Thread: ecu error 21 :?

I got a Nx1600 for repair and now the thing I'm stuck on is the ECU error I get repeatedly:

21 Ignition signal in the primary circuit is not being entered to the ECU during cranking or tuning

The more I read that sentence, the more I go like what the heck does that mean?

Could someone explain to me where I should look?

I had that code on mine too. It got really bad where my car would just shut off and not start at all. The FSM has some steps to help you find the problem and thats how I found where mine was. ECU code 21 - SR20 Forum

Ouch! I totally forgot looking in the FSM believing that 2500 page manual was in my head

Thanks for your reply.

I also discovered that while driving the car shuts itself down, probably no spark and no fuel and then starting it does nothing.

After 5-10 minutes the car starts just like nothing happened. That has to be fixed because sooner or later it gonna be on a busy road and nowhere to go.

First, a .

Jumping spark test at night with spraying water No result.
Cap, dizzy, wires No result.
Oil under cap No result.
Corrosion on connectors No result.
Bad wires No result. (You can flame me later on if this turns out to be the problem)

I'm kinda out of ideas or knowing what to look for.

Now I need to take things apart on a car (to boldly go) that I don't own. This is a 'Will do.' for me but I prefer input first, owner won't mind I keep the car 1 or 2 days longer or not.

Your ideas, hints, tips and know-how is greatly appreciated.

Did u use the volt meter and check continuity from the plug like I did on mine? That pin runs all the way to the ecu.

Ehm.. No?

Getting to the ECU is not something I can explain to a paying customer.

I also do not understand what pin and what I could measure.

I'm thinking of a broke thyristor, but that doesn't add up to the experience I got from this car and what the owner kept telling me, that I was thinking, yeah right..

Anyhow, I got a spare Nx1600 in good condition. I'm afraid I can't time the stuff so taking that from the car is a no-no for now.

Is there anything obvious I can swap just to make error 21 go away? (without having to time) I would tell the owner I guarantee his stalling car problems are gone and won't come back if I can make error 21 dissapear..

Swapping parts won't solve the problem. Just check for continuity from the plugs to 4" down each wire. I don't know whats so hard about that, the language barrier seems to be really big issue here. There are online FSM's that you can download, doing the testing procedures in the FSM is the quickest way to find the problem or tell him to find a more competent mechanic that know how to do electrical work.

I wonder what made you trip. That last sentence, over my dead body!

I admit electrical fault searching on a car is not my strongest.

Even measuring 4" down the wire, IDK what that means in Dutch.

http://pdftown.com/pdf-ebook/Make-HowToUseAMultimeter686.pdf

/end thread