My fiancee's 98 Accord V6 Coupe has had the CEL, ABS, and Airbag light lit up for about 75K miles (I know, I know, don't ask me it's her car...). The car runs fine, but we're looking at selling it now and we'd like to clear up any issues for resale.

I own a Audi A4 and it's fairly easy to diagnose and repair problems using a scan tool called Vag-com that reads engine fault codes, ABS module errors, airbag module errors, etc. From what I understand after talking with some people about the Accord, there is no inexpensive computer software like the Dealer software for the Honda that will accomplish the same function.

So as much as I hate to do it, I'm thinking of taking the car to someone else to fix it.

CAN ANYONE RECOMMEND A GOOD INEXPENSIVE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OF SHADETREE FORMER HONDA TECH IN THE CHICAGO AREA?

Thanks very much!

 

i dont understand. a basic scan tool will get you codes out of a accord, or any obd2 honda at that. an autozone scanner could get you the codes, and they dont even charge you.

 

Basic OBD2 scan tool will get you EMISSIONS related engine codes, yes, but that's caveman crap.

You guys don't realize what you're missing, really. There's a world to be found within the engine module itself (are you monitoring timing advance, MAF readings, misfire count, etc.

Oh and that won't access the airbag or ABS module. If I'm wrong please let mw know...

 

the system you want is called mastertech. but still, a basic obd scan tool will get you any code out of a honda, ecm, abs, and air bag. mastertech systems can be found at any dealer(honda). you do not need a mastertech to count missfires and timing advancements. that is what a lab scope is for.

 

Thanks for your reply Rathead. The info you are giving me is completely different from everything I've been told about basic OBD2 universal tools. OBD2 only systems are supposed to be emissions systems only analytical systems.

Can you tell me more about how you've gotten to the airbag and ABS modules with them?

 

well, the scan tool at our shop is made by otc. its just a little handheld scan tool. when you go into a generic scan, you can only get codes, then you have to look them up in a book.(generic scans can be used on cars you dont have the software for)
but you could go into the menu and put the year, make and model, pick between abs, ecm, or srs and get your codes, and descriptions.
back to the otc scan tool. the otc the i use is simple, but still will give you sensor voltages, and lost codes in the ecm memory. but it will not do the type of stuff a mastertech can do. for instance: mastertech is used at gm as well. if you get a customer with a convertible top that the motor failed, or the switch failed, mastertech could bypass the system and activate the top its self. it could shut down sensor with a push of a button. it could remap a lost crank sensor signal. it could watch full duty cycle of the fuel injectors.

but i am sure there are cheaper obd2 scan tools that only do ecm codes. maybe the people that you have talked to had these. i now of a company called ferret that makes well decent scan tools for cheap. it will give you binary code, and then you have to calcuate it yourself. for some shops, this is all they have.

 

http://www.autotap.com
I just got one. I'll have to post a review once I spend some time with it.