wingsnbeer

I have a 98 Accord EX V6 that I’m fixing up for my daughter. Using this forum I’ve been able to solve several problems (IACV, EGR Port) so thanks to everyone for that!

Yesterday while driving the car I experienced what I can best describe as an ignition cutoff. I coasted to the side of the road, turned the ignition off and turned it to the “II” position. I noticed the D4 light flashing. I did this twice trying to count the number of flashes (believe it flashed 3 times). Since doing so the D4 light stopped flashing. However, now D4 remains on for about 3 seconds when I turn the key to “II”. Not sure what this means. I dug through my Haynes manual but I see nothing about diagnosing the D4 light.

I tried following advice on this forum for using a paper clip to short the diagnostic connector. I found two procedures:

1. Short pins 8 and 13 on the OBD-II connector and note the number CEL flashes
2. Short the blue diagnostic connector found on under front passenger kick panel.

I tried #1 and the CEL does not flash. I’ve yet to find blue diagnostic connector to try #2 so I’m guessing it doesn’t apply to my car.

I’ve also hooked up my OBD-II scanner and found nothing. I’d really like to figure out what this D4 light means so I have someplace to start.

I’m suspecting an electrical component of the transmission is shorting causing the ignition cutoff. Another symptom I noticed is when I put the car in reverse the headlights will dim/flash so there’s some sort of electrical drain going on there.

Sorry for the long post, I wanted to provide as much information as possible.

Any ideas will be appreciated.

jdowen2

per FSM, you need Honda PGM Tester (or OBD II scan tool) plugged into DLC. Turn ignition switch to ON(III), select Honda Systems, and then the SCS mode, then observe the D4 light. Blinking D4 will give you the code. FSM doesn't specify how to set up OBD II.

wingsnbeer

Actually, I think this normal behavior. I just finished watching several 98-02 Accord startup videos on YouTube and they all to do what I describe above (D4 coming on when turning ignition to II).

My D4 light wasn't working at all when I first bought the car. I replaced the bulb and it still wasn't working, but a couple days later I noticed the D4 light started working again. Maybe all of that is a symptom of something, but never the less this seems to be normal behavior.

False alarm. On to my ignition issue.

Lost Again

Just know that these do seem to go thru ign switches (electrical part). In fact I think there was a recall for the 98....wasn't much as they replaced the switch with the same one?

jdowen2

I have D4 light for about 2 seconds with key at II. Never noticed it until you mentioned it. I never really stop at II position just go to start.

Lost Again

An ign switch that is failing will stop the power being sent to many things.....shutting the car off. If this happens again, note which, if any, lights are on in the dash. Leave the key in the postion it is in (on) and measure the voltage to the BLK/YEL going to the dist.

Lost Again

The auto's do this as part of the "check" when the key is turned to on.....just like the CEL does.

wingsnbeer

The last time the car cut off all the lights/accessories were on as if the switch was in position II. The only thing that shut off was the engine.

Next time I'll pack the voltmeter and test it at the distributor. Unfortunately, it doesn't occur regularly. At this point I don't know whether I'm with a switch or module problem.

Lost Again

You could "tap" into the blk/yel wire (12v-hot) and run a wire to a small light....then just find a ground source...if you are then driving along and the car shuts off and the light is out