Hello! I just picked up my first Honda. It's a 1994 Accord LX Wagon. It's pretty beat up, but it has low mileage and seems to run good.

I am coming from VW/Audi world, it's about all I've ever owned. I know absolutely nothing about Honda products, but I'm sure I'll learn. I just had a few questions though.

1. The check engine light is not on, but sometimes I have an odor of gas, and when I'm on the freeway, if I gas it to pass someone, after I let off the gas there's a puff of black smoke coming out the tailpipe. I know this means I'm running rich, but where do I start, injectors? 02 sensors? I'm at a loss.

2. Are there any cosmetic mods that are frowned upon? I know in the VW/Audi scene there are many ways to ruin a perfectly good car by changing the way it looks.

I've got my flame retardant pants on, Thanks.

 

Welcome and I hope you enjoy your first Honda. Honda's are super easy to work on with loads of information and parts easily and cheaply available.

Since you have a check engine light you are need to pull the code.

His videos are a bit long winded but he covers all the bases.


Once you find out what the PCM/ECU is signaling you is wrong, trouble shoot that system and you will most likely find out what is wrong.

Hes is a list of how to decipher the codes.

Code 0 and 11 Electronic Control Module (ECM)
Code1 Heated oxygen sensor A
Code 2 Oxygen content B
Code 3 and 5 Manifold Absolute Pressure
Code 4 Crank position sensor
Code 6 Engine coolant temperature
Code 7 Throttle position sensor
Code 8 Top dead center sensor
Code 9 No.1 cylinder position sensor
Code 10 Intake air temperature sensor
Code 12 Exhaust recirculation system
Code 13 Barometric pressure sensor
Code 14 Idle air control valve or bad ECM
Code 15 Ignition output signal
Code 16 Fuel Injector
Code 17 Vehicle speed sensor
Code 19 A/T lock-up control solenoid
Code 20 Electric load detector
Code 21 V-TEC control solenoid
Code 22 V-TEC pressure solenoid
Code 23 Knock sensor
Code 30 A/T FI signal A
Code 30 A/T FI signal B
Code 41 Heated oxygen sensor heater
Code 43 Fuel supply system
Code 45 Fuel supply metering
Code 48 Heated oxygen sensor
Code 61 Front heated oxygen sensor
Code 63 Rear heated oxygen sensor
Code 65 Rear heated oxygen sensor heater
Code 67 Catalytic converter system
Code 70 Automatic transaxle
Code 71 Misfire detected cylinder 1
Code 72 Misfire detected cylinder 2
Code 73 Misfire detected cylinder 3
Code 74 Misfire detected cylinder 4
Code 75 Misfire detected cylinder 5
Code 76 Misfire detected cylinder 6
Code 80 Exhaust recirculation system
Code 86 Coolant temperature
Code 92 Evaporative emission control system


Good luck!

 

The OP said that his CEL was not on..... But the vid of the self diagnostic procedure is always a plus....


If your car is stock and burning rich you will want to look at the following;

- Tune up, spark plugs, plug wires, dist. cap and rotor. along with air filter and fuel filter. test the coil and ignitor in the distributor. Reset the ECU.

- Timing and balance shaft belt replacement along with the water pump if it hasn't been done in a while.

- Another reason for rich or black smoke could also be that your valves are out of adjustment. This would be taken care of at the same time you change the timing & balance shaft belts/water pump.

I would look more into mechanical upkeep than appearances on a car of this vintage. Brakes, brake lines, suspension and aging exhaust can creep up on you without notice if not taken care of.

 

True.. Getting this thing mechanically sound is top priority right now. I got it for a steal because the body is pretty rough. After I get it mechanically squared away I'll be doing some body work. But I like it, and its a good solid car.

 

Oh shoot, I skipped right over that. : /

 

Good video too! I'm sure that will come in handy in the future.