I just bought a 1989 Honda Civic HB DX w/ DPFI for my wife. Every once in a while the car just turns over and won't start. I swapped out ECU from PM5 to the one out of my wrecked HB which is a PM9. Didn't make a difference. The ECU is throwing a Code 16. What does this stand for? How can I fix the problem? Thanks for your time, please help.

 

 

thanks I will try that and see what happens..

 

I also should have mentioned that code 16 often indicates a bad main relay, especially for a no-start problem. When the engine won't start, turn the key to ON(II) and listen for whether you hear the low humming noise of fuel pump priming for 2 seconds. If not, replace or resolder the main relay.

 

I just got finished with replacing the intake manifold, still the ECU says Code 16. I've tried three different ECU's that worked perfect in other cars. The fuel pump is kicking on because I can hear it kick on and I drove the car after I sprayed starting fluid in the intake. I also restarted the ECU a few time but no change. Sometimes I can walk down to my car and I will start but after I drive a while and shut it off, it wont start for a couple hours sometimes.

 

You are saying here that the problem is intermittent -- sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. So the question is whether the fuel pump fails to prime at times when the engine won't start. This question is key because your description of the problem sounds like a bad main relay.

Also, have you tried measuring the resistance or voltage at the fuel injector or fuel injector connector, respectively, as described in the diagram?

 

That chart is very useful...Thanks for that...

 

I put a brand new main relay in and it runs now. What I dont understand is why the main relay I pulled out of my same year sedan didnt work in the hatch.

 

Also my ECU is still running a Code 16 even with the new intake manifold.