I just purchased a 97 Civic LX. There is a random plug connector that I don’t know where it goes. I took a picture so you could see. Also, I have 6 engine codes that I’m hoping aren’t huge repairs. They are P1607, P0108, P0122, P0113, P0141, and P0453.

I’ve worked on cars, but mainly domestic. Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to fix these codes? The car seems to run very well.


http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e2...b/IMG_5330.jpg

 

I can't tell from that pic where the "random plug" is.
It looks like someone has made some non-stock modifications.

 

Also, there is a "Sticky" note all about engine codes.

 

You need to plug up that hole in the pipe between the air filter box and the throttle body. Someone had an intake kit on the car, then (partway) reverted it to stock. The hole is letting unfiltered air into the engine. (Also check that there really is an air filter in the air filter box... used cars are fun!)

Whenever there are multiple codes, make note of all of them then reset the ECU and drive until the CEL comes on again. See which code reoccurred. Sometimes codes are set for spurious or temporary reasons, when you read them out they are very old. Further troubleshooting isn't necessary unless they reoccur.

I think the connector is for the second O2 sensor, which should be on the outlet end of the catalytic converter. Having it unplugged is your code P0141. The stock LX exhaust would have an integral manifold / converter assembly on the front of the engine.

But the stock LX would not have a VTEC engine, so like the other said, a bunch of parts have been swapped, generally for the better. It appears you have basically a stock EX engine setup.

 

I think that hole is for the PCV system, the pipe from the valve cover to the intake has been removed and replaced with a filter on the valve cover. The hole in the intake just needs to be plugged.

 

So one of the previous owners swapped the entire engine with a VTEC engine or just the intake manifold and head?

I’ll get a hose on the PVC for the intake tube and check to see if there is an O2 sensor after the cat for that spare plug.

I can clear all the codes with my OBD2 scanner or should I actually unhook the ECM?

I'm hoping all these "non-stock” modifications don’t tank the gas mileage because that’s what this daily driver is for.

 

Ok, I looked at the block and it looks like someone swapped in a "D16Y8" VTEC motor from a Civic EX. Maybe that's why the ECU is throwing so many codes. Can I just change my ECU from the LX to the EX model?

 

I havn't read up on what those codes are, but I would think the best way to tackle the problem is to fix the codes first and then swap the ECU. I'm pretty sure you do have to swap the ECU in any case, but codes are there for a reason... to give you an indication what is wrong (and a good idea of how to cure the problem)