Malfunction Indicator Light - Honda Civic 2001

[Shaf]

The malfunction indicator light (check engine) came on light night on our 2001 Honda Civic. The car has been maintained perfectly and is only driven on the weekend and some evenings. We use the GO train for work.

I checked the manual already and it says that it could be something wrong with the emissions system. But it also says that it could just be the fuel cap being loose and after tightening it and making a trip it would go off if that were the cause.

I called the dealership and they want $89.99 per hour to check it!!!

Is there any way I can check it myself to diagnose the problem? I am mechanically able and usually do all my own work on the car. It's just that with the computer issues and light's I can't diagnose it.

What are my options? I will try tightening the fuel cap and see if that resolves the issue.

Thanks!

[careener]

Pretty much any mechanic can scan your civic. Only advantage of going to the dealer is that if it's an emissions component, it's probably still under warranty. As you say, it can be a multitude of things triggering the CEL.

[watewate]

I used to own a 2002 Civic, and most of the CEL (check engine light) problems suffered by most people were due to loose fuel caps. Check 7thgencivic.com, and search in their forum under "CEL" or "check engine light" for common causes behind CEL problems.

[Shaf]

Pretty much any mechanic can scan your civic. Only advantage of going to the dealer is that if it's an emissions component, it's probably still under warranty. As you say, it can be a multitude of things triggering the CEL.
Is there a special tool required?

[gman]

Is there a special tool required.

A special computer. If it is still under warranty, how can they charge you $90?
That is a rip off just like any Honda dealer I deal with before.

[ah802]

Most of use invest in some sort of code reading device eventually. There's plenty of web information that will tell you what the code for this or that. I've noticed that almost all garages charge a minimum $ for a computer hook-up (I guess they have to pay their equipment off) but they should be able to pin the problem down quickly (in most cases) and save you that amount over the whole job.

Gone are the days when the garage mechanic would say, no problem it's a slight adjustment.. no charge.

[careener]

The part might be under warranty..doesn't mean the scan is..
How's this, go to a local garage with a scanner ..should be like $60. If it's a warranty part, go with that info to the dealer.

[Shaf]

Most of use invest in some sort of code reading device eventually. There's plenty of web information that will tell you what the code for this or that. I've noticed that almost all garages charge a minimum $ for a computer hook-up (I guess they have to pay their equipment off) but they should be able to pin the problem down quickly (in most cases) and save you that amount over the whole job.

Gone are the days when the garage mechanic would say, no problem it's a slight adjustment.. no charge.

There's no warranty left on the car. Can you please direct me to some code reading tools that I can buy? Or websites to read up on?

[gman]

The part might be under warranty..doesn't mean the scan is..
How's this, go to a local garage with a scanner ..should be like $60. If it's a warranty part, go with that info to the dealer.

If it is under warranty, parts and labour are covered. It is up to the dealer to figure out where the problem is. If they need to scan it, that's their choice of method. Will they charge you 3 hours of diagnositic job so that they find out an under-warranty part? I don't think so.

[Shaf]

CT has quoted $49.99 for the computer hookup. Should I take it to them?

[gman]

CT has quoted $49.99 for the computer hookup. Should I take it to them?

Have you made sure the gas cap is not loose?

[Shaf]

Have you made sure the gas cap is not loose?Will be doing that tonight. But, I had filled up two weeks ago, so I don't think that's the issue.

[bobaroo]

Will be doing that tonight. But, I had filled up two weeks ago, so I don't think that's the issue.

tighten the cap, and then drive around a bit and see if the light goes away. if you really do drive the car lightly, then you likely won't make the problem any worse.

[gman]

Will be doing that tonight. But, I had filled up two weeks ago, so I don't think that's the issue.

It takes time for the tank to lose enough pressure for the sensor to detect it. It also takes time to get enough pressure to unset the light after you tight the cap. Since you drive in weekend only, you did not touch your car for a while after the fill up 2 weeks ago.

[Kinki]

Is the gas cap too TIGHT?

When I bought my 2004 civic the dealer warned me about it. You can't have it too tight or the warning light will go on (common complaint he gets, so that's why he warned me). He never said anything about being too loose.

[Blunt]

Too loose IS a problem for the engine check light..
make sure you give it 3 clicks when you put the gas cap back on.. I didn't once.. and the engine check light didn't go off until your next fill up..

[Shaf]

Too loose IS a problem for the engine check light..
make sure you give it 3 clicks when you put the gas cap back on.. I didn't once.. and the engine check light didn't go off until your next fill up..

I'll fill up tonight, tighten it and see if the light goes off.

[Bzji]

I believe the CEL also comes on if computer detects that your O2 Sensors are malfunctioning. Bascially computer is not able to produce the best gas/air mixture.
Typicall when this happens, your car will use an abnormal amount of gasoline. But this could take 1 or 2 days to recognize depending on how much you drive.

[hardcoredummy]

Get an OBD reader (little device to read your onboard computer)... they only cost $100, and you can use it to read other problems in the future.

[Shaf]

Get an OBD reader (little device to read your onboard computer)... they only cost $100, and you can use it to read other problems in the future.
Where can I get it from? Thanks!

Edit: Maybe this can work? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4524410455&category=43989)

[confused]

i had that prob in my 02 civic too.. gas cap was loose i think on mine

[DragonZealot]

a
Where can I get it from? Thanks!

Edit: Maybe this can work? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4524410455&category=43989)
Most parts store carries OBDII reader. There are several connector and protocols you have to match to your car. They are generally over $200.

For some code like the gas cap condition it takes a while for check engine light to come up so after you tighten the cap it would take a while (a few days) for it to go away.

Another common cause for check engine light is the O2 sensor.

Reading OBDII code is a standard procedure and it takes only couple minutes so some garage will do it at a very low cost esp if you know the mechanic well. I know some parts store in US will do it for free.

I would suggest you call around and find a cheap one.

[162]

Before you make any purchases or take it into the shop - I would recommend disconnecting the battery for a short period of time. This will reset the logistics in a lot of models - dodge and ford I have experienced this with. I'd give it a try.

[Shaf]

This is the tool I'm thinking of getting - http://www.iequus.com/item.asp?cid=10&pid=3100

http://www.iequus.com/assets/code_readers/3100.jpg

CT is selling it for $250!
There are a couple of auctions on <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=78 target=_blank>ebay</a> for $55

Anyone used it before? I plan on keeping this car for a while and since I work on it myself, the tool will definitely help me diagnose the problem.

Any thoughts?

[ferkel]

Take it to Formula Honda.. they put some nice black duct tape over the light to fix mine.

[Shaf]

Take it to Formula Honda.. they put some nice black duct tape over the light to fix mine.
Are you kidding?? LOL

[googoo]

Could just be a quick problem, reset the light and see if it comes on again.

That' the first thing I'd say!

Brent

[Shaf]

Could just be a quick problem, reset the light and see if it comes on again.

That' the first thing I'd say!

Brent

You mean buy the tool and reset it right? Or is there any other way to reset it?

[flipside]

You mean buy the tool and reset it right? Or is there any other way to reset it?

disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.

[Shaf]

disconnect the battery for 10 minutes.
Thanks! Will try that tonight.

On a similar note, I'll need the radio code to be able to use the deck again right? Well, the person I bought the car from didn't give me any of the manuals/codes/etc (I even had to get the manual online). I did some reading a while ago and found out that there's a sticker on the glove box that had the code. I have seen the sticker and made a note of the code - so I hope it works!

[162]

Is that an echo I hear?

[ferkel]

Are you kidding?? LOL

Nope.. its a very common problem with most Japanese cars.. A little Red Green duct tape and problem is solved.

[Shaf]

Is that an echo I hear?
:?:

[gman]

:?:

It is either he thought you have a Toyota or he refered to you saying 'Try it tonight' ... again. :cheesygri

[hardcoredummy]

This is the tool I'm thinking of getting - http://www.iequus.com/item.asp?cid=10&pid=3100

http://www.iequus.com/assets/code_readers/3100.jpg

CT is selling it for $250!
There are a couple of auctions on <a href=../autolink/redirectpage.php?linkid=78 target=_blank>ebay</a> for $55

Anyone used it before? I plan on keeping this car for a while and since I work on it myself, the tool will definitely help me diagnose the problem.

Any thoughts?

That's the exact same one i had in mind when i made that post. I've seen them for MUCH MUCH lower than $250. I figured about $100-150 or so, but that may have been a sale long ago. Anyways, i would look around, but it's a very handy thing to have (it will reset the light if there isn't anything wrong... and often times the light is on when it shouldn't be just because it's bugged).

[googoo]

I think the 01 Civics have the same reset procedure as my o3??

press and hold the trip/dash brightness button----turn the car to the ON postion----wait till lights go out----------turn key to OFF postiion-----take finger off the button-----you should be reset.

So far I've only used this for the Maintenence reminder thing, but I'm pretty sure it's the same light!

Brent

[MagicWater]

I think the 01 Civics have the same reset procedure as my o3??

press and hold the trip/dash brightness button----turn the car to the ON postion----wait till lights go out----------turn key to OFF postiion-----take finger off the button-----you should be reset.

So far I've only used this for the Maintenence reminder thing, but I'm pretty sure it's the same light!

Brent

they are two different lights- Maintenance Required and Check Engine.

Your procedure will reset Maintenance light only.

[Shaf]

Thank you all for all your help! I disconnected the battery and everything got reset. All's fine for now!

[Hnazzal]

I red the operator manual of my Civic 2005 & i found on page 407 that the malfunction indicator problems are waranty excluded !!!!!


A special computer. If it is still under warranty, how can they charge you $90?
That is a rip off just like any Honda dealer I deal with before.

[RichardLewis]

Hello,

I have a 2001 Civic, and the Malfunction Indicator just turned on this morning. I know for a fact that I need to have the transmission fluid changed and possibly a tune up. I have an appointment to have these done in three days. Would anyone know if either of these issues would cause the Malfunction Indicator to light up? I only drive about 5 miles a day and hardly ever take the car over 30 MPH. I think I'll be safe until Tuesday morning...at least I hope so.

[ES_Revenge]

Why is this thread in the OT section? :confused:

[Menace]

I was thinking the same thing.

Well, this is Off Topic and I need to say no more :lol:


Why is this thread in the OT section? :confused:

[Eyies]

This was a misplaced and old thread.

Until a 1-post member from Dubai decided he needed to bump a 3year thread :lol: