I have a 04 EX civic that had a bad 1.7 vtec. I replaced it with a 1.7 non-vtec. It runs but wont rev above 3900. The guy that sold me the engine said a non-vtec ecu would fix it. Its a 5 speed so he found me an ecu from a 5 speed 04 car with a non-vtec engine. I installed it but now the car won't start. The donor engine is from an 01 automatic non-vtec.
What do I need to do to make this car run right short of finding another engine?
Thanks.

 

did you get the keys re-programmed to the new ECU if not it won't start because of the immobiliser you have to have the dealer program the new keys. i really hope this isn't spam to try and sell key programmers.

 

This car uses a standard metal key. and a key fob to unlock the doors. Why would there be a program in the key?
I guess I don't know enough about that.

 

01-05 civics use an anti-theft immobiliser system when you put the key into the ignition the ECU reads the transponder chip embedded in the key if it doesn't read it won't allow the vehicle to start. you have to bring the car to a honda dealer or find a vehicle lock smith in order to program the key it cost 50-100 dollars. watch this video

 

You were all correct. I had the keys a and ecu synced and the car runs fine. It was a little more money but the ECU is completely updated and the car runs better than ever

 

Hi everyone i am newbie here my question is same as fairconf that This car uses a standard metal key and key fob to unlock the doors. Why would there be a program in the key? This is main thing i want to know ...... please reply

 

Peter: Trust me, that "standard metal key" has a chip in it and it needs to be programed to match the ECU. I thought it was a simple thing but its the ECU. It cost me $200 altogether but the guy got the latest ecu updates and the car runs amazingly well. It took about 2 hrs -off and on- for my mechanic to get it done while online with Honda techs plus there's a charge from Honda.
I've read that it can be done for around $100. Good luck
Tom

 

A 'chip key' usually refers to one of two types of keys that have an electronic component to them. The first has a visible chip located on the key and is normally on a General Motors vehicle. This is called a Passkey system or VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). These appeared in 1986 on the Corvette and certain Cadillac models. The second type refers to a key with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) located in the head of the key, these type are not normally visible unless the bow or head of the key is transparent.

Both of these systems add a layer of security to the vehicle by having the vehicle check the value of the electronic component on the key before allowing the vehicle to be started. Some systems prevent the vehicle from attempting to crank while others prevent the fuel system from working.

If you have the first type, VATS it is obvious because you can see the chip on the key. The other type is more difficult to determine because the RFID is embedded in the plastic head. The only real way to know for sure is to use an electronic device designed to detect the chip. You could destroy the key to see it but that would likely ruin the key and would be costly to replace.

 

let me guess peters next post will be something in regards to a scan or key re-programming tool followed by a convenient website address selling them.

 

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