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I’ve had this car for 6 years and Can’t figure out what plugs into this and what the blue wire plugs into? It looks like vetch but my car is suppose to be a lx . Can someone please help me?
I looked at the pics before I read what you wrote past "blue wire," and my initial reaction was, "VTEC solenoid." Then I read that you have an LX.
Do us a favor, and try and locate the engine stamp on the front side of the engine (about a few inches below and to the left of where the exhaust mani mates to the engine, right next to where the engine mates with the tranny) and see what it says.
photo for reference, albeit not a D17 (probably a D16 based on the ignition coil wires).
if it says "D17A" or "D17A2", then the engine has been swapped with a VTEC variant.
If it says "D17A1" then it's a non-VTEC engine (and what came originally equipped in the LX trim). If this it is a D17A1, I'm willing to bet head gasket blew and whoever did the repair swapped in a D17A2 head and just left the VTEC solenoid unplugged because 1) nothing to plug it in to and 2) unless a VTEC controller or D17A2 ECU/engine was swapped in, it's not gonna do anything.
edit: it's 100% a VTEC solenoid, by the way. Location of that solenoid and what it looks like? Yeah, 100% it. Here's a pic from ebay for a D17A2 VTEC solenoid. Same blue wire coming from the same place. White plug sticking out the side.
Ok I’ll get that engine stamp when I get a chance. Ive looked and looked and looked looked and looked all over and can’t find any plugs to plug this controller into .I ran a vin decoder because I thought maybe I was wrong about it being an lx and yes it’s a lx I was really hoping I had vtech I’d love to plug that in. But this engine has 350000 miles on it and the clutch isn’t in the best shape either. Extra power might not be so great. lol I’ll get a pic of that stamp soon.
It's this right here. You're gonna have to clean the gunk off to read it.
The O2 sensor placement on the exhaust mani screams D17A1 (non-VTEC). The D17A2 pre-cat sensor is located where the downpipe makes the 90-degree bend to route under the car. I'm guessing the engine has been "overhauled" with a D17A2 head, just because that was what was available. Assuming it is a D17A2 head, you can take advantage of VTEC by grabbing a VTEC controller, but the D17 VTEC isn't like the VTEC of previous generations where it was an obvious af increase in sound and power when VTEC kicks in, yo (I couldn't help it. lol).
Lol yeah I m an idiot.
So it looks like my engine has been swapped . Which make me extremely happy because I’ve want to do this but seeing as it’s already done. How do I get the vtech to work I se no plugs to plug it in and would I need a different ecu?
I’m reading that correctly right that code means it’s been swapped? Also I’m assuming that the 350000 miles on my OD isn’t gonna be correct. This being a different engine it probably has more or less miles.
Last edited by 2001hondacivc; Apr 2, 2025 at 12:13 PM.
Oh, one more question so I’m assuming this engine has more compression. Because ever since I’ve had the car if I run 87 octane in it, it pings at the higher RPMs, not very much but just a little bit I know a lot of carbon buildup can also cause us on the top of the cylinders but seeing as that now it’s a VTEC motor Could that cause it to ping?
yes, it have higher compression, but not enough that can cause detonations.
However, mine does the same thing during summer, so... Answer is yes, use higher octanes.
you will need ECU (auto needs auto, manual needs manual ones) and the wiring done.
high winds outside today, so sorry, not going out to see :P
to find out how it works, search site for VTEC-E
it simply switches from 3 valves to 4 valves (better breathing for high RPM, more torque at Low)
I have a manual transmission. So I’d need an ecu and I wouldn’t even know where to begin with the wiring . What’s does the vtech wire into? How plug and play is the ecu? I know you gotta have the keys redone.
you'd need a D17A2 wiring harness and ECU, that would probably be a pain to do, too, unless you have zero qualms about pulling the engine. You'd also have to make sure you have the proper O2 sensors for the ECU you grab. 01-03 used a narrowband upstream sensor, 04-05 used a wideband. If you leave the D17A1 cat/manifold, you'd need O2 sensor harness extensions, too, since those are in vastly different locations on the -A2 layout.
Alternatively, I think people have had success wiring the solenoid directly to a VTEC controller (like the A'PEXi VAFC2.. dunno if they even make that anymore, but that was popular back in the day)
So you can literally drop a D17A2 in an lx and just use everything you already have ecu and alll it it will work fine no mods or nothing and just not plug the vtech in because there nothing to plug into?
yes. It will not be as peppy as a VTEC, since it will run only 3 valves at high RPM.... Perhaps weaker than the original engine that have 4 valves opening all the time? Maybe stronger with more torque in Low RPM though
ah, yes, the ECU must be 2001-2002, or else you will need the more expensive wide band O2 sensors
I had auto LX sedan, moved to a Manual EX coupe, unsure how much I felt the changes, since the EX have shorter gearing and don't remember ever pushing the RPM up on the LX. The coupe I used to autoX, so hitting rev limter a lot.
you'd need a D17A2 wiring harness and ECU, that would probably be a pain to do, too, unless you have zero qualms about pulling the engine. You'd also have to make sure you have the proper O2 sensors for the ECU you grab. 01-03 used a narrowband upstream sensor, 04-05 used a wideband. If you leave the D17A1 cat/manifold, you'd need O2 sensor harness extensions, too, since those are in vastly different locations on the -A2 layout.
Alternatively, I think people have had success wiring the solenoid directly to a VTEC controller (like the A'PEXi VAFC2.. dunno if they even make that anymore, but that was popular back in the day)
why would I have to pull the engine? If I just need a wire harness and proper ecu with proper O2 sensors? If i was to wire the solenoid directly to the vtech controller would i still need a new ecu or can i use the ecu that in my car now to get the vtech running?
Would it be possible to hook the solenoid up to power and put in switch I. Between that wire so place and just turn it on and on when im in the upper rpms to get that valve to open? Hope it makes sense what I’m asking?
