Civic 3-stage vtec D15B "econo mode" not working

[Civicbob]

My car CEL seems to come on when the car is about to switch to lean burn mode, so the ECONO light on the dash does not illuminate. Tailpipe is sooty black and fuel consumption is increased.

 

[Izso]

My car CEL seems to come on when the car is about to switch to lean burn mode, so the ECONO light on the dash does not illuminate. Tailpipe is sooty black and fuel consumption is increased.

Pretty much sounds like a dead O2 sensor

 

[Civicbob]

Pretty much sounds like a dead O2 sensor

Ouch! This is a new O2 sensor (NTK) installed about month ago

 

[vr2turbo]

Cannot check with OBD2?

 

[Izso]

Ouch! This is a new O2 sensor (NTK) installed about month ago

If it's new - then you might have an issue with the distributor/coilpacks.

 

[Civicbob]

Odd thing happened, was low on fuel on two occasions and the econco light came on for about 15 secs. before CEL light came back on.