I've got an '87 Accord LXi that's giving me problems. It runs fine for 15 minutes or so, then starts to sputter and buck. It'll do this for about 10 seconds, then the "PGM -FI" light comes on and it runs fine from then on. (I assume the ECU has switched to "limp home" mode.) Now if I turn the key off and restart the car, the light goes off, the car runs fine for about 15 minutes and the bucking starts again...
I'm trying to find out if I can get the car to flash diagnostic codes for me. I've torn most of the carpet away from the passenger footwell and even removed the glovebox trying to find the connector I need to short to get the codes out. Am I looking in the right spot? Did Honda hide this connector in different locations? Is my Accord too old to have this feature?
This is really infuriating Can any of you give me a hand here?
Thanks,
Butch

 

Well, at least I was able to fix the problem, even if I haven't been able to flash the codes yet. Turns out the connector going to the #1 oxygen sensor wasn't connected fully. I cleaned the contacts and made sure the connection was snug, and the car's run flawlessly for a couple days now.
Still no clue about the diagnostic connector's location, though. I realize this is an older car, and most of you here are probably familiar with newer models...are there any other websites where I might get answers to technical questions for an older Accord?
Thanks,
Butch

 

Some older Hondas have 4 LEDs on the ECU that will display the code.

 

http://www.88turboaccord.net

From this site, there is a link to the thrid gen accord message board.... I think it's http://www.3geez.com

 

Push the driver seat forward- look at the black box under the seat (from the rear seat)- open the little secret hatch on it and it will flash codes with the key on- no jumpers.

 

AHA!!! Thank you fixhondas!!! Sure enough, the LED was flashing a steady "one" for that disconnected O2 sensor! And thanks for the 3gees link too. 208K miles, and this thing still runs great!
Butch