Help Please - Honda Civic 1.7 CTDi Engine Fault - limited revs

Hi,

Just when I'm skint my super reliable 2002 Honda CTDi has developed a fault.
Five minutes after starting from cold when accelerating around a wide bend
in 3rd gear the engine warning lamp came on. The accelerator will not lift
the revs above about 2200 rpm. This condition is now constant and is true
when in gear or in neutral.

Are the limited revs likely to be a symptom of some fault or is the control
unit limiting the revs because it knows something is wrong somewhere ? I'm
assuming the turbo has failed.

Are there any simple tests I can do to try and diagnose what the problem is
and how to fix it ?

Thanks In Advance,

Bob

 

it sounds like the engine is in "limp home" mode,and there's something very
wrong. You can get the OBD-2 codes read for free at many auto parts stores.
That is where you must begin.
Telling us the mileage,auto or manual tranny,and any recent repairs or
service will be of help,too.Also WHERE you are,like what country.

 

Hi again, I'm in the UK, the car was buillt at the Honda plant at Swindon.
It is a Honda Civic manual transmission ,diesel, 1.7 CTDi. (I'm struggling
to find a workshop manual for it on the internet or anywhere else) It was
registered on the road 2003 and has done just under 71000 miles. Three weeks
ago it fully passed it's MOT (roadworthy checks + emission checks). Fuel
filter was changed at the last but one service so one is due at the next.

Looks like it was in limp home mode. It's changed now though - after leaving
it overnight the engine warning lamp is still on when the car is running but
the car will now happily rev as normal. Presumably there is still something
wrong.

With little other info I'm assuming it's an exhaust detector fault of some
sort. Getting free fault codes read is a bit tricky over here - presumably
manufactureres have their own interface and comms codes or is there an
industry standard (eg connector pinouts and codes etc ?) Might it be
possible to get software and a laptop interface lead to connect to it ?

There is a section of the exhaust pipe that looks like it might be a CAT
converter (it's about 8 inches long with metal thin strips, cross platted
around the outside.) When tapped it has a slight rattling sound from
inside. (Hmmm $$$ £££ ?). Is there an emission detector after the CAT
(assuming it is one ???) I have had a good look underneath and can find
nothing so assuming there is some form of emission sensor it must be close
to the exhaust manifold (???)

My next step is to look for any detector and test it and try and get any
fault codes read (without spending a fortune on labour charges). I read
somewhere on the newsgroup about the car's computer forgetting any fault
code conditions after the car has been started three times - sound like a
myth or crap design ? I wondered, if it is true, if that is why the revs are
now ok.

Thanks for the advice/suggestions - any further to be offered would be most
gratefully received.

Regards,

Bob

 

filters matter. especially if you have cold weather.

what is the malfunction code from the computer?

 

Hmmm,
Pull the error code first and start from there. Honda has ISO interface
connector.
I use my own OBD II code reader with my notebook computer USB port. Hand
held simple code reader is not that expensive.

 

may i also add that honda uk have then told me that they have a
extended warranty out on this turbo fault up until the car reaches
years old, so i got my £330 back no hassle. v v v happy! i love th
dealership, very helpful.so go get it done before it reaches 7.
any queries, contact honda uk as my dealer was not aware of th
warranty at the time.
there is also an ext warranty out on the aircon condensor, ,all 2002
2003 and some 2004 cars.until the car is 6 years old, again, the deale
was not aware, but i have it in writing from honda uk, so its going i
next week, so we ll see.cheers, jame