My check engine light is flashing in my Honda Civic 2002 LX?

Question

It blinks for about five seconds after I turn the car on, then it stops. It just had an oil change, and whenver i've had major problems, the light never came on. I don't have a manual so I can't look it up. Please help!

Answer 1

check the fuel cap, it will come on if you dont put on the fuel cap

Answer 2

The code P1381 is an indication that the ignition coil is breaking down and causing an intermittant loss of the signal. Honda had a service advisory on that code that said if you get the 1381 that the coil is probably faulty. A failing ignition coil would generate a lower voltage (weaker) spark that would cause your low idle. So the first thing to do is to have the ignition coil changed before it fails entirely and the car stops. In this case, the check engine light is doing its job of alerting you to a problem, so take care of it. the P1399 code is just a general failure code that is generated at the same time as the P1381 code and will go away when you fix the primary problem. Also, you don't provide any maintenance history on the vehicle but based on that mileage the car is due for a valve adjustment if it hasn't been done. The valve adjustment is the most critical adjustment on that car with regard to idle quality. The maintenance schedule on that car called for the replacement of the spark plugs, a valve adjustment and idle adjustment every 30,000 miles. If you can't remember the last time it was done its probably time to do that as well. beyond that, the normal maintenance items such as the distributor cap, wires, and rotor should be checked and replaced if they're worn out. start by changing the ignition coil and go from there. hope that helps

Answer 3

usualy, if the engine is missfiring or is runing very rough, that will cause the check engine light to blink. but if the car is runing ok, then I'm not sure. you'll have to retrieve the codes from the computer and that will point you to the right direction. you need a special tool to retrieve the codes. are you sure its the check engine light and not the maintenance light? I think your mistaking the check engine light with the maintenance light. if its the maintenance light, you'll need to hold down the reset button, usualy the reset button is the odometer trip button on your instrument pannel. but what you have to do is turn the car off and push on the reset button, and then while your pushing on the button, turn the ignition on and keep holding the reset button for about 20 seconds and see what happens.

Answer 4

I believe that it flashes when you start it to give you a visual check that the light is working. If it then shuts off then you don't have a problem.

Answer 5

DO NOT LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE!!!!!
NOTHING IS WRONG WITH YOUR CAR!!


When you start any kind of car every light is supposed to light and flash it's normal you should only be worried if it stays on for 5 mins or as you keep driving your car

Answer 6

It is your maintenance lite that is flashing. You can reset it by holding the reset button by the speedo and while continuing to hold, turn the ignition key to the on position. Keep holding reset until lite is off, then realease. Turn off ignition and you are done...

Answer 7

my dad checked mine by how many times it flashed then looked up the code to figure out what it meant. Of course he is a machanic

Answer 8

It may be many problems. You should have the vehicle inspected thoughly. Have you thought it may just be like that or maybe it is just a short in the wiring.

Answer 9

it could be the gas cap, or a loose cable or somethin'

Answer 10

Put some spinners on it!!