Prelude Check Engine light -- no code

Make: Honda
Model: Prelude
Year: 1996
Trim Line: VTEC

Check engine light came on. I have the Helm manual, so I jumpered the
service check connector as described in the manual.

I then turned the key to just before engine start, and the Check
engine light stays on solid. (It flickers briefly, as it normally does
when starting. )

No blink code. Solid MIL. Is this blink code "0" ?

It says if the code is not listed, replace the ECM. But there is a
"0" code. I am just a little lost on how to interpret that. (or maybe
I'm scared to lookup the cost of a new ECM. It sounds expensive.)

I also checked the flow chart "Checking the ECM". The box I get stuck
at is "Does the MIL indicate any DTC? (this is after jumpering)
If yes, go to the diagnostic codes page. This puts me back to square
one.
If I assume "no", then I need a harness and some other equipment which
I don't have..

Oh, there is no noticeable problem with the car, except the MIL. It
runs fine and the MPG is about the same.

The only thing I have left is to reset the ECM, but I thought I would
check here first and see if someone has been down this road.

Randall Fox

 

I'm as puzzled as you are about the MIL being on and no codes, but I wonder
if a regular OBDII reader would retrieve codes. Many auto parts chains are
offering to read codes for free in hopes they can make a sale of repair
parts - it's a good service.

I agree with the next step if you don't get anywhere that way - reset it and
see what happens. As long as the engine runs okay and the mpg is not way
lower, the light isn't trying to tell you anything you care about. Drive
happy!

If the worst comes to pass and you have to get a replacement ECM, wrecking
yards are definitely the way to go. ECMs from '96 cars are very common in
wrecking yards now, and one with a 30 day warranty (plenty of time to make
sure you didn't get a bad one) are usually in the $100 range. You don't want
to buy one from Honda, I am sure.

Mike

 

Hello,
I suggest that you visit Kragens or AutoZone and buy a OBD II scanner.
They now have one for sale that can read and reset codes--the cost is less
than $70.00. Last year, the cheapest ones were over $120.00--at least at
the stores that I visited. They may also check your codes and reset them
for free--esp. at AutoZone.

 

I think I will reset the ECM and if it trips again, see about getting
the code.

I found a small blurb in the helm manual that states if there is no
code, the light will just remain on.

I may have waited to long to fetch the code from the ECM, although
this doesn't sound right.

Thank you

Randall Fox