I have a 2000 Honda Accord ex 4cyl 5-speed. My check engine light has been on for the past 1200 miles (has 55000 miles on it). I have the problem code list, but where can i find out what problem code it is for cheap and or free. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. Would AutoZone do this for me? please help i don't want to spend a bunch of money to figure out what is wrong.


By the way: Just replaced my spark plugs with bosch platinum 4s and they make a HUGE improvement in how the car runs. I highly suggest to anyone

 

Yes, autozone will do it.

 

thanks for the super fast reply!!!!! very helpful

 

you can do it yourself too with a small piece of paper clip made to short number 8 slot and number 13 slot on the plug that is located right under the driver side dashboard almost all the way to the left. the plug is a male one, with a trapezoid shape. If you think of the short straight edge of the trapeziod being oriented up and the longer edge being oriented on the bottom (conventional way of seeing a trapezoid with the two diagonal sides connecting the edges) number 8 pin is the last one on top right, and number 13 is 4th pin from the end on the bottom one. if you need moreinfo, i can draw it and scan it for you tomorrow. i didn't make this up, i just read it in a Haynes manual. short those two pins, turn the ignition key to its first position, without turning the engine on, you will see the check engine light blink with long and short bursts. Count the long and shorts, and the list for what it means you can most pbly find out from searching the forum in here. by theway,if you miss the count, it just recycles itself so just catch it on the next long burst count. there is a video somebody posted here too on how to do it.

 

Get autozone to tell you the code number. Sometimes they get kinda creative with their explanations about what causes it.

Be careful if you use a jumper wire. I think if you get the wrong pins it's possible to fry your ECU.

Another reason to get the OBD-2 code is most flashing-light codes are covered by 2 or 3 different OBD-2 codes. That way you narrow down the problem a little better.