Hey guys, im new into hondas and im learing slowly but I was looking near the ecu and I saw this plug. On the left side there is a paper clip thats in between the wires. On the right side the plug was unplugged so I plugged it back in. I have no idea what those are for or what they do. looks like those wires were tapped into the harness but not sure. If someone can help me out and explain that be great! thanks

 

one plug is used to check CEL's

 

2 wire plug is used for checking CELs and also must be jumped when setting the ignition timing. The other one IIRC is for honda diagnostic equipment.

 

so should I leave both of those plugs connected in ? and also leave the paper clip in ?
Also my del sol has no check engine light. I looked into the cluster and theres a bulb and everything but it never lights up. I have a p28 ecu i dunoo if that makes any difference ? thanks for all the help

 

That green thing is just a protective rubber cover. But yeah leave them in it, most of the time you'll just seen the plugs hanging once someones checked the CEL code. Most people just let the plug hang. Don't leave the paperclip in though.

I can't remember for sure, but i seem to recall that if the paperclip is in, and there is no stored code then the CEL wont light at all, either that or it stays on solid, I can't remember anymore. Other than that see if the bulb is burnt out. the light should come on when you turn the key on and stay on for about 5 seconds.

 

It stays on solid 100% sure

It must be a way to test the light.

 

^ Umm, it is tested every time you turn on your ignition (2 secs, then goes off) ... remember?

 

oh, yeah
lol

 

okay so I should take the paper clip out ? and if the check engine does stay on, how do I go on checking what it is ?

 

Even with the paper clip in the check engine light never lights up. Even if i just turn the igntion. Checked the bulb and thats fine..what else?

 

How do you know the bulb is fine? Swap it with another bulb from the cluster, and ck again, just for kicks..

Or test the socket with a volt meter, and a third hand turning the key to see if its getting power?

if not, check all fuses

Also, did this car have a swap.. thats the only other cause i see (besides broken wires) thats not an ECU going bad.. But I didn't look very far..
Good luck!

 

remove the paperclip. turn the ignition to on, the CEL should come on for 2 seconds then turn off.

if this doesnt happen then start troubleshooting. im almost positive the paperclip is preventing the CEL from coming on though

 

Definitely start here^.