I am having a major issue with my 2000 Civic HX. It started with the ECM code P1163 and P1164. I bought a new O2 sensor, but the check engine light came back on. I then noticed a crack in the manifold and bought a new Honda one ($600), but the check engine light came on. So I took it to the dealership and they claimed I needed a new ECU, so I bought a rebuilt one, but the light still came on. I took it back to the dealership and they said I needed a new O2 sensor....again. I said screw it and had them replace it, but the light STILL CAME ON. I returned it to them AGAIN, and they told me the problem is I do not have the updated A33 ECU!!! This just does not make sense. Why would my car suddenly need an updated ECU when the car was built with the A32 series? PLEASE HELP. Does this make sense to anyone? With this logic, my PC may randomly decide it can no longer run on XP and I had to upgrade to Vista, even though my pc was built with XP.

 

Did you reset the ECU each the CEL came ON? Between each CEL episode, did you retrieve the same or different CEL code(s)?

I think you may have a problem at the O2 sensor connector or the ECM connector containing the O2 sensor circuit wires.

 

The ECM was reset each time the CEL came on, either by dealership or via OBDII device. I agree that it probably is some sort of electrical issue, but the dealership seems to disagree. Specifically I would like to know if there is any validity to their claim that the ECM HAS to be upgraded. I strongly believe they are just shooting in the dark but would like to give them the benefit of doubt.

Also, could this issue be caused by the 10% ethenol crap in gas these days. I have searched long and hard to find a 'no alcohol' gas station here in dallas, but have yet to find one.

 

Is the code(s) always the same two you indicated in the original post?

They have a record of replacing parts at your expense without proper troubleshooting. I don't know why their latest diagnosis would be any different.

Doubtful

 

Apparently, since Aug of 2000 (the same model year of the car), they came out with a service bulletin that describes my situation and suggests replacing the A32 ECU to their new upgraded A33.

The dealership technician, previously, told me the ECU was bad and a replacement A32 would work. Then they told me the O2 sensor was bad and I had them replace it. However, their diagnosis was completely incorrect, considering it is still showing that the ECU is bad and the O2 sensor is bad. So, they have cost me $900 in parts that were completely unnecessary and they wll be fixing it at their cost, not mine!

 

Would you please post a link to this potentially important service bulletin.

 

I do not know how to find it, but I could possibly scan it in if I get some extra time.

 

Thanks, I was asking because the information in the TSB also might be helpful to other members.

 

Here's what I found with a Google search:

 

You found it!