Many car enthusiasts and DIY mechanics often get confused about Honda Obdii Injectors, particularly when it comes to upgrades or replacements. A common misconception is that the OBD connector type is the primary concern when dealing with injectors. However, the real issue that can lead to electrical damage, or “frying,” is the injector resistance, not whether it’s OBD1 or OBD2. This article will clarify the crucial differences between injector types and guide you in selecting the right ones for your Honda.
There are fundamentally two types of fuel injectors based on their electrical resistance: high resistance (saturated) and low resistance (peak & hold). High resistance injectors, also known as saturated injectors, are designed to be directly driven by the ECU (Engine Control Unit) without needing any external current limiting devices. On the other hand, low resistance injectors, or peak & hold injectors, require a different control strategy. They use a higher current pulse initially to quickly open the injector (peak), and then reduce the current to hold it open (hold).
The danger arises when you install low resistance peak & hold injectors into a system designed for high resistance saturated injectors. Doing so can overload and potentially damage the injector driver circuits in your Honda’s ECU. This is why, for example, when upgrading to peak & hold injectors in older Honda models originally equipped with saturated injectors, a resistor box is often necessary. The resistor box adds resistance to the circuit, making the low resistance injectors compatible with the saturated injector driver circuitry.
Let’s consider a practical example with Honda Prelude injectors. OBD1 Prelude injectors (345 cc/min) are low resistance peak & hold type, while OBD2 Prelude injectors (290 cc/min) are high resistance saturated type. Importantly, they also have different connectors. If you were to install OBD1 Prelude injectors on a system designed for saturated injectors without a resistor box, you risk damaging your ECU, regardless of the connector type. Conversely, using OBD2 saturated injectors is generally a safer upgrade path in systems designed for saturated injectors, as long as flow rates and connector compatibility are considered.
In conclusion, when working with Honda OBDII injectors, always prioritize injector resistance compatibility over connector types. Understanding whether your system is designed for high or low resistance injectors is critical to avoid electrical issues and ensure proper engine operation. If you’re considering injector upgrades, especially moving from saturated to peak & hold types, researching and potentially incorporating a resistor box is a crucial step to protect your vehicle’s electronics.
