I have a 1995 Honda Accord 5 speed manual which has had a recurring "check engine light" (CEL) indication which initially came on as the car lurched, feeling like it was falling out of gear (which it wasn't). Recently, the situation worsened. Car CEL light comes on, very hard to drive, surges/lurches when driving on flat or downgrade. Exhibits less lurching on upslope. Rough idle. Very un-drivable. Took to shop, they diagnosed, replaced idle air control valve. It did nothing. I told them so, but they still lightened my wallet by $220.

A while back, when first CEL occurred, I paper clipped the blue diagnostic plug and turned key, got error (OBD1) code 2,1 , the vtec solenoid valve malfunction. I mentioned this to them at above repair shop, but they apoarently went w their own 'diagnosis' which did nothing to cure problem.

Any thoughts?
Reply

 

What code is it throwing right now ? That's the key question.

 

If the code is 21 then that is for the VTEC solenoid.
I don't think I've ever heard of the solenoid failing ON, but if it were stuck on it probably would cause a bit of rough running.

As holmesnmanny stated...
Recheck the stored code(s) and post them here.

 

Thanks for ur input. That was my paper clip 2,1 flashing dash light diagnosis.

UPDATE: replaced idler control valve garage recommended. Did it, problem not cured. Lightened my wallet by 220 USD.

Took to Honda dealer said thermo valve (was not getting vacuum, they said).

Still problem. They then tried their shop PCM board they had. Solved it, they said. So, they installed a non factory PCM. I am cured. 967 USD.