1994 Honda Accord Error Code 21

SAVVYP

MEMBER
1994 HONDA ACCORD
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
133,535 MILES

I recently Purchased a 1994 Honda Accord LX, shortly after purchasing it, I learned the car would not start randomly. I Replaced the ECU with one I grabbed from Pick-A-Part and now the check engine light has come on. I ran a diagnostic on the car and its pulling Error Code 21, which is VTEC Solenoid Valve. But as far as I knew the car isn't a VTEC. Is it possible that I grabbed the wrong ECU from the junk yard. Or that the car is in fact a VTEC even though the valve cover doesn't say that it is. I'm just really confused and getting pretty irritated with the whole thing so if someone could help it'd be appreciated.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

It sounds like you got the wrong part. Compare the part numbers and see if they are different and let me know what you find.

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Saturday, August 16th, 2014 AT 4:48 PM

SAVVYP

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3 POSTS

Ones AA5 (the new one), the other is BA5, so I'm assuming you are right I probably did grab the wrong one. In regards to the car not starting randomly, would that be a computer related issue? I've taken it to a Honda dealership and they told me the ECU is probably going out. Does that sound likely?

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Saturday, August 16th, 2014 AT 4:56 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Yes, you got the wrong part. As far as the starting issue, it could be the ECU. What you need to do is check if the engine is getting spark and fuel when it won't start. One or both will missing.

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Saturday, August 16th, 2014 AT 5:05 PM

SAVVYP

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When it doesn't start, you can't hear the fuel pump turn on. I replaced the fuel pump relay thinking that was maybe just going bad but that didn't resolve anything. The car will crank but it just won't turn over.

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Saturday, August 16th, 2014 AT 5:09 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

2 questions. 1) Is the fuel pump pressure within the manufacturer's specs? It could turn on but not provide proper pressure to run the vehicle. 2) Are you getting spark to the plugs? A good hot blue snapping spark.