If your Honda check engine light ever turns on, you need to look attentively for a significant issue that will need rapid treatment. Pay close attention to the warning lights and indicators, especially those that indicate engine burning or low oil level. If any of these seem like likely causes, stop in a safe place and shut off your Honda’s engine.
A yellow check engine light indicates an issue requiring attention for certain vehicle makes and models. Let us explain in detail what causes the honda check engine light to turn on and how to fix the problem.
Reasons Your Honda Check Engine Light Is On
Are you experiencing issues with your Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, or Ridgeline? It might be unsettling to see a message about the engine pop up on the dashboard for the first time. Some problems that trigger the check engine light illumination are more dangerous than others. Below are the typical reasons for the Honda check engine light.
Oxygen Detector Problems
Your oxygen sensor may need to be replaced if it has been exposed to hot exhaust gas for an extended period. The oxygen sensor sends information on the air-fuel ratio to the ECU. The computer may improperly regulate fuel delivery if your car’s oxygen sensor goes bad. Too little gasoline may cause a complete engine breakdown, while too much can cause it to smoke excessively and emit an unpleasant stench.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Especially in cars driven longer distances, the catalytic converter may get clogged with debris over time. The catalytic converter plays an important role in evaporative emissions by neutralizing harmful carbon monoxide. Damage to or obstruction of the catalytic converter may have a devastating effect on gas mileage and performance.
Leaky Gas Cap
You either need to tighten or replace your gas cap. Problems with the gas cap may cause fuel pressure to drop and gasoline vapors to escape, leading to worse gas mileage and more pollution.
Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor may become inaccurate if it is subjected to filthy or particle-rich air. Like oxygen sensors, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor monitors airflow into the engine to guarantee the right proportions of air and fuel. Misfiring is due to a defective MAF sensor, which leads to poor fuel efficiency, subpar performance, and maybe further damage to the engine.
Incorrectly Installed Or Damaged Spark Plug Wires
Spark plugs and wires wear out over time, and you must replace them. With a hot spark from the spark plugs, the air and fuel combination in the cylinder is ignited, and the engine is ready to go. The engine’s efficiency and performance might be rendered inoperable if the spark plugs or wires are defective.
What to Do When Honda Check Engine Light is On
When the Honda check engine light comes on, your obvious next step is to get your car serviced. Depending on when and how the light illuminates, you can expect to do the following:
Illuminates Under Certain Circumstances
Is your car not performing the same as before? You’ll want to avoid driving as much as possible and immediately contact a professional service provider.
Is Constantly On:
This means the onboard diagnostic system has detected an issue that needs to be fixed. While you can still drive your car, it may seem to be working, as usual.
Honda Check Engine Light Flashing While Driving:
You’ll need to pull over and have your car serviced as there is a major, urgent issue.
Honda Check Engine Light Reset
You can reset your automobile by pulling the negative battery cable if you know what you’re doing. Here is how to reset honda check engine light:
- Disable the engine’s starter. Put on some protective gear, including goggles and gloves.
- Find the unfavorable plug. The standard cap color is black, and the symbol for the negation is a minus sign (). Note that the plus sign (+) will be shown on a red cap, denoting the positive version.
- Take a wrench and loosen the nut on the negative terminal. Step two is to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal. Put it aside for at least a minute.
- Put the wrench back on the negative wire and rejoin it.
- Following these instructions will turn off your Honda’s “check engine” light.
Honda Check Engine Light Codes
Here’s how to use an OBD II scan tool to read Honda’s engine trouble codes:
- Plug the scan tool into the 16-pin data link connection (DLC) found in the car’s glove box. To get access, remove the connection’s cover.
- Start the car by turning the key.
- To access the DTCs, use the scan tool by the manufacturer’s instructions.
You can use Honda’s Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to get error codes by counting the following flashes:
- The service check connection is situated beneath the passenger side of the dashboard; attach special tool No. 07PAZ-0010100, or similar, to this connector.
- Start the engine.
- MIL will flash many times to show that there are DTCs.
Honda Check Engine Light Oil Change
Don’t freak out if your car’s check engine light has turned on since you’ve changed the oil. It’s a typical problem that’s usually simple to resolve. Let us explain. Check here for a complete step-by-step guide on changing your car oil.
Fixing the Check Engine Light After an Oil Change
Use a Dipstick
Is a dipstick in the incorrect place? If so, the issue is easy to solve. Look at the dipstick while the engine is running; open the hood. Make the appropriate modifications to seat it in the tube if it isn’t. Verify there is no obstruction in the tube, such as dirt or a stick, by looking down into it.
Test the Oil Filler Cap
It’s simple to overlook to place the oil filler cap back on properly after topping up the tank, just as it is to forget to put the gas cap back on properly after refueling. The solution is as easy as checking the cap orientation.
If it doesn’t seem right or fits well, flip it over and try again. Most vehicles only allow the cap to be installed in one direction, but if you still need clarification, you may consult your service manual.
Start the Engine and Let It Run for a While
If low oil pressure is the cause, fixing it may take just a few minutes. Let the engine run for a while to see if it can determine the pressures on its own.
Take Out the Extra Oil
If it is full, there’s no way around draining part of the oil. Use a suction pump to remove part of the oil. The dipstick tube is a popular entry point. However, some individuals also utilize the cap. Find out whether a manual or automated pump would be more beneficial for your needs.
Put in the Adequate Oil
You may need to replace the oil again, but with the correct viscosity. If you use the incorrect oil, it will create problems. Get rid of the old oil and replace it with the oil specified in the user guide.
When you change the oil, you must also change the filter. The warning light should go off after that.
Reset Codes
The Honda Check Engine Light may stay on after changing the oil if the detector doesn’t automatically shut off. This sensor, however, you can reset manually. First, locate the under-dash power outlet on the driver’s side and plug in your code reader. A troubleshooting step is to power up the device and check for error codes. The scanner may clear the codes if they do not indicate any further problems.
You may restart the car when you complete it, and the warning light should turn off. See whether the warning sign comes back on while driving the vehicle. If it returns, it’s time to call in an expert to determine what went wrong.
Conclusion
You may feel anxious, irritated, or worried when the check engine or service engine soon light comes on on your Honda dashboard. However, this post comprehensively guides you about the Honda check engine light. If the issue persists, try fixing it on your own or contact a professional.
