This document provides information about interpreting check engine light codes for Honda and Acura vehicles. It discusses how to jump the computer to read trouble codes, which involves shorting two terminals in a connector located under the dash. Codes are displayed through blinks that represent numbers, similar to Morse code. Codes 1-9 use short blinks while codes 10 and up use long and short blinks. The document also lists common trouble codes and their meanings. It provides examples of previously smog certified engine swaps for various Honda and Acura models. Requirements for smog certification include using an engine from the same or newer year and installing all emissions equipment.

1. APPE N DIX A
MALFUNCTION
I NDICATOR CODES
Imagine how easy life would be if all Don’t bother trying to read trouble individual blinks. Codes 10 on up will
problems could be identified immedi- codes at the gauge cluster as this light be indicated by a series of long and
ately and solutions were listed in a handy won’t send any type of signal there short blinks. The number of long blinks
manual. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work unless wired up to do so. represents the first digit and the num-
that way, but when it comes to your Regardless of which process you ber of short blinks represents the sec-
Honda or Acura, you might be so lucky. follow, interpreting trouble codes is ond. Several codes may be present at
Through the interpretation of the mal- like reading Morse code. Both types of once, so be sure to view the cycle at
function indicator lamp (otherwise computers will display two different least twice to make sure you don’t miss
known as check engine light) and follow- types of blinking lights. Codes 1 any. A list of codes appears on the top
ing the troubleshooting process detailed through 9 will be indicated by short of the next page.
in the Honda/Acura service manuals, the
solutions to many engine problems can
be identified faster than ever before.
Before ECU trouble codes can be
read however, you will have to jump the
computer on some vehicles first. On all
‘92 and up models (and ‘90–‘91
Accords), the connector that must be
jumped must be found underneath the
dash. The connector is located near the
ECU on Civics and Integras and behind
the center console on Preludes and
Accords. Its brown and black wires can
identify it and it looks like it isn’t
plugged in properly.
You need to short this plug out with
a piece of wire or a paperclip. Simply
fold the “tool” into a U shape and insert
it into the plug. When you do this prop-
erly and the ignition is in the on posi-
tion, the check engine light will light up
in the gauge cluster.
You can skip this process for most
Hondas and Acuras built before 1992.
Trouble codes for these vehicles can be The connector is located just behind the glove box on the ‘94–‘01 Integra. Use a paper
read by looking through the small win- clip or piece of wire to jump the two terminals in this connector if you want to read the
dow on the center of the computer. trouble codes on the dash.
HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS 121

2. APPE N DIX A / B
Honda and Acura Trouble Codes
0 engine control module 31 automatic transmission B signal
1 heated oxygen sensor #1 41 heated oxygen sensor heater
2 heated oxygen sensor #2 43 fuel supply system
3 manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor 45 fuel system too rich or too lean
4 crankshaft position sensor 48 lean air/fuel sensor
5 manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor 54 crankshaft speed fluctuation sensor
6 engine coolant temperature sensor 58 top dead center position sensor #2
7 throttle position sensor (TPS) 61 primary oxygen sensor
8 top dead center position sensor 63 secondary oxygen sensor
9 number-one cylinder position sensor 65 secondary oxygen sensor heater
10 intake air temperature sensor 67 catalyst system efficiency
12 exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve 70 automatic transaxle
13 barometric pressure sensor 71 cylinder-one or random misfire
14 idle air control (IAC) valve 72 cylinder-two or random misfire
15 ignition output signal 73 cylinder-three or random misfire
16 fuel injector 74 cylinder-four or random misfire
17 vehicle speed sensor 75 cylinder-five or random misfire
19 automatic transmission lockup control valve 76 cylinder-six or random misfire
20 electrical load detector 80 exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR)
21 VTEC electronic control solenoid valve 86 engine coolant temperature sensor
22 VTEC electronic pressure switch 90 evaporative emission control system
23 knock sensor 91 fuel tank pressure sensor
30 automatic transmission A signal 92 evaporative emission control system
Smog Certified Engine Transplants
Examples of previously certified engine transplants are listed below. This isn’t a complete listing of what is possible, but it does cover
those that have been done. Notice that you don’t see the ZC or Civic/H-series engine transplants, as these are not smog legal.
1984–1987 Civic/CRX D series (ZC style) 1992–1993 Integra B series (OBD I)
B series (OBD conversion may be 1994–1995 Integra B series (OBD I)
required for certification) 1996–2001 Integra B series (OBD II)
1988–1991 Civic/CRX D series (SOHC) (OBD conversion) 1986–1989 Accord B series (OBD conversion may be
B series (OBD conversion may be required for certification)
required for certification) 1990–1993 Accord H series (OBD I)
1992–1995 Civic B series (OBD I) 1994–1995 Accord H series (OBD I)
1993–1995 Del Sol B series (OBD I) 1996–1997 Accord H series (OBD II)
1996–1997 Del Sol B series (OBD II) 1988–1991 Prelude H series (OBD conversion required)
1996–2000 Civic B series (OBD II) 1997–1999 CL H series (OBD II)
2001–2003 Civic K series (OBD II) 1992–1995 Prelude H series (OBD I)
2002–2003 Civic Si K series (OBD II) 1996 Prelude H series (OBD II)
1986–1989 Integra B series (OBD conversion may be
required for certification)
1990–1991 Integra B series (OBD conversion may be
required for certification)
122 HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS

3. APPE N DIX B
SMOG CONCERNS
Emissions, hydrocarbons, smog tests; most states are listed below: 5. Emissions equipment from the
nobody wants to talk about it, but if donor engine must be installed on
you’re planning an engine swap, then it 1. Donor engines and emissions the vehicle along with the new
has to be addressed. It might be the last equipment must be of the same engine. This includes the catalytic
thing high-performance enthusiasts want year of the vehicle or newer. converter, oxygen sensors, and
to talk about, but avoiding the topic may evaporative emissions components.
get you into trouble down the road. Many 2. Be sure to have a purchase receipt
states have different laws concerning what for the engine and transmission 6. Vehicles receiving an engine that is of
you can and can’t do as far as engine before going through the certifica- a newer OBD type must upgrade to
transplants are concerned. Before jump- tion process. the OBD level of the new engine.
ing into any type of engine conversion on This includes the computer and all of
your vehicle, it’s always best to first check 3. USDM engines are always easier to the electrical components. Although
with your local DMV to find out what the have certified compared to their the backdating of electronics and
law says. Unfortunately, for folks who JDM counterparts. downward OBD conversions are
live in stricter states such as California, mentioned throughout this book,
your engine swap choices are very limited 4. Vehicles originally bought and regis- they are illegal in several states.
(see chart on page 122). Some basic guide- tered in California may only swap in
lines regarding the certification process of a California registered engine. This 7. Once you visit a state referee and
engine transplant vehicles that apply to applies to some other states as well. pass a visual and emissions test,
However, JDM or any other engines you’ll be given a certification sticker.
may be used as long as the engine From that point on, you may have
block code is the same as the engine your vehicle smog tested in a nor-
block code on the USDM engine. mal manner at any smog station.
This is why JDM B16A engines are
legal transplants; they refer to the
USDM Del Sol DOHC VTEC
B16A3. However, if a B16A is to be
certified into an OBD 0 chassis, plan
on a full OBD I conversion, since
the B16A3 is OBD I. OBD 0 B16As
do not exist as far as the state referee
This ‘89 CRX DX, with its ‘90 Integra is concerned. Many times, the vehi-
B18A engine under the hood, is emis- cle will be required to install the Del
sions legal in even the strictest states. Sol intake manifold and exhaust The exhaust is one area you need to pay
You might be surprised at what you could manifold in addition to the entire attention to if you want to stay emissions
do, even if you play by the rules. OBD conversion. legal. Don’t “forget” the converter.
HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS 123

4. APPE N DIX C
FINDING
MAINTENANCE PARTS
Once a JDM donor engine is
selected and installed, it can be difficult
to find maintenance and replacement Year Engine Part Type Best USDM vehicle choice for parts
parts. More often than not, these parts 1988–1991 B16A electrical 1990–1991 Integra
are waiting for you at your local 1992–1995 B16A electrical 1994–1995 Del Sol DOHC VTEC
Honda or Acura dealership. With most 1996–2000 B16A electrical 1996–1997 Del Sol DOHC VTEC
all the parts you need right under your 1998–2000 B16B electrical 1999–2000 Civic Si
nose, sometimes half the battle is sim- 1996–2000 B20B electrical 1996–2000 CRV
ply knowing what to ask for. Use the 1985–1987 ZC electrical 1986–1989 Integra
handy nearby chart next time you find 1992–1995 B18B electrical 1992–1995 Integra RS, LS, and GS
yourself needing OEM parts for your 1996–2001 B18B electrical 1996–2001 Integra RS and LS
donor engine. 1996–2001 B18C electrical 1996–2001 Integra GSR
Listed in the nearby table are com- 1994–1995 B18C electrical 1994–1995 Integra GSR
mon JDM engines for which some 1996–2001 B18C/R electrical 1997–2001 Integra Type R
folks aren’t exactly sure where to find 1988–1991 ZC electrical 1988–1991 Civic Si
common replacement parts. When 1992–1995 D15B electrical 1992–1995 Civic EX and Si
viewing the chart, keep in mind that
1996–2000 D15B electrical 1996–2000 Civic EX
this is for common maintenance parts
1990–1993 F20B electrical 1992–1995 Prelude Si
and not for engine overhaul kits and
1990–1993 F20A electrical 1992–1995 Prelude Si
such. More complex and internal items
may be found on several different vehi- 1992–1995 F22B electrical 1992–1995 Prelude Si
cles or may not be found on any 1992–1995 H22A electrical 1993–1995 Prelude Si–VTEC
USDM vehicle at all. 1996–2001 H22A electrical 1996–2001 Prelude SH
The basic electrical parts referred 1988–2000 B16A mechanical 1994–1997 Del Sol DOHC VTEC
to here may include spark plug wires, 1998–2000 B16B mechanical 1994–2001 Integra GSR
distributor coils, and various sensors. 1996–2000 B20B mechanical 1996–2000 CRV
Mechanical parts referred to in this 1985–1987 ZC mechanical 1986–1989 Integra
chart include water pumps, timing 1992–1996 B18B mechanical 1990–2001 Integra RS and LS
belts, and gaskets, just to name a few. 1994–2001 B18C mechanical 1994–2001 Integra GSR
Keep in mind that although in 1996–2000 B18C/R mechanical 1997–2001 Integra Type R
some cases several USDM vehicles will 1988–1991 ZC mechanical 1986–1989 Integra / 1988–1991 Prelude
provide the necessary parts for these 1992–2000 D15B mechanical 1992–2000 Civic EX and Si
JDM engines, the ones listed below are 1990–1993 F20B mechanical 1992–1996 Prelude Si
the most popular. 1992–2001 F22B mechanical 1992–1996 Prelude Si
1992–2001 H22A mechanical 1993–1996 Prelude Si–VTEC
124 HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS

5. APPE N DIX D
CHASSIS AND
E NGINE CODES
In the process of finding parts and information for your engine swap, you may hear the cars referred to by their chassis
code. Here’s a quick reference chart to help you remember which cars correspond with which chassis codes.
Honda and Acura Chassis Codes
Vehicle Name Chassis Code Vehicle Name Chassis Code
1984-1987 Civic/CRX AH/AD 1986-1989 Integra DA
1988-1991 Civic/ CRX ED/EE 1990-1993 Integra DA/DB
1992-1995 Civic/Del Sol EG/EJ/EH 1994-2001 Integra DC
1996-2000 Civic EJ/EM 1990-1993 Accord CB
2001-2003 Civic ES/EM/EP 1994-1997 Accord CD
1988-1991 Prelude BA 1997-1999 CL CD
1992-1996 Prelude BB
HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS 125

6. APPE N DIX D
Honda and Acura Engine Codes
Engine Code Possible Donor Vehicles Market Origin B20B4 1996-2000 CRV EDM
B16A 1990-1991 Civic SiR JDM B20Z 1999-2000 CRV USDM
B16A 1990-1991 Civic SiRII JDM D15B 1992-1995 Civic Vti JDM
B16A 1988-1991 Civic SiR hatchback JDM D15B 1992-1995 Civic Ferio Vti JDM
B16A 1988-1991 CRX SiR JDM D15B 1992-1997 CRX del sol Vxi JDM
B16A 1990-1993 Integra Xsi JDM D15B 1996-2000 Civic Coupe JDM
B16A 1990-1993 Integra Rsi JDM D16A1 1986-'87 Integra USDM
B16A 1996-2000 Civic SiR JDM
B16A 1996-2000 Civic SiRII JDM Engine Code Possible Donor Vehicles Market Origin
B16A 1992-1997 CRX del sol SiR JDM D16A3 1988-1989 Integra USDM
B16A 1988-1991 Civic Vti EDM D16A8 1990-1991 Integra RS, LS EDM
B16A 1988-1991 CRX 1.6i EDM D16Y8 1996-2000 Civic EX USDM
B16A 1992-1995 Civic SiR JDM D16Z6 1992-1995 Civic EX, SI, Del Sol SI USDM
B16A 1992-1995 Civic Ferio Si JDM F20A 1990-1993 Accord 2.0 Si JDM
B16A 1992-1995 Civic Ferio SiII JDM F20A 1990-1993 Ascot 2.0 Si JDM
B16A 1992-1995 Civic Ferio SiR JDM F20B 1998-2002 Accord SiR-T JDM
B16A 1992-1995 Civic SiRII JDM F20B 1998-2002 Accord SiR JDM
B16A 1992-1995 Civic Ferio RTSi 4WD JDM F22B 1992-1996 Prelude Si JDM
B16A2 1999-2000 Civic Si USDM F22B 1997-2001 Prelude Si JDM
B16A3 1994-1997 Del Sol Vti-T EDM H22A 1994-1997 Accord SiR JDM
B16A3 1994-1997 Del Sol VTEC USDM H22A 1992-1996 Prelude Si-VTEC JDM
B16A4 1996-2000 Civic VTi EDM H22A 1997-2001 Prelude Sir JDM
B16B 1998-2000 Civic Type R JDM H22A 1997-2001 Prelude S Spec JDM
B17A1 1992-1993 Integra GSR USDM H22A 1997-2001 Prelude Type R JDM
B18A1 1990-1993 Integra RS, LS, GS USDM H22A1 1993-1996 Prelude Si-VTEC USDM
B18B 1992-1996 Domani Si-G JDM H22A2 1992-1996 Prelude 2.2i EDM
B18B 1994-1995 Integra Esi JDM H22A4 1997-2001 Prelude SH USDM
B18B 1996-2000 Orthia GX JDM H22A7 1998-2002 Accord Type R EDM
B18B 1996-2000 Orthia GX-S JDM H23A 1992-1993 Ascot Innova 2.3 Si-Z JDM
B18B1 1994-2001 Integra RS, LS USDM H23A1 1992-1996 Prelude SI USDM
B18C 1996-1997 Integra SiR-G JDM H23A2 1992-1996 Accord 2.3i EDM
B18C 1994-1995 Integra Si-VTEC JDM K20A 2002-2003 RSX JDM
B18C 1996-2000 Integra Type R JDM K20A2 2002-2003 RSX Type S USDM
B18C1 1994-2001 Integra GSR USDM K20A3 2002-2003 RSX and Civic SI USDM
B18C3 1996 Integra Type R EDM K20C 2002-2003 RSX Type S/Civic Type R JDM
B18C4 1994-1995 Integra GSR EDM ZC 1985-1987 Civic Si JDM
B18C5 1997-2001 Integra Type R (no '99) USDM ZC 1985-1987 CRX SI JDM
B18C6 1998-2001 Integra Type R EDM ZC 1988-1991 Civic Si JDM
B20B 1999-2000 S-MX JDM ZC 1988-1991 CRX Si JDM
B20B 1996-2000 CRV JDM ZC 1986-'89 Integra Gsi JDM
B20B 1996-2002 Orthia 2.0GX JDM ZC 1986-'89 Integra Rsi JDM
B20B 1996-1998 CRV USDM
If you’re thinking about an engine swap, you may be over- to avoid confusion, the vehicles are listed by their US model year. Keep
whelmed by the variety of engines available. Use this Engine Codes in mind though, that the JDM model years are usually a year earlier (a
chart to help find out what vehicles have the engine you want. In order USDM ’94 Integra is actually a ’93 JDM Integra).
126 HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS

7. APPE N DIX E
SWAP
DIFFICULTY
There are various levels of skill manual transmission. As you read the
required to swap a given engine into a chart from left to right, you see that this Reference Numbers
given chassis. Here’s a quick reference swap indicates numbers 1 and 4. When
chart to let you know what you’re up you look these numbers up in the Refer- Beginner bolt-in 1
against. For example, let’s say you have a ence Numbers chart, you’ll find that this Intermediate bolt-in 2
1994 Accord and you want to swap in an swap is a beginner bolt-in (1), and only Fabrication and welding 3
OBD II H-series engine with a hydraulic requires a minor electrical conversion (4). Minor electrical conversion 4
Major electrical conversion 5
Hydro or cable conversion 6
NA 7
Prelude Swaps Accord Swaps
Engine Transmission ECU ‘88-’91 ‘92-’96 Engine Transmission ECU ‘90-’93 ‘94-’97
Type Type Type Type
B series cable OBD 0 7 7 B series cable OBD 0 7 7
B series cable OBD I 7 7 B series cable OBD I 7 7
B series cable OBD II 7 7 B series cable OBD II 7 7
B series hydro OBD 0 7 7 B series hydro OBD 0 7 7
B series hydro OBD I 7 7 B series hydro OBD I 7 7
B series hydro OBD II 7 7 B series hydro OBD II 7 7
H/F series hydro OBD I 1,5 1,4 H/F series hydro OBD I 1,4 1,4
H/F series hydro OBD II 1,5 1,4 H/F series hydro OBD II 1,4 1,4
ZC (older) cable OBD 0 7 7 ZC (older) cable OBD 0 7 7
ZC (newer) cable OBD 0 7 7 ZC (newer) cable OBD 0 7 7
K series hydro OBD II 7 7 K series hydro OBD II 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD I 7 7 SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD I 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD II 7 7 SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD II 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD I 7 7 SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD I 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD II 7 7 SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD II 7 7
HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS 127

8. APPE N DIX E
Civic Swaps
Engine Transmission Type ECU Type 1984-’87 1988-’91 1992-’95 1996-’00 2001-’03
B series cable OBD 0 2,5 2,4 1,5,6 1,5,6 7
B series cable OBD I 2,5 2,5 1,4,6 1,5,6 7
B series cable OBD II 2,5 2,5 1,5,6 1,4,6 7
B series hydro OBD 0 2,5,6 2,4,6 1,5 1,5 7
B series hydro OBD I 2,5,6 2,5,6 1,4 1,5 7
B series hydro OBD II 2,5,6 2,5,6 1,5 1,4 7
H/F series hydro OBD I 3,5,6 3,5,6 2,5 2,5 7
H/F series hydro OBD II 3,5,6 3,5,6 2,5 2,5 7
ZC (older) cable OBD 0 1,4 7 7 7 7
ZC (newer) cable OBD 0 7 1,4 7 7 7
K series hydro OBD II 3,5,6 3,5,6 3,5 3,5 2,5
SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD I 3,5 1,5 1,4,6 1,5,6 7
SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD II 3,5 1,5 1,5,6 1,4,6 7
SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD I 3,5,6 1,5,6 1,4 1,5 7
SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD II 3,5,6 1,5,6 1,5 1,4 7
Integra Swaps
Engine Transmission Type ECU Type 1986-’89 1990-’93 1994-’01
B series cable OBD 0 2,5 1,4 1,5,6
B series cable OBD I 2,5 1,4 1,4,6
B series cable OBD II 2,5 1,5 1,4,6
B series hydro OBD 0 2,5,6 1,4,6 1,5
B series hydro OBD I 2,5,6 1,4,6 1,4
B series hydro OBD II 2,5,6 1,5,6 1,4
H/F series hydro OBD I 3,5,6 2,5,6 2,5
H/F series hydro OBD II 3,5,6 2,5,6 2,5
ZC (older) cable OBD 0 1,4 7 7
ZC (newer) cable OBD 0 7 7 7
K series hydro OBD II 3,5,6 3,5,6 3,5
SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD I 3,5 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series cable OBD II 3,5 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD I 3,5,6 7 7
SOHC VTEC D series hydro OBD II 3,5,6 7 7
Source Guide
HCP Engineering Place Racing Progress Suspension
5179 Brooks Street, Suite H 1016 West Gladstone Street 1390 North Hundley Street
Montclair, CA 91763 Azusa, CA 91702 Anaheim, CA 92806-1301
909-399-3400 626-334-3345 800-905-6687
www.hcpengineering.com www.placeracing.com www.progressauto.com
Hasport Performance Go Motors Tustin Acura Parts Department
4046 East Winslow Avenue 1271 North Sunshine Way 9 Auto Center Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85040 Anaheim, CA 92806 Tustin, CA 92782
602-470-0065 1-888-4GO-MOTOR 714-699-9900
www.hasport.com www.japaneseusedengines.com www.tustinacura.com
128 HON DA E NG I N E SWAPS