2006 06:18 PM

here is a pic of a the solenoid and switch.. anyone know if that wiring is ok?
looks like only 1 wire from the solenoid..
can someone else with a b16a1 get a pic of the same area so i can compare.. i dont know if they last owner has done anything to it..

also could a mod maybe move this to the tech forum?

**Dxs** · 02-03-2006 08:39 PM

anyone?

anyone know if i need a new switch.. it is the green thing yeah? and all the wires are fine? i took for another spin and no vtec i dont think..

can i get these cheap new from honda? how anout installing them any dramas? can i get them from other vtec b series cars etc?

suggestions?