98 Accord "Engine Check" Dash Light

I have a '98 accord with 106,000 miles with the 4 cylinder and the engine
check light came on. Manual says something about the emission controls are
at fault. It also indicated the gas cap could be loose or missing, thought
it is in place and tight. Has anyone had experience with this indicator? The
car runs fine otherwise. Could it be the O2 sensor. Thanks.

Roland

 

You need to read the code in the computer. If you don't have a manual and
don't know who to do it, take it to Autozone (if you are in the states),
they will read the code for free.

 

Try AutoZone or a place like that. They sometimes will loan you an OBDII
scanner to get the code.

G-Man

 

Don't even bother with the check engine light. Extract the code and see what
it says and keep that in mind but if the car is working fine I would just
reset the light and get on with my life. I've had the check engine light
come on on numerous occasitions and nothing had happened. It was either too
cold outside or some part was wetted after I washed the car. The computer is
overly sensitive. Reset the light, tighten up the gas cap a few turns more
than usual, and try using 89 octane gas if possible.

That should do it. If you notice run-ability problems make sure you have it
checked out. Usually it's the O2 sensor that's the culprit system but it
could be the PCV valve (if it hasn't been replaced I'd replace it--it's $10
part and very easy to replace yourself).

--Viktor

 

I went to Autozone and the number that came out was P0420 which indicated
something wrong in the Catalytic System. There were 4 items that could cause
it,
1.) Leaky exhaust valve stems (oil getting into exhaust)
2.) Vaccum Leak
3.) Bad Catalytic Converter
4.) Engine misfiring.

It runs smooth and no smoke so it may be the Catalytic Converter, I suppose.

-roland

 

A LOT of Honda owners with '97 - '00 Accords have had experience with this
indicator. I have a '99 Accord EX and my light started coming on at about
94,000 miles. I tried replacing the gas cap first but it wasn't that. A
friend of my daughter who was a Honda mechanic checked it out when he did
the timing belt and said the code was P0420 97 Catalyst System Efficiency
Below Threshold. He said he checked the O2 sensors and they were OK. Honda
wants about $800 for the cat!! I have searched and found a few places that
claim to sell OEM replacements for $225 - $250. I will probably order one
and give it a try. Hopefully the O2 sensor will come out without breaking so
I don't have to spend another $100+. What bothers me is that I have read
quite a few postings where that didn't solve the problem and they started
replacing O2 sensors, EGR's, etc.

Honda finally extended the warranties to 80K (someone also said 100K on the
'99 but I haven't read that anywhere).

I would appreciate hearing the learnings from other Accord owners.

Good luck, George

 

Ah the infamous P0420...Catalytic Converter problem, at least that's what my
P0420 ended up being. There's an warranty but you've passed the mileage
limit (80,000 miles). Here's hoping it's one of the other 3 problems you've
listed.

God Luck,

Rick

 

Had the same problem at 103,000 miles. Had the O2 sensor changed and the
problem came right back. Service manager said it was carbon buildup in
the injector system. So the cleaned it up and that corrected the problem.
Haven't seen the light and its been a few weeks.

However, know my 98 Accord will not come out of Park, unless it has a lot
of coaxing. I think its the solenoid, so some time to do I will find
out...

Good luck

 

Had similar problem on mine. Remove the fuse for a few seconds and the
light should go out - if doesn't come back on not an issue.

If it does, most likely it is the secondary O2 sensor - not the Catalytic
Converter as some mechanics try to tell you.

McD