1998 honda accord check engine light on: 1998 Honda Accord LX 3.0L V6 Sedan (4 Door)

1998 Honda Accord LX 3.0L V6 Sedan (4 Door)

1. Getting Started — Prepare for the repair

2. Locate OBD Port — Find the OBD port on your vehicle

3. Scan for Codes — How to scan your vehicle for trouble codes

4. More Info. — Additional information on check engine lights

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A check engine light can indicate a broad spectrum of problems with your 1998 Honda Accord. If you have a flashing check engine light, turn off the engine immediately to prevent potential motor damage. Whereas a steady check engine light may mean you merely need to tighten you gas cap next time you stop in order to reset the service engine soon light. The video above shows how to locate the on board diagnostics OBD plug location on your 1998 Accord, how to read the trouble codes and how to reset or clear the check engine light using a scanner on your Accord.

Is it OK to drive with a check engine light on? Intermittent Check Engine Light: If the check engine light on your 1998 Accord is not steady, try to take note of the conditions when this happens. For example, does it happen when you accelerating, driving on the highway or does it appear at low speeds? This will help your mechanic evaluate the issue. Steady Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is on every time you operate your Accord, you need to have it checked as soon as possible, especially if you notice performance problems or unusual noises. Flashing Check Engine Light: If your check engine light is flashing, stop driving your Accord and have it towed to your nearest mechanic – a blinking check engine light means you probably have a very serious problem with your car and you risk ruining your engine by driving it. If you are unsure about what your diagnostic trouble codes mean after finding the Accord OBD port location and scanning the codes; have your Accord diagnosed by a professional automotive technician.

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Author

Hans Angermeier is an ASE certified Maintenance and Light Repair Technician and has produced over 100,000 videos showing drivers how to fix things on their cars. He has broad expertise on basic repair procedures covering the majority of cars on the road. Over the past 10 years, Hans has been focused on building CarCareKiosk, which is visited by millions of drivers each month.

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Honda Accord Check Engine Light

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What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

One of the most commonly misunderstood lights or indicators in your Honda Accord is the check engine light. The check engine light is part of the onboard diagnostics system, and displays in a few different ways. It can say «Check Engine», it can be a symbol of an engine, it can even be a combination of both. This light illuminates in either an amber or red color and is part of the diagnostics system found on your vehicle. Onboard computers increasingly have controlled and monitored vehicle performance since the 80s and do a variety of things for your Honda Accord. Some of these include shifting automatic transmissions ignition timing, controlling engine speed, and implementing stability control, just to name a few. With that being said, the check engine light can mean a variety of different things. It can be as simple as your gas cap being loose or as serious as engine knocking. If your check engine light is on in your Honda Accord, contact Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda. Our Honda service department can help you find out what code is turning your check engine light on or diagnose why your check engine light is glaring. Contact Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda today!

Is it safe to drive your Honda Accord with the check engine light on?

This question is not very classic because it any depends on the severity of the issue. If the cause is a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, it should be safe to drive. This is naturally indicated by a steady glow of the check engine light. If you notice a difference in the performance of the automobile, it could be an indication of a more famous problem. If the check engine light is flashing, this means that there is a famous issue and it is recommended to service your Honda Accord abruptly. Call the experts at Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda by dialing 7272633103 so you can describe the issues. Or reduce your speed and bring your Honda to our certified mechanics as soon as conceivable.

Honda Accord Check Engine Light

A flashing light indicates that the problem is critical and if not taken care of immediately may result in huge damage to the vehicle. If the check engine light in your Honda Accord starts flashing, that means that the problem needs immediate attention and your Honda should be brought in immediately. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system. There it can quickly raise the temperature of the catalytic converter to a point where damage is likely, requiring an expensive repair. Some owners ask if spark plugs cause the check engine light to flash? This can absolutely be the cause. A bad, old or dirty spark plug can cause the engine to misfire. If your check engine light is twinkling, please contact our team of automotive experts at Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda abruptly by calling 7272633103. If the problem is ignored or you continue to commute, this can spread to the spark plug wires, catalytic converter, or ignition coils which can lead to a very expensive repair.

Honda Accord Check Engine Light Codes

The check engine light turning on can be quite intimidating to see that little light on your vehicle’s dashboard suddenly illuminates, but in reality, it is not something that should cause you to shut down in fear right away. If you hear the term, diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), these are just another name for check engine light codes. These are automotive computer codes stored by the ECM, also known as the OBD (on-board computer diagnostic system) in your Accord. There are hundreds of different codes that your check engine light can represent. While that sounds daunting, with a little patience, tackling basic diagnostics will give you useful knowledge about your vehicle and will also allow that Check Engine Light to do what it is really supposed to do: be your guide. Unfortunately, obvious and helpful vehicle symptoms do not always accompany an illuminated Check Engine Light. Since there are hundreds of possible OBD codes, there are also hundreds of possible reasons for the light, including:

  • Emissions controls issues
  • Old Battery
  • Ignition system faults
  • Computer output circuit issues
  • Loose Gas Cap or Missing Gas Cap
  • Transmission issues
  • Bad Spark Plugs
  • O2 Sensor
  • Fuel and air metering systems problems

This is why it is important for someone who does not have a lot of automotive knowledge to not assume what a code means. When your check engine light comes on, you should get it checked out instantly by a certified Honda mechanic. If the engine light comes on due to a risky concern, you risk damaging your car diverse by not repairing the issue polite away. Call Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda at 7272633103 today or schedule your check engine light service online today!

Check Engine Light Service Honda Accord

What do you do when you’re driving along in your Honda Accord and suddenly, a yellow light illuminates on your dash and says «Check Engine». If you’re like most Honda owners, your heart sinks a little because you have little idea about what that light is trying to tell you or how you should react. The fear of the unknown (or the cost of the unknown) can be just as stressful. But take a deep breath and realize the light coming on doesn’t mean you have to pull the car over to the side of the road and call a tow truck, but it is recommended that you get your Honda Accord checked as soon as possible. Ignoring that warning could end up causing major damage to expensive engine components.

When your Honda Accord’s ECM (electronic control module), which is the vehicle’s onboard computer, finds a problem in the electronic control system that it can’t correct, a computer turns on your check engine light. This amber or yellow light is typically labeled “check engine” or “service engine soon”, or the light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, or a picture of the engine with the word “check.”

When the light turns on, the ECM stores an engine code or “trouble code” in its memory that identifies as the issue, whether it’s a sensor or a failing engine part. This code is read with an electronic scan tool that is used by our Honda auto repair mechanics at Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda. There are also a number of relatively inexpensive code readers that are designed for do-it-yourselfers, should you choose that route too. While this code will tell you the issue that is detected, a true diagnosis still requires an experienced professional to determine the issue and repair it.

How much does it cost to get the engine light checked?

The check engine light warns of issues ranging from a gas cap that’s not subsequently tightened to a more sincere failure like a bad catalytic converter or a problem with one of the car’s oxygen sensors, so it conclusive to get the lawful code reading and diagnosis. The average cost for a check engine light diagnosis & testing is typically between $88 and $111. The conclusive news, Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda offers complimentary multi-point inspections and free diagnostics, in most cases, to help express the cause of your check engine light.

Honda Accord Check Engine Light Flashing

Although there are countless potential causes of an illuminated Check Engine Light, we know from years of providing Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that there are several common causes including something as simple as a loose gas cap. Other common reasons for a Check Engine Light are a malfunction with the fuel injection system, faulty emissions control part, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty head gasket, damaged oxygen sensor, or defective spark plugs to name a few. No matter what is the root cause of the Check Engine Light, we have the Honda Certified Technicians and the certified service protocol to isolate the root problem and repair it as needed to restore factory specifications. When this happens, the Check Engine Light turns off, and you can leave the service center knowing that your Honda issue was fixed.

Every Honda Accord was designed with a high-technology performance monitoring system with a computer, and a series of sensors positioned strategically throughout the vehicle on its crucial systems. The sensors are continually detecting conditions while sending data to the electronic control unit. If the electronic control unit detects that the data is out of factory specifications, the Check Engine Light illuminates telling you that there is a problem. However, that is the limitation of the Check Engine Light – it won’t tell you what exactly is wrong nor what to do about it. That’s where we come in; Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda provides a Check Engine Light Diagnosis Service that isolates the core problem and gives you a recommendation on what to do next from a Highly Qualified Service professional.

What could cause the check engine light to come on in a Honda Accord?

When your check engine light comes on, this could be as simple as tightening or replacing your gas cap. Likewise, the check engine light could also be a warning of a serious problem that could cause serious damage to your engine and come with a hefty repair bill. Depending on your make and model, the check engine light will illuminate or blink. A steady glow typically means something less serious but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle’s engine is in serious trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your Honda Accord, we highly recommend not to drive the vehicle and schedule Honda service today. Below is a list of the most common reasons your check engine light can come on:

  • One of the most regular and copious cause is that your Honda Accord gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The gas cap for your Honda Accord serves multiple purposes. It prevents gas fumes from being released when you aren’t driving, it seals the fuel system and helps maintain pressure within the fuel tank. What happens if you have a bad fuel cap? If your gas cap is old or has a ruptured seal, you can lose fuel through evaporation which will result in more trips to the pump. Luckily, to replace a gas cap isn’t expensive. If your check engine light turns on swiftly after you put gas in your Honda Accord, first thing you should check is to make bold the cap isn’t loose — or that it’s still on your car’s roof or at the fuel pump.
  • So what happens if I don’t replace your O2 sensor? A faulty sensor can not only affect your miles per gallon, but it can cause damage to your catalytic converter and your Honda Accord’s spark plugs. The O2 sensor sends data to the vehicle’s onboard computer to elect for the humane collection of air and fuel that enters the cylinders in your engine. A bad O2 sensor can also cause a car to fail an emissions test.

  • Issues with any aftermarket items. An aftermarket alarm, exhaust or contrasting item can wreak havoc on your Honda Accord if it’s not installed properly. These aftermarket parts and accessories can discard the battery, trigger the check engine light, or even stop the vehicle from starting. If these issues sound known, bring your Accord to Honda and have our team of certified mechanics ensure that your aftermarket items were installed correctly and aren’t causing any issue. Getting accessories, highly aftermarket parts and accessories, or using OEM parts first place might cost a miniscule bit more but could save you money from having to get poor work and damage caused by poor installation work corrected.
  • Your Honda Accord has a vacuum leak. Every Honda Accord has a vacuum system that performs a wide variety of functions. The vacuum system also helps lower harmful emissions by routing the fumes as gasoline evaporates through the engine. If you notice that your RPM is high in idle or randomly surges, a vacuum leak could be the cause. Over time, vacuum hoses can barren out and crack, highly if they’re exposed to notable heat or extreme freezing.
  • Your catalytic converter is bad or going bad. The catalytic converter is a part of your Honda Accord’s exhaust system. The catalytic converter’s function is to turn the carbon monoxide created by the combustion process into carbon dioxide. A damaged catalytic converter is usually caused by neglected maintenance, which is why Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda offers a complimentary multi-point inspection with every Honda service. If you have an issue with your catalytic converter and don’t get it repaired, your Honda Accord will not pass an emissions test, show a lack of engine performance and will negatively affect your fuel economy. Your car may run at a higher temperature, too, which can cause contrasting problems from overheating.
  • Your O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor) needs to be replaced. The Oxygen sensor, noted as the O2 sensor, measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust system. If there is excess oxygen in your exhaust system, fuel burns faster and your vehicle will be less leading when it comes to fuel economy.
  • The battery is low or dead. The battery in you Honda Accord every notable. Without a car battery, your car won’t start, light up the road ahead, play the radio or charge your phone. Today’s car batteries last much longer than they did a few decades ago, and they don’t surely require maintenance. The price of a new one depends on the type of Honda you travel to work, but check our current service coupons and specials.
  • New Spark Plugs or Plug Wires are essential for your Honda Accord. The spark plugs are the part of your engine that ignites the air/fuel collection in the combustion chamber of your vehicle. This explosion is what moves the pistons and makes the engine run. The spark plug wires deliver the spark from the ignition coil to the spark plugs. If you’re spark plugs or spark plug wires are bad or old, you will experience poor performance and reduced power. In some extreme cases, your engine will have trouble starting or continuing to run. Worn spark plugs and plug wires can cause clogged catalytic converter or damage to ignition coils and O2 sensors, extensive to more expensive repairs.
  • Your mass airflow sensor (known as MAF) needs to be replaced. The mass airflow sensor in your Honda Accord is what determines how much fuel is essential to run your engine efficiently by measuring the amount of air entering the engine. As a part of the engine management system, the mass airflow sensor helps adjust to definite changes, alike altitude. If your Honda Accord is having trouble starting, idling rough or has a rapid change in the position of the throttle pedal, this could be a sign of a bad mass airflow sensor.

How many miles can you drive with the check engine light?

Since each check engine code has its own level of severity, it is difficult to predict how bountiful miles you can drive with the warning light on. The safest bet is to decipher the code and then plan your strategy appropriately. It could be anything from a bad sensor to plug wires needing to be replaced. If you check engine light is flashing, we recommend that you pull over and contact Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda to help designate if your vehicle is safe to drive in or if we recommend a tow truck.

Will the check engine light reset itself?

The check engine light on your Honda Accord will usually shut itself off if the issue or code that caused it to turn on is fixed. For example, if the cause of your check engine light coming on was a loose gas cap, if it’s tightened, the light will turn itself off. Likewise, if your catalytic converter is going functional, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, that may have turned on the check engine light due to the high usage of the converter. In most cases, your Honda Accord light will go off after about 20-40 miles. If you drive over that amount and the light is still on, you will need to bring it in to Courtesy Palm Harbor Honda so the light and code can be double-checked and reset.

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Honda Accord | Warning and indicator lamps

Brake indicator

Depending on the vehicle version, the lamp lights up when the ignition key is turned to the «ON» or «START» position (to check the bulb is working) and when the parking brake is applied, if the ignition key is in position «ON» or «START».

The lamp also lights up when the brake fluid level in the reservoir falls below the minimum level. The lamp should go out after the engine is started and the parking brake is fully released, if the brake fluid level is not lower than the minimum. The lamp also lights up simultaneously with the ABS indicator if the rear brake force regulator fails. If the brake light comes on while driving, there may be a problem with the brake system. In this case, pull off the road and stop carefully.

CAUTION

Please note that the braking distance may be longer than usual, you may have to press the pedal harder, the pedal may fall further than usual.

Test the brakes by driving carefully and braking on the side of the road. If the brakes appear to be in order, go to the nearest workshop while driving at low speed, or call a tow truck to take the vehicle to the nearest workshop.

Have your Suzuki dealer check your brake system immediately if: The brake light does not turn off after starting the engine and releasing the parking brake completely.

NOTE

Disc brakes are self-adjusting so the fluid level will drop as the brake pads wear. Adding fluid to the reservoir is a normal periodic maintenance operation.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Indicator (Optional)

When the ignition key is turned to the «ON» position, the indicator lights up momentarily to indicate that the lamp is intact. If the indicator does not go out or comes on while driving, there may be a malfunction in the ABS system. If this happens, pull off the road and stop carefully, turn the ignition key to the «LOCK» position and start the engine again.

If the lamp comes on briefly and goes out, the system is OK. If the lamp stays on, there may be a malfunction in the system. If this indicator and the brake system indicator do not go out or come on at the same time while driving, your ABS system has a rear brake force control and some kind of malfunction may be in both the rear brake force control system and the wheel lock prevention system. If any of the above occur, have your Suzuki dealer check the brakes. If the ABS system fails, the brakes act as normal (without ABS).

Oil pressure indicator

Lights up when the ignition key is turned to the «ON» position and goes out after starting the engine. The indicator lights up when there is insufficient oil pressure in the system. If it catches fire while driving, pull off the road immediately and stop the engine. Check oil level, add if necessary. If the level is correct, have the lubrication system checked by a Suzuki dealer before continuing to operate the vehicle

CAUTION

Operating the vehicle with the oil pressure light on can cause severe engine damage.

Do not let the indicator signal remind you to add oil. Check the engine oil level periodically.

Charge indicator

Lights up when the ignition key is turned to the «ON» position and goes out after the engine is started. Illuminates when there is a fault in the battery charging circuits. If the indicator comes on while the engine is running, have the generator set checked out by a Suzuki workshop as soon as possible.

Seat Belt Warning (Option)

Illuminates when the ignition key is turned to the ON position and illuminates before the driver’s seat belt is fastened. In cars of some configuration, a buzzer may sound simultaneously for 6, reminding you to buckle up.

Airbag indicator (optional)

Flashes for a few seconds when the ignition key is turned to the «ON» position, indicating that the lamp is working. Illuminates if there is a malfunction in the airbag system or belt pretensioner (optional equipment).

If the Airbag indicator does not flash or come on when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, stays on for more than 10 seconds, or comes on while driving, the airbags or belt pretensioner (optional equipment) may be malfunctioning. Have them checked by a Suzuki dealer immediately.

Fault indicator (optional)

The vehicle is equipped with a processor-controlled exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The fault indicator shows when the system needs to be serviced. It also lights up when the ignition key is turned to the «ON» or «START» position) and goes out after the engine is started. If the indicator illuminates while the engine is running, there may be a malfunction in the aftertreatment system. Contact your Suzuki dealer to have it fixed.

CAUTION

Continuing to drive after the malfunction indicator light comes on can cause damage to the exhaust aftertreatment system; it can also affect the fuel consumption and throttle response of the vehicle.

Immobilizer indicator (optional)

When the ignition key is turned to the «ON» position, the indicator lights up for a moment, indicating that the lamp is intact. If the lamp flashes with the ignition key in the «ON» position, there may be a malfunction in the immobilizer system. Contact Suzuki for assistance.

Doors open indicator (optional)

Illuminates until all doors (including the rear door) are fully closed.

Low fuel indicator (optional)

When the indicator comes on, refuel immediately.

NOTE

The activation of the indicator lamp depends on road conditions (gradient, curve) and driving practices that affect the movement of fuel in the tank.

Overdrive Disabled Indicator (optional)

If the 4-speed automatic transmission is in 4-speed mode (three speeds and overdrive), when the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the indicator lights up at a short time, indicating the health of the lamp. If the transmission is converted to 3-speed (by disengaging the overdrive), the indicator stays on when the ignition key is in the «ON» position.

Rear fog light indicator (accessory)

Illuminates when the rear fog light is on.

Glow plug indicator (optional)3

When the ignition key is turned to the «ON» position, the indicator lights up if the coolant temperature is low enough. It goes out when the spark plug heats up enough to start the engine.

Turn signal indicator

When the direction indicator is turned on, the indicator in the form of a green arrow of the corresponding direction flashes simultaneously with the indicator. When the alarm is turned on, both arrows of the indicator will flash along with the direction indicators.

High beam indicator

The indicator lights up when the high beam is on.

AT lever position indicator (optional equipment)

Fig. 1.33 . Automatic transmission lever position indicator

When the ignition key is set to the «ON» position, it shows the position of the automatic transmission control lever (Fig. 1.33).

Fuses Honda Accord 6, 1997

08/14/2019

The sixth generation Accord was produced from 1997 to 2002. Now all gasoline engines of the F and H (P4) series were equipped with a VTEC. Remained in the range and turbodiesel. In this material, we will analyze in detail the 6th generation Honda Accord fuse circuits ( CG, CH, CF, CL ) 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 of release.

Here you will find locations and photos of mounting blocks. Separately, we note the fuses responsible for the cigarette lighter and fuel pump.

In the engine compartment

Located behind the protective cover, closer to the windshield.

Photo — general view of the block.

Engine compartment fuse box diagram
No. Description Current, A
41 Battery 100
42 Ignition lock (BAT) 50
43 Right headlight, daytime running lights 20
44 Lighting ?
45 Left headlight, daytime running lights, high beam relay, high beam indicator 20
46 DLC, PGM-FI main relay 15
ABS ?
47 ABS, stop lamps, cruise control, horn relay, ignition switch light, key interlock switch (AIT), PCM or ECM 20
48 ABS (except ’01-02 V6), ABS/TCS (’01-02 V6) 20
49 Direction indicators and alarms 15
50 ABS, fuse 14 (passenger side fuse box) 30
51 Fuse 1 (fuse box in the instrument panel on the passenger side), power window relay 40
52 Relay TCS 20
Seat heating ?
53 Heated rear window 40
54 Fuses: 9, 10,11,12, 13 (passenger side fuse box) 40
55 Fuses: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (passenger side fuse box) 40
Front fog lights ?
56 Heater motor 40
57 Cooling fan 20
58 A/C Compressor Clutch, Fan Condenser, Cooling Fan Control Module (V6) 20
59 Seat heating 20
Dipped beam ?
Relay
R1 Fan capacitor
R2 Cooling fan
R3 A/C compressor clutch
R4 Heater motor
R5 Horn
R6 Headlights
R7

Box

In the cabin, the mounting blocks are located on the driver’s side and on the passenger side at the end of the instrument panel, behind the plastic trim.

Fuse diagram in the mounting block on the driver’s side
No. Description Current, A
1 PGM-FI main relay (fuel pump fuse), SRS (VA) 15
2 SRS (VB) 10
3 A/C compressor control unit, air supply, heater control unit, fans, heated rear window relay, heated seats 7.5
4 ABS (except ’01-’02 V6), ABS/TCS (’01-’02 V6), power mirrors, heated mirrors, optional connector S 7.5
5 Daytime running lights, ABS 7.5
6 Charging system, cruise control, engine control unit, instrument cluster, cooling fan control unit (V6), VSS (M/T) 15
7 Wiper and washer, SRS 7. 5
8 Auxiliary relay, optional connector R 7.5
9 Reversing lamps, brake light sensor, clock, driver’s door control unit, passenger’s door control unit, daytime running light indicator, instrument cluster, security system, shift lock (A/T) 7.5
10 Direction indicators and alarms 7.5
11 Ignition coil (L4) 15
12 Windshield wiper and washer 30
13 PCM or ECM, PGM-FI main relay, starter 7.5
Relay
R1 Starter
R2 Reverse relay
R3 Direction indicators and alarms
Description of elements in the mounting block on the passenger side Accord 6

Photo — example.

Schematic.

No. Description Current, A
1 Hatch 30
Power windows, front doors ?
2 Power seats 20
3 Power seats 20
Headlight washer ?
4 Power seats 20
5 Power seats 20
Rear fog lights ?
6 Daytime running lights 10
Oxygen Sensor Relay (ULEV) 20
Heater motor ?
7 Rear left power window, sunroof opening and closing relay 20
Power windows, rear doors ?
8 Front right power window 20
Door control unit ?
9 Cigarette lighter fuse chord, audio system 20
10 Parking light, instrument panel illumination, driver’s door control unit, glove box illumination, license plate illumination, visor mirror illumination 10
Bose audio system ?
11 Interior lighting, door lighting, trunk lighting 7.

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