Mysterious CEL 15

[ejk4]

Hi everyone,

I need some help with an issue that's completely beyond me.

About a year ago, I had a problem related to the ECU mapping/ignition system... > [viewtopic.php?t=28833]

Since then, I've replaced the engine harness with a brand-new Rywire harness. I've also replaced all the engine ground cables, as well as the thermostat housing with a new one, with no signs of corrosion.

Here's my setup: [
Engine: B16a2
Year: 1998

Year Car: 1999
ECU: P28 + S300 V.3
Basemap: JDM P30 (92-95 B16A Civic)

Manifold: Skunk2 Pro + thermal gasket
Throttle: Skunk2 68mm + thermal gasket
Intake: Injen Short Ram

Fuel: E85
Fuel Pump:AEM Pump E85 340L/min
Fuel Ramp: AEM High Volume
Fuel Regulator: aem @40psi
Injector: RC550
Lambda: AEM 30-4110 (Pin D14)

Camshaft: Integra DC2
Spring: DC2 (Intake && Exhaust)
Valve: Supertech Flat
Head Gasket: Cometic

Piston: Wiseco
Rod: Eagles

RV: (Mesured) 11.5:1
Compression (bar):
Cyl1 > Cyl4:
14.5; 14.25; 14.25; 14.5



Header: SRS 4-1 2.5"
Mid: SRS
Exaust: Spoon N1

Engine Wire: Rywire
]

Problem:

I'm getting a CEL Code 15 – Ignition Output with my old DragonFire TD-81U distributor (less than a year old), after attempting to restart the engine without reconnecting the engine grounds (valve cover and transmission). I assumed I had somehow damaged the distributor.

When I reinstall the original OEM distributor, I no longer get Code 15, but I still have an ignition breakup/misfire at 7,500–7,700 RPM at WOT (see the topic linked above). Also, to achieve 16° ignition timing, I have to rotate the distributor all the way to its adjustment limit. This is the same issue I had last year.

I bought a brand-new DragonFire distributor, thinking the old one had failed... but surprise: Code 15 again.

The engine starts, runs for about 4–5 seconds, then throws CEL Code 15 and stalls.

All the grounds are brand new and should be good.

In SManager, if I enable "Disable Ignition Output Error" (Parameters > Misc), the code no longer appears and the engine runs perfectly (still using the DragonFire distributor).

I haven't driven the car with this option enabled because I don't know what the risks are. I'd rather solve the root cause than simply mask the error.

Does anyone have any ideas?

[Spunkster]

It sounds like the cam has jumped timing and that is causing the problems running with the incorrect timing.

[ejk4]

There is no issue with the timing belt; the timing is correct.

[Spunkster]

How was this checked?

[ejk4]

new timing belt,
all the reference points are good, no problem to running with old distributor (excludes the 16° setting at the distributor's maximum position, no cel 15)

[ejk4]

After checking everything again (connectors, ground, ...), I can't see what could be causing code 15. Could it be due to an aftermarket ignition system?

Question: Is there any risk in simply disabling the error (disable ignition output) in SManager?

[Spunkster]

When datalogging, do you see a distributor error in the sensor list?

[ejk4]

With my OEM distributor, no, I don't get any errors.

With the DragonFire distributor, I don't have time to start a log; the car stalls before I can.

I haven't tried the "Disable Output Error" option, as I don't know the risks.

(Logs with the old distributor are attached.)
(The mapping hasn't been done yet; it will be done once I've resolved this issue.)

[ejk4]

When datalogging, do you see a distributor error in the sensor list?

To answer more precisely,
While the engine is at 0 rpm, 'distributor error' is on.
When I start the engine, the error disappears, then after 2-3 seconds, the warning light comes on with code 15, then the car shuts off. 'distributor error' only reappears after the engine has completely stopped.
This is the case when the 'Disable Output Error' option is disabled.
If it is enabled,
'Distributor Error' remains ON until the engine has started; once started, it shuts off and does not restart.