my check engine light came on yesterday on my '03 Honda CRV. I tightened the gas tank lid (as it can cause the light to come on in this model) but, that wasn't the problem. everything seems to run fine and i'm taking it to the shop monday. what are some possible things that could cause this? my '96 accord never had any problems, so why would my '03 CRV be doing this??
2006-07-28 02:30:08 · 6 answers · asked by animal_mother 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Honda
lots of things can cause this. they will hook your car up to the computer and let you know. i had this happen once and it was something about the gas seal or something like that. had nothing to do with the engine as far as i could tell.
just take it in as soon as you can because even though you can't see anything that's wrong, something serious could be going on.
edit
by gas seal i don't mean gas cap like you were saying. it was something else that had to do with the gas tank. they had to replace the part.
2006-07-28 02:34:56 · answer #1 · answered by Kansas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, your computer retains a failure code for a specific amount of time before it clears on it's own... I've heard of some computers taking something like 15 starts with no additional error. It can also be reset using a diagnostic tool at a shop. And yes, the owner can reset the computer as well by disconnecting the power. Generally, this is done by removing the radio fuse which has the computer on it as well. Either way, by pulling that fuse or lifting the battery cable, you will take away power from the car and today's cars have an anti-theft feature built into the radio. When you restore power, the radio will ask you for a code before it will turn back on and act normally. Without the code, your radio is down for the count. The dealer can't give you the code without having the radio serial number so it gets pricey when you have to hire someone to remove the radio just to get the serial number off it!
So... call Autozone and ask them if they can hookup to your car and read the computer. If they can, they can also reset the computer memory using the diagnostic tool instead of removing power. Plus, even though you might have fixed one problem, the computer notifies the driver of all problems with the same check engine light. To get the light to go off, you would have to fix all problems and then reset the computer memory.
There is also a way for you to check the error codes yourself but you would need your specific service manual to tell you how. It involves putting a jumper wire in a specific service plug and then turning the ignition key to the run position. The check engine light then flashes a certain amount of flashes that corespond to the error codes. All spelled out in your service manual that is available to you from www.helminc.com. Worth it's weight in gold!
Good luck!
2006-07-28 10:18:56 · answer #2 · answered by Les 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rancher's on the right idea... You still may need to reset the service engine light! Before going to check a diagonistic give the car some disconnect time from the battery.
2006-07-28 03:17:47 · answer #3 · answered by Roger B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There may be nothing wrong at all, just a momentary glitch. To confirm, unhook the battery terminal for a minute and then hook the terminal back up. If light stays off, it was just a glitch. If it comes back on, go to the shop.
2006-07-28 02:36:47 · answer #4 · answered by Rancher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
before you take it to the shop where they are going to charge you a diagnostic fee which will be off the wall..try taking it to Auto zone, they will put it on a diagnostic machine "FOR FREE" and tell you what it could be....my truck has the same problem, turns out it is the O2 sensor (oxygen sensor) for my truck, to order one is $200 and can be easily put it. But try that before you take it to the dealer and get taken by them...
2006-07-28 02:36:24 · answer #5 · answered by TXDUDE 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3 years old. Could be the oxygen sensor. $300.00
2006-07-28 16:16:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋