Help!! Check Engine Light On... - Honda Prelude Forum

PreludeGuy27 · 04-29-2002, 10:56 PM

After changing my oil and filter, the check engine light began to light up. It doesn't light up right when I begin to drive, but after about 5 minutes, the light goes on. If I pull over, stop, shut my engine down, and restart, the check engine light goes away. Sometimes after restarting, the light will come back on. My car is basically stock except for a removed resonator. (GREAT power gain.

) I'd take it to a Honda Dealership but I'm afraid they'll say something about my resonator and then my mom will go insane. Before I begin to do my mods, do you guys know what the problem is? It's a 1993 VTEC with about 77,000 miles on it. I'm going to get it serviced at around 80,000 miles. Should I drive the 3k and then take it in, or take it in now? Thanks.

PreludeGuy27 · 04-29-2002, 11:02 PM

Could it actually be the Engine/Motor Oil I put in there? I put in Valvoline 10w-30. I have no idea what's wrong and I don't want to fork Honda over a hundred bucks or more.

Rapture · 04-29-2002, 11:23 PM

I don't suppose you know how to check the engine codes to see what number it's throwing?

if not...it's really easy, just get a paper clip and bend it into a "U"
then put the key in the on position (not starting the car) and locate the diagnostic connector which should have two blue wires going to it, put the paper clip in there and then look at the check engine light. It should start blinking

short blink = 1
long blink = 10

so say it goes... long blink, long blink, short blink the code would be 21.

Rapture · 04-29-2002, 11:24 PM

oh yeah...that connector is right by the ecu. Really hard to miss...it's either green or brown.

PreludeGuy27 · 04-29-2002, 11:52 PM

I tried that already. The ECU is green and I took a paperclip and I bent it and stuck it into both holes. I turned my key into the start position, and waited for the Check Engine Light to blink, but it never did. Am I suppossed to wait for a few minutes? I waited for about a minute, and nothing happened. I tried this about three times on different days and no blinking. Any other ideas?

MikeRenz · 04-30-2002, 12:19 AM

you might have bumped your O2 sensor while changing the oil filter. Get back under the car and make sure the connection is solid. I think O2 is code 41.

Even if the light goes off the ecu should store it. Put the paper clip in and turn the key to the on position, but not far enough to start the car....and then wait for the CEL to start blinking. The connector is not right near the ecu...it is easily reached behind the stereo/climate control from the drivers side, near the gas pedal.

PreludeGuy27 · 04-30-2002, 12:22 AM

So is the ECU Connector on the passanger or drivers side? Either I'm sticking paper clips in the wrong places or something. For a 1993 VTEC, isn't the ECU Connector a green thing that is just to the right of the tape/cassette player, underneath the dash? Which side is it on? Does anyone have a picture? Thanks.

Absolut · 04-30-2002, 01:21 AM

Put a piece of tape over the light

MikeRenz · 04-30-2002, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by PreludeGuy27
isn't the ECU Connector a green thing that is just to the right of the tape/cassette player, underneath the dash?

Mine is BLUE not green. And its easily reached on the left/driver's side.

JDMPower · 04-30-2002, 09:57 AM

mine's is blue too. I think you're plugging it into the wrong plug. MikeRenz is probably right. I bumped my O2 sensor and it was doing the same thing your car would do. I would drive it for a few minutes and then my CEL would come on.

dudewithlude · 04-30-2002, 11:13 AM

The plug for mine is blue also. It is located under the rear of the radio. There is a grey plug next to it. You could try wiggling the wire harness and see if it does anything. Also, you could clear the codes by taking the negative terminal of the battery and see if it will clear.

94VTECLude · 04-30-2002, 11:36 AM

Hey just a thought but mine would have the same symptoms and come to find out it was my knock sensor. My car would run fine but after like 5 minutes the light would come on but the car would run fine. Hope this helps.

Lance

PreludeGuy27 · 04-30-2002, 03:41 PM

What should I do now? Should I try to jump my ECU again or just disconnect the negative battery terminal? Thanks.

brendon2k · 04-30-2002, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by PreludeGuy27
What should I do now? Should I try to jump my ECU again or just disconnect the negative battery terminal? Thanks.

I would try to get the code first before you reset the ECU.

PreludeGuy27 · 04-30-2002, 10:29 PM

Any idea on how to deal with this EGR/Exhaust Gas Recirculation Failure problem? Anyone?