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limp mode?

PostPosted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 9:52 pm
by BurqueB16
ok i searched for this and cant find it? i remember reading that you can put your ecu in limp mode to reduce the amount of emissions it produces by disengaging vtec so you can pass an emissions/smog test. is this true? :? if so does anyone know how to do it? i need to pass emissions and i cant pay for a valve timing adjustment and a new muffler so i was hoping this would work on my b16a2 so i can get my car re-registered. thanx :thumb:

PostPosted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 10:00 pm
by Chance
I thought "limp mode" only happens when you have major ecu failure.....?? like wanting to have sex but limp mode kicks in.. Catastrophic Failure.

IDK but GL with that I would search out other avenues.

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 12:58 am
by teal_dx
around here they dont rev your car past 5300 rpm for emissions check, so disabling vtec wouldn't make any difference.
I don't think it would run cleaner in limp mode and wouldn't there be a CEL on anyways?

Limp mode isn't going to compensate for a bad muffler or bad valve timing anyways when it comes to passing emissions.

Just make sure your car engine is well maintained (cap/rotor/plugs/wires, timing, o2 sensor) and your cat in good shape and it should be running clean :thumb:

PostPosted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 1:47 am
by nastyb16a
if limp modes activated from what i know your ECU will cute almost all your power its bassicaly like safe mode for somone whos had a failure a major one itll give them just enough to make it to wherever they get there stuff worked on so thats probably a bad idea to do that IMO of course this is just what ive heard so dont quote me

PostPosted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 12:56 am
by suspendedHatch
Limp mode will cause you to fail emissions in a major way. The ECU dumps as much fuel as it can and cuts ignition timing. You'll actually cause damage by running in limp mode for too long.

VTEC has absolutely nothing to do with emissions since the test requires that you don't exceed 3000 RPM.

Mufflers don't effect emissions either.

You can spend about $35 in tools and do the valve adjustment yourself. Some guy wrote some half-decent tutorials for this site. You might want to check them out.

PostPosted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:13 am
by BurqueB16
cool thanks guys. i guess i am just going to go ahead and get my valve timing adjusted and then get it registered. :thumb: