Engine light

I have an '02 S2000, and the check engine light came on last week. It
runs ok, and nothing noticeable is wrong. What is (are) the causes? I
set up an appt at the local Honda dealership (Shearer Honda, Rutland,
VT) to see what's happening. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
John DeCicco

 

Take it to AutoZone and get the code read (for free!).

The MIL illumination means the engine's computer has detected a malfunction
of some kind in the engine controls. Your computer will have stored one or
more numeric codes (such as "P0300", "P0457" etc.). The codes(s) tell us
what the computer saw (or what it thinks it saw).

Report the code back here. Many of these are common problems and there are
a number of posters here who can give you some answers.

 

don't go to dealer

don't go to dealer

don't go to dealer

post back here

 

Just replace the gas cap and your problem should cease. It's a cheap
enough repair. If not that then go to the dealer.

 

okay here it is...You should find out what the code is...but have whoever
does it clear the code. you said it drove fine....that's good. Alot of the
vehicles on the road are set up to have the check engine light come on at a
certain milage even though nothing is truely wrong. unsuspecting people
take it to the dealer and get their wallet reamed for some serious
money....the industry is set up to make money like any other industry. An
honest technician will clear the code and drive it . if it does not come
back on it is what we call a false code.....no problems. let me
know.....mac1833

 

Autozone is usually very good for checking error codes so hopefully you
may be driving near one to stop. If not, call around to other auto parts
stores in your area. The one by me in Brookfield Ct even gives you the
printout. Three years ago my check engine light on my '99 Accord came on
and tightening & replacing the gas cap didn't solve it. It was a
catalytic converted low threshold error.

I was shocked when the Honda dealer told me it would be about $800 or
the cat alone plus a couple hours labor! It was one of the shortest cats
I had seen and in the best possible location to work on. I searched and
found an after-market cat from Summitracing.com for about $140. It took
40 minutes to replace it.

Last year the light came on again and it was an emissions vacuum
canister. I didn't have time to do it myself so it cost me $190 at the
dealer.

Good luck!

 

Sorry, been away for a while. Turns out it was a loose gas cap. My
wife (or young one) didn't tighten it fully at the last refuel.

Phew!
John

 

Then the error code was P0457. This is why we need the error code itself in
order to make any sort of prognostication at all.