I had a MIL 43 on my 1992 Accord EX Coupe, so I went down and got a oxygen sensor from the auto shop and replaced it (its before the CAT, and from what I understand the only one on the car)

After replacing it, and resetting the CEL, the car ran great for a few days to/from work (30 miles) and never had any trouble. I also noticed oil leaking ABOVE my spark plugs, presumably from the rocker cover gasket that was in rough shape, so I replaced that as well at the same time.

I went on vacation for a month and left the car in the garage. When I got back, the car kicked the check engine light on again, but this time, was loosing power when on the freeway. If I accelerate hard, I regain power. It idles clean and seems ok other than the loss of power while on the freeway. I checked the codes again, and 43 showed up again, but now my "D4" transmission light is blinking too (new symptom). The codes from the D4 light blinking are 1, 2, 7, 8, and 14.

I reset the code again, and begun the troubleshooting process found here: https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid-engine-swaps-18/%5Bfaq%5D-%22my-vtec-doesnt-work%22-1812135/ (excellent btw), but before I start working on building an ECU test harness, does anyone have any pointers on what I should be looking for? I'm currently under the impression that whatever is causing the code 43 could be causing a cascading effect to the transmission codes.

I also pulled the TCU and ECU, and visually inspected the boards because I've heard this year/model may have a known problem with TCU burning up a resistor, and couldn't see a problem.

Lastly, when the car sits for a few hours, it starts with a puff of smoke (hard to tell if blue or white, its not too distinct, but I'd guess blue).

Thanks in advance for any detailed response!

-Josh

 

Before you go troubleshooting the O2 sensor that you have already replaced. You should look at the fuel supply system. The troubleshooting diagram states that if you have a code 43 in conjunction with poor driveability the fuel supply system should be looked at. Unfortunately the original poster of those Honda troubleshooting specs didn't put up the rest of the procedures for code 43.

PM sent

 

I tried to send a reply to your PM but it said that you have exceeded limit and that you need to clean out your message folder.

If you send me your email address via PM I can send you the 24 page OBD1 Fuel Supply System troubleshooting PDF that I have.

 

A new symptom. My wife followed me down the highway. She said that when I accelerated, she could see blue smoke out the exhaust.

Also, I noticed the loss of power at slower speeds as well. It still idles nicely though. And sometimes I can drive it 30 miles w/out any issue.

 

Blue/grey smoke under acceleration could be cause by the following;
• Improperly operating PCV valve (replace valve & check hose)
• Worn piston rings (compression test)
• Worn valve seals or valve guides (compression test/leak down test)

These sorts of conditions will contribute to poor driveability/loss or power. Prolonged exposure to an oil leak can foul your O2 sensor and your injectors could also be fouled.