VTEC or ULEV VTEC?

Deltron

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Hello all,

I've been browsing the forums for awhile now without registering. This is my first post. I'm glad to have become a member and hope to borrow some of the vast amount of knowledge in this community.

Here's my question:

I just bought an 02 Accord LX 4 cylinder. It's check engine light is on and the code is P1167 - Primary heated o2 sensor heater system malfunction.

The previous owner said he replaced the Primary O2 sensor but the code stayed on.

I know ULEV VTEC and VTEC engines require different sensors, so before I buy a new one, I'd like to know if there's a more definitive way to determine if I have a VTEC or a ULEV VTEC. When I decode my VIN online, it says I have a ULEV. But...there's no ULEV stamp on my engine...it just says VTEC. Also, the sticker in my door says it's "FEDERAL" and not "CALIFORNIA."

So which should I believe? How else can I determine for sure?

Thanks in advance!!
 

NASOHC

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The motor won't make a difference if the ECU is the original 2002 model unit. Therefore, get the O2 sensor for the 2002 model car. You'll be fine, most likely it is a ULEV.
 

2002CG3coupe

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Open your hood look in the engine bay where there tranny is it right next to it; might be dirty wipe it down, you'll see what motor you have either the f23a1(vtec) or f23a4(ulev) it not hard to find....
 

Deltron

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Okay, thanks everyone. I was under the impression there'd be a giant stamp on top of the engine like this:

ULEV-Accord.jpg
 

sodaks2k

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Last edited:

nyknick1015

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ok first off, fixing the problem doesnt turn the light off. Once you fix it, you have to reset the ecu so the light turns off because the error code is still stored in the memory. so how bout you go reset the ecu before you do anything else. most shops will do it for you for free.
 

Deltron

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ok first off, fixing the problem doesnt turn the light off. Once you fix it, you have to reset the ecu so the light turns off because the error code is still stored in the memory. so how bout you go reset the ecu before you do anything else. most shops will do it for you for free.

I disconnected the negative terminal for 15 minutes and plugged it back in. It came back on. Does that count?
 
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