computer diagnostic plug in..... where?

[kirbyman]

My friend has a 97 honda accord.. he has a check engine light that keeps coming on, and we can't find where to plug in the diagnostic computer.. anyone got ideas? we checked all over the cab, under the hood, everywhere.. thanks much

[rival12]

http://www.obddiagnostics.com/FAQ.html#15

Typically most diagnostic computers aren't readily available for OBD-1. If you have an OBD-2 that's a different story.

As for checking engine codes...
if you take a look under the glove box, you should find a blue connector, disconnect it.
take a small piece of wire...a couples inches or so...
stick it where the connector goes into (the female part)
it will make a closed loop (in the female adapter)

turn the key into the on position, and count the engine light blinks.
short blip = 1
long blip = 10

it will cycle through all the engine codes, and then it restarts
there is typically a short pause between codes, and it will have a long blink first if the code is above 10.

i.e. long long short = 21

use the search feature (the red search at the top right of this site) to understand what each code means. goodluck

[rival12]

http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1870306

http://www.c-speedracing.com/faq/06.php

there's some additional guides also.

[kirbyman]

wow.. thanks.. i was hoping that his car wasn't the one you had to do that to... but ohwell.. i thought after 1996 all cars were required to be obdII

[TouringAccord]

no, you do not jumper the service connector and count the flashes on this car. 96 and up are ODB2 which require a scan tool.

as for where to plug it into, sorry, I'm not exactly sure where the connector is located on the 97 Accord. If I had to guess though I would say under the dash on the driver side somewhere.

If you cant find it, just go up to a local AutoZone, or another place, and have them check it for free. Or you could call AutoZone and ask them where it's at if you already have a scan tool.

[devilpuppy]

the connection point is behind the ash tray!

right infront of the shifter and beside the cig. lighter....just pull the ash tray out and look inside...u will see the connection point

[GhostAccord]

Just pull out the ashtray and you will see the Diagnostics port.

FYI - You can jumper the service connector as mentioned above on an OBD2 Accord. I have done it many times on my 96 EX. If there is a difference between the 96 & 97's then it may not work. But I know that an OBD2a can be diagnosed using the jumper method.

[TouringAccord]

Originally Posted by GhostAccord

FYI - You can jumper the service connector as mentioned above on an OBD2 Accord. I have done it many times on my 96 EX. If there is a difference between the 96 & 97's then it may not work. But I know that an OBD2a can be diagnosed using the jumper method.

really... I didn't know that. good to know

[kirbyman]

Originally Posted by devilpuppy

Just pull out the ashtray and you will see the Diagnostics port.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by TouringAccord

If you cant find it, just go up to a local AutoZone, or another place, and have them check it for free. Or you could call AutoZone and ask them where it's at if you already have a scan tool.

we both work at advance, and hes the manager... :-/ how bad is that?