I have a 1999 honda accord 2 door coupe with a 3.0 v6 that had a distributor. I swapped a 2001 accord 3.0 and trans that is distributorless I used the 2001 computer and engine harness but cannot get the car to run. Is this swap possible or do I have go back to the 99 motor. I swapped motor and trans cause I needed the trans but the 2001 motor had less miles and to be honest didn t pay attention to the distributor issue. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Hmmm, good question; don't think I've ever heard this one before. On the surface, it seems logical you should be able to make it work. Are you getting any codes?

 

I can see 2 problems that you're going to need to solve. One you've already ran into, and the other will be the trans electronics (difference between the 98-99 models, and the 00-02 models). You might want to see about getting the ECU and wiring harness from the donor car (if you can the key too), as that would allow you to plug an play. However, you'd need the immobilizer circuit reprogrammed if you swap out the ECU. Otherwise, you'll need to look and see if you can install the 99 distributor in the 01 engine. I hope this helps, even if it's not much help.

 

It might be the immobilizer circuit. If you had the donor car, you could have a key from the donor car taped together with your key, so it can be picked up by the RFID antenna at the ignition switch barrel.

For temporary testing with a different PCM, the shop manual says to tape the 2 keys together. The key belonging to the car goes into the ignition switch key cylinder, but the key that belongs to the donor-car is right there in the same place.

 

That was what I was trying to get at above. However, I'd see about getting the wiring harness too, since the 01 engine is COP, versus a distributor engine. But the key thing to it all, is the trans electronics change between 99 and 2000. I don't know what was changed, nor is it called out in the FSM. They just say in it, that there's a change between the years, and is something to be aware of. (use the appropriate trans for the year of the car)

 

Right, I think he said he took the engine and transmission together with the engine wiring harness and the PCM.

But I guess he might also need the car's wiring harness because the one in his 1999 might not be fully populated for the coil-over-plug system.

 

Agreed. And that might be part of the issue.

 

Thanks for all the advice. Pretty sure the problem is the 01 computer has to be programmed to the car or it won't start so that is the first step. Will post when the problem is solved.

 

No, it doesn't have to be programmed to the car.

The immobilizer (part of the PCM that you got from the donor car) has to be programmed to recognize the chip inside your keys. If you still have access to the donor car, then one way is to get the keys and all the lock cylinders from the donor car.

The other way is to have a dealer program it to accept your keys. All of your keys are needed. Some locksmiths have the equipment to do this as well.