2008 Accord Check Engine light causes?

Hello,

I have a 2008 Accord EXL Sedan Auto. Its got about 28,000 mi on it. I
always get the oil changed when needed. Never use inferior gasoline
(use Shell and Gulf), didn't have any mods done to it, didn't change
to a different gas cap and never parked on materials that could damage
the CAT converter.

The engine light went on today after a 7 mile drive on a highway doing
about 65 mph. I did NOT get gas recently and the cap was fully
tightened. There was about 3/4 of a tank of gas in it today when it
came on. It stayed on after several attempts to drive and turn the car
on and off. So according to the manual it could be something related
to the emissions if not caused by a loose gas cap. So I'm thinking of
bringing it to Honda tomorrow to look at. Is this common on this model
and year and also what are other possible causes? Is this something
that needs immediate care?

Thanks,
Al

 

One more thing...I did put a small bottle of Gumout Fuel System
cleaner in a couple of days ago with a full tank of gas. I've used
this many times in the past and never had a problem though.

 

There are approximately 100 reasons why the light would come on. Each
reason has an alpanumeric code (called a "DTC"). The ONLY way of telling
which DTC(s) have been set is to have the engine's computer queried with an
OBD-II code reader.

Your car is still under warranty, so I'd let the dealer handle it.

If they want to charge you $100 or so to read the DTCs, post back here
again.

 

Likely has nothing to do with your MIL-illumination. I suspect your
engine's computer has detected an EVAP problem. There's a TSB out for DTC
P2422 on your model.

But do not use any aftermarket additives in your engine. They are not only
not needed, but can interfere with the engine's controls.

Retail gasolines already contain more than enough cleaners and other
additives for your engine's needs.

 

Agreed. I quit adding Techron to the gas a few years ago, and the only
difference that I have been able to detect is in the wallet.

 

eh.

Grocery store gas, Speedway, etc. are at bare minimums. Shell seems to
do better.

In fact, Shell 93 cleaned out my old Lexus engine and got it to the
point where using Shell 87 maintained it--and got me much better gas
mileage than grocery store/Flying J truck stop gas ever did.

 

Okay thanks. I'm bringing it in Wednesday. It should all be covered
including the code reading since its under warranty. I'll let you all
know what the codes are, but they'll probably fix whatever it is. They
said if the light is on its okay to drive but if its blinking there
could be a serious problem and not drive it. What would an EVAP
problem be? Sorry I'm not that savvy with engine stuff.

 

If the MIL is blinking, the engine's computer has detected a problem severe
enough to cause damage to the catalytic converter.

Part of the emissions control system. It's unimportant, and ignoring EVAP
DTCs does no harm at all to anything except, perhaps, increased annoyance
on your part because that little yellow light is lit-up.

 

Okay thanks. I'll find out Wednesday and post it here. I getting the
oil and tire rotation done too. Might as well. You seem to know pretty
much about cars. I was wondering if you know anything about Hyundai's
as far as how reliable they are compared to Honda's and how the
comfort and drive-ability is?

Thanks,
Al

 

Don't know much about Hyundais from personal experience, but I've been told
by those in the trade that Hyundai/Kia (same company) is not nearly the
equal of Honda/Toyota/Nissan when it comes to reliability and durability,
especially with engine controls.

I did spend a week in the back of a Kia minivan two summers ago. The ride
was OK, but the ceiling vents both leaked and whistled, so it was somewhat
unpleasant being back there.

 

Well I only had a chance to drive a 2006 Hyundai and a 1994 Excel. I
think the 2006 was the sporty model, can't remember the name of it.
Both were okay, but I do remember a big difference in the roughness
and inside materials. I was hoping that improved but it looks like
other posters are saying the Hyundai is still a little less
comfortable and generally not as quick or reliable in the long term.
The Honda is looking more and more promising, but I'd still like to
test drive.

 

get the hyundai, retard.

 

Tegger,

You were right! It WAS a clogged EVAP valve! Pretty good! It was under
warranty.

Thanks,
Al

 

You're welcome.

EVAP problems are the #1 reason for MIL illuminations these days. You can
thank your friendly federal EPA for the exceeding complication and
finickiness of that particular piece of equipment.

 

Got to love the government!