I will try to include as much information as I can in this post, as I can't post but like 2 times per day or something.


Anyway, I purchased a 1998 Base Prelude 5-spd at carmax about two weeks ago. Before I bought it, there was a problem there with the CEL coming on and staying illuminated. They said that it was the EGR valve, and they replaced it. The CEL went away after they drove it around for like 1 hour or so.

They said that the car was fixed and that it was ready to be purchased, so I bought it. I really love the car, and mechanically everything works fine. I put a cone filter on the car as well, but everything is attached and functioning (Plus I put it on over a week ago and drove almost 1000 miles since then).

So, the CEL comes on early this morning. The car is running fine (Maybe even a little better) and there are no strange noises or smells or anything. When I turn the key to the "on" position the CEL comes on, turns off for a split second, and then turns back on. So, does anybody have any idea as to what it could be?

 

pull the code.

on the passenger side, of the center console, under the radio there is a carpeted piece that you remove. inside there is a blue service connector. disconnect it from its holder and put a paperclip or wire in it. then turn the key to the ACC part. the CEL will flash. read them out a few times and to check the code.

i.e.

7 long and 1 short = code 71 (o2 sensor)

there is a list of them in the FAQ at the top of the main prelude page.

 

I pulled out that blue plug and tried to put a paperclip in it, but nothing happened when I turned the key to ACC. The paperclip wouldn't go very far in there, does it need to?

I also can't find the list of codes in the FAQ, can anybody point me towards them?

This would be a great help. Thanks.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ldfolsom &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I pulled out that blue plug and tried to put a paperclip in it, but nothing happened when I turned the key to ACC. The paperclip wouldn't go very far in there, does it need to?

I also can't find the list of codes in the FAQ, can anybody point me towards them?

This would be a great help. Thanks.</TD></TR></TABLE>

if you look in the plug there are metal connectors. the paperclip has to be touching them. personally i use a piece of thick wire, but a paperclip works too.

by ACC i am meaning the last place before you start the car. maybe i said it wrong.

CEL list

 

I put a pin in the blue thing, but the same thing happens that was happening before when I turned the car to "on". The CEL comes on, flashes off for a split second and then comes back on (And stays on).

Hmm. Well, if the engine runs ok, I think it's probably emissions related but I'm going to attempt to take it in soon. Before I do, I wonder if I need to put the stock airbox back in the car. Could an intake cause a CEL?

 

I think if it just stays on wouldn't that be your ecu is malfunctioning? I am not sure hopefully someone else can chime in and help out.

 

just take your car to autozone. they will pull the code for free.

 

Dam looks like I'm not the only one with your problem......

My story's almost like yours, bought the car and 3 days and like 700miles later the CEL came on. I went to autozone and they diagnose it to be my o2 sensor but they said it was one of the two.

Well my vtec works and all but my car really lacks low end torque, I mean it doesn't even pull as hard as 99si's.

Hey If I can get the answers I'll pm you........bottom line is I love my car and I'm not taking it back even though there's a lot of flaws, prelude are hard to come by especially the color you want.

Hey I heard from someone that honda has a secrete warranty and they'll replace o2 for cars under 100k but don't quote me on that.