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Strange Cold-Start "Christmas Tree" Dash & Loss of EPS | 8th Gen Accord (CU2/CW2)
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out because I’m hitting a wall with a temperature-dependent electrical issue on my 8th Gen Honda Accord (MK8). I’m hoping someone here has seen this specific logic failure before.
The Symptoms:
Cold Starts (<20°C / 68°F): The car struggles to crank. Once it fires up, the dash lights up like a Christmas tree: VSA, TSA, Check Engine, and EPS (Power Steering) warnings are all active.
Limp Mode & EPS Loss: The car enters a partial limp mode. The power steering is completely dead until I hit about 30km/h. At that speed, I hear a distinct relay click from the driver-side footwell (left side), and the steering kicks back in, though all warning lights remain on.
The "Warm Fix": Once the engine reaches operating temp, I can cycle the ignition. The car restarts perfectly, EPS is back, and limp mode is gone. Usually, only a single MIL (Check Engine) remains.
Hot Weather Performance (>30°C / 86°F): If the ambient temperature is hot, the car starts perfectly from a cold soak with zero lights on the dash. It’s as if the fault doesn't exist when it’s warm outside.
Work Already Performed:
Battery: Brand new (confirmed correct CCA for the K24/i-DTEC).
Alternator: Recently replaced and charging within spec.
Grounds: Main engine and chassis grounds have been cleaned and tightened.
Strange Cold-Start "Christmas Tree" Dash & Loss of EPS | 8th Gen Accord (CU2/CW2)
