Diagnosing Code 8 (Top Dead Center Sensor) - Honda Prelude Forum

se93 · 09-14-2003, 07:21 PM

Hi guys:

I have been getting a code 8 every once in a while lately and today it happened again. I connected my hondalogger software and got a code #8. I referred to my helms manual and it states to measure resistance/continuity of the CKP, TDC and CYP sensors which are all inside my JDM OBD1 H22 distributor. Did all tests and all turns out to be in perfect working order. As per helms, if everything turns out to be within specs, then it should be a faulty ecu. Well, my last alternative is to replace the ecu with another, but has anyone had this situation and found out it wasn't the ecu?
Any other things i should check? I also made sure that the distributor's two connectors were tight and had no loose connections or wires.

Any input will be appreciated.

MR.CLIFFORD · 09-14-2003, 07:24 PM

Distributor is going out. Just a matter of time before the bearings go and you have to get a new one.

se93 · 09-14-2003, 07:29 PM

So, even it all resistance values are within specs and their is no continuity as stated in the helms manual? How can i be absolutely sure?

SikRedRX-8 · 09-14-2003, 07:47 PM

yup as andy said your distribitor is about gone, matter of days now. That is the killer code right there. Myself and many friends got the code of death right before she (distribitor) went.

se93 · 09-14-2003, 07:58 PM

That is something the Helms manual should include as you can check and get within spec resistance data and still have a faulty distributor.

Well, i cannot complain, this is the only part that i have never replaced from my JDM H22 swap that was purchased about three years ago.

se93 · 09-14-2003, 08:36 PM

Is there any way to physically know that the distributor is internally faulty?

Satan_SRV · 09-14-2003, 08:46 PM

some red dust inside the cap I think.

All your stuff seems in spec becuase it's only going wild intermittently and causing the code.

se93 · 09-14-2003, 08:51 PM

Joel:

Yea, that must be what is happening.

SikRedRX-8 · 09-15-2003, 06:34 AM

Hey joel are you sure about the red dust? I never knew that before. If you are seeing red dust is that a serious indication?

MR.CLIFFORD · 09-15-2003, 07:38 AM

It isn't a dead on indicator. You can get red dust without the bearings going. Usually the first sign is the CEL, then the noise, then the stuck on the side of the highway at 3 o'clock in the morning going to visit your girl :cad:

Mark- If you want a sure fire way to know it is the distributor just do what I told you. Swap in a good, known working distributor and you are set to go.

concLude · 09-15-2003, 07:58 AM

yeah the red dust is an indication, and i didn't get my code until the day my distributor finally went, you'll prolly hear a grinding any day now.....start your search...i got mine from flying_pat on Ebay, great product

SikRedRX-8 · 09-15-2003, 09:57 AM

my boys went the day the CEL came on. I am asking cause I am starting to get red dust, but no noise and no CEl.

se93 · 09-15-2003, 03:40 PM

Hi guys:

It was true. The distributor was the culprit!!. Bought one today and just installed it. Wow! What a difference in performance! Runs like it is supposed to and no check engine light.

Thanks for the help guys!

se93 · 09-19-2003, 10:38 PM

After i thought the problem was fixed (code 8 TDC Sensor) by installing a mint condition distributor, the code came back again. I took my helms out again and measured voltage from the distributor plug and the ecu harness and everything is within specifications. Checked for continuity and none at all. From the helms manual standpoint, it all points to the ecu. Has anyone had this happen?
Am i missing a detail or something?

This is driving me nuts!!!!