Ask Your Car Question. Car Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Car Question?)

My daughter while in school out of state drove her 1996 ...

Sent to Car Experts October 04 01:44 PM

My daughter while in school out of state drove her 1996 accord EX with VTEC engine without oil and the engine got burnt out. A mechanic there swapped the engine with a non-VTEC engine. Now the car hesitates on acceleration especially when the engine warms up and is showing check engine light (read it at Autozone P1253 code). Someone just told me the ECU need to be reprogramed. IWill this solve the problem or is there something else we should do.
Will very much appreciate your reply.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $5
Answer
October 4 3:58 PM (2 hours and 14 minutes and 20 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
I would think so, the ecu in the car is for an engine(VTEC) that is no longer in the car. The ECU is programmed to see certain inputs and outputs to make the car run properly. Without the correct ECU in it, you can and will have all sorts of programmed. I dont think they can reprogram a 1996 model. You would have to replace it with the correct application, then there is a question of engine sensors not being the same. Good luck, swapping of this type usually leads into alot of extra work.

Thank you for using Just Answer! Please ask for more detailed information.Please leave some positive feedback!
Accepts & bonuses are appreciated!

2 Other Experts Agree with this!
Picture
Gene -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 501 Car Accepts
ASE Master w/L1 Advanced Engine Performance, Ford Trans Tech/SMT, Toyota, Mitsubishi,Hyundai Tech.
Reply
October 4 10:51 PM (6 hours and 52 minutes and 43 seconds later)
         
Reply to Gene's Post: I don't agree with your comments. The main difference between the VTEC and non VTEC engine is with a certain solenoid valve that will send high pressure oil to the cam shaft to change it to high performance profile when the correct oil pressure is reached. (There are other subtle differences but shouldn't make such a difference). Also now that I have given it some thought, the fact that this happens when the engine warms up could be some problem with the oxygen sensor. I believe the ECU can be reprogrammed to have the correct air/fuel mixture profile.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
October 4 11:33 PM (42 minutes and 7 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
You are correct, that is the main difference. But these two engines put out different horsepower and the ECU is calibrated to perform with one specifically. I do not believe a 1996 is flashable. The newer vehicles are.Youwill probably have to replace the ECU with a non VTEC box.

Thank you for using Just Answer! Please ask for more detailed information.Please leave some positive feedback!
Accepts & bonuses are appreciated!

Picture
Gene -- Auto Service Technician -- 99% Positive Feedback on 501 Car Accepts
ASE Master w/L1 Advanced Engine Performance, Ford Trans Tech/SMT, Toyota, Mitsubishi,Hyundai Tech.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

Related Answers

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Car Repair