1997 HONDA CIVIC Code 38

1.After the engine starts, the lAc valve opens for a certain time. The amount of air is increased to raise the idle speed
about 150 - 300 rpm.
When the coolant temperature is tow, the IAC valve is opened to obtain the proper fast idle speed. The amount of
bypassed air is thus controlled in relation to the engine coolant temperature'
IOLE SPEED
lrpml
176
80
ENGI ECOOLANI TEMPERATURE
t" Fl
toc)
ll
't.Whentheid|espeedisoutofspeciiicationandthescantoo|doesnotindicateDiagnosticTroub|ecode(DTc)P0505
or P1508. check the following items:
. Adiust the idle speed {see page 11-220}
. Starter switch signal (see page 11-202)
. Air conditioning signal (see page l1-204)
. ALT FR signal (see Page 11-2081
' Brake switch signal (see page 11-210)
. PSP switch signal (excapt Canada model) (see page 11-212)
. A,/T gear position signal {see section 14, Dl6Y5 engine (CVT):
page 11-216). Clutch switch signal (D16Y5 engine with M/T) (see page 11-218)
. Hoses and connections
' IAC valve and its mounting O-rings
lf the above items are normal, substitute a known-good IAC valve and readjust the idle speed (see page 11-220)
|ftheid|espeedsti||cannotbeadjustedtospecification(andthescantoo|doesnotindicateDTcP0505orP]50S)
after IAC valve replacement. substitute a known-good ECM/PCM and recheck. lf symptom goes away, replace the
original ECM/PCM.

ldle Control System
ldle ControlSystem
lF0505 l Th" """n tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) PO5O5: tdte controt system malfunction.
NOTE: lf DTC P1508 or P1509 is stored at the same time as DTC P0505, troubleshoot DTC p1508 or p1bog first. thenrecheck for DTC P0505.
Possible Cause
. IAC valve mechanical malfunction
. Throttle body clogged pon, improper adjustment. Intake manifold gasket leakage
. Intake air hose loose leakage
. Vacu um leak
. ECT sensor incorrect output
. Throttle Position sensor incorrect output*r
Troubleshooting Flowchart
The MIL has been reoorted on.DTC P0505 is stored.
Problem verification:1. Start the engine. Hold theeng;ne at 3,000 rpm with noload (jn Park or neutral) untilthe radiator fan comes on, then*r let it idle.t2. with rhe scan toot, ct'eit Ge l
Throttle position should beapprox. 10% with the throttle fully closed.E ngine coolant tempera-ture should be 194 205'F(90 96.Ci.lf they are not within thespec., repair the faulty sen
L._ _9oI9[cr]41 l3. Chec& the engine speed atidle with no-load cond;tionsiheadlights, blower fan, reardefogger, radiator fan, and airconditioner are not operating\see page l1-22O - 223).
Intermittent tailure, system is OKat this time.ls the idle speed OK?
ls it 550 rpm or less?
(To page 11,193)
*1r'96 models only
11-192
(To page ll-193)

ldle Control System
ldle Air Control (lACl Vatve ('96 - 98 Dl6ys, Dl6yB engine with M/Tl
The scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1508: A problem in the ldle Air Controt flAC) varvecircuit.
The IAC Valve changes the amount of air bypassing the throttle body in response to a current signal from the ECM inorder to maintain the proper idle speed.
IAC VALVE 2P CONNECTOR ICl3A)
,flrcerh-:J iYEL/BLKI
!.__-,/ -lt(v)
-T-=
Wire side of female terminals
tAcv(BLK/
ELUI
ECM CONNECTOR A I32PI
Wire side oI lemal€ terminals
VALVE
6a10ll12t3r5t6l7t8t920232a
t*25&a2A3o
The MIL hss b€on repo.ted on.DTC P'l508 i. itorod.
Problem vorification:1. Do the ECM/PCM Reset Pro-cedure,Start the engine, and warm ituP to normal operating tem-perature.
Intormittont t!llur., sy.tcm b OKat thb tim6. Chsck fol poor con-ncctionr or loo3e wirot at C138(lAC valv.l.nd ECM.
ls DTC P1508 indicated?
Check for an opcn in the wiro(lGPl line):1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the IAC valve 2Pconnector.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4. Measure vohage between bodyground and the IAC valve 2Pconnectorterminal No. 2.
R.prir opan in the wiro botwa.nIAC valv..nd PGM-FI main r.l.y.
Chock for an opon or sho in thewire (IACV linal:1. Turn the ignition switch OFFand reconnect the IAC valveconnector.2. Disconnect the ECM connectorA (32P).
3. Turn the ignit;on switch ON (ll).4. Measure voltage betweenbody ground and ECM con-nector terminal A12.
(To page 1l-195)
11-194

ldle Gontrol System
ldle Air Control (lAG) Valve ('99 - 00 Dl6Y8 engine with M/T, Bt6A2 enginel
[Fl50g l ]h" scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1508: A problem in the ldle Air Controt AC) vatve- CtrCUtt.
The IAC Valve changes the amount of air bypassing the throttle body in response to a current signal from the ECM inorder to maintain the proper idle speed.
IAC VALVE 2P CONNECTOR IC138'
la rcprI - {YEL/8LKI 2t--d,
Y-=
Wire side ot female terminals
Wire side of lemale terminals
VALVE
The MIL has boon r€oorted on.DTC P1508 is srored.
Probl6m verification:1. Do the ECM/PCM Reset Pro-cedure.2. Start the engine, and warm itup to normal operating lem-perature.
Intermittent tailure, system is OKat this timg. Check to. poor con-noctions or loose wires at C138{lAC valvel and ECM.
ls DTC P1508 indicated?
Ch6ck for an open in the wir€{lGPl lino}:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the IAC valve 2Pconnector.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4. Measure voltage between bodyground and the IAC valve 2Pconneclor termina I No.2,
Repair opon in the wire bgtwoenIAC valve and PGM-Fl main relay.
Check tof an open or short in thewire {IACV line}l1. Turn the ignition switch OFFand reconnect the IAC valve
2. Disconnect the ECM connectorB {25P).3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4. Measure voltage betweenbody ground and ECM conn€ctor terminal 823.
(To page 11-197)
1 1-1 96

ldle Control System
ldle Air Control (lAC) Valve ('96 - 98 A/T and Dl6Y7 enginel
The (Rotary) IAC Valve changes the amount of air bypassing the throttle body in response to a current signal from theECM/PCM in order to maintain the proper idle speed,
BIMETAL
VALVESTOPPER
1P1509 Thescantool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1509: A problem in the idle Air Control (tAC)valve circuit.
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR A I32PIPGl IBLKI
IAC VALVE 3P CONNECIOR
IACV NIACV P
IGP
Terminal side of maleterminals
*: IACV N line
1 1-198
The MIL has b€€n roported on.DTC P1509 is stored.
Problem verification:1. Do the ECM/PCM Reset Proce-oure.2. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
Intermittent failura, systom ia OKat this time. Check tor poo. con-noctions or loose wires at C109llAC valve) and ECM/PCM.
ls DTC P1509 indicated?
Check for an opon in the wirer{PG lines):Measure voltage between bodvground and ECM/PCII connectorterminals A10 and A23 individu
Repair op€n in the wires betwoenECM/PCM and G101 llocated attho thermostat housing).
ls there more than 1.0 V?
Chock th€ ECM/PCM inpui volt-agel1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect ECM/PCM connec-tor A (32P)from the ECM/PCM.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).4. Measu re voltage betweenbody ground and ECM/PCMconnector terminals A14 andA13* individually.
Ch6ck th6 IAC valve:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect the IAC valve 3Pconnector,3, Measure resistance betweenIAC valve 3P connector termi-nal No.2 and terminals No. 1and 3 individually.
ls there 16 - 28 g?
Substitute a known-good ECM/PCM and recheck. lf symptom/indication goos away, replaceth€ origin.l ECM/PCM.
SHAFT
rAcv N loRNl*
(To page 11-199)
Wire side of lemale terminals
123a56El011
121314r5161718t9202:22321
272AA30
IACV P {BLK/BLUI

ldle Gontrol System
The (Rotary) IAC Valve changes the amount of air bypassing the throttle body in response to a current signal from the
ECM/PCM in order to maintain the proper idle speed.BIMETALHOLDER
BIMETAL
SHAFTVALVESTOPPER
ECM/PCM CONNECTOR B {25P}
(To page 11-201)
IAC VALVE 3P CONNECTOR
IACV NIACV P
ldle Air Control {lACl Valve ('99 - 00 A/T and Dl6Y7 enginel
YES
1P1509 lThescantool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1509:A problem inthe idleAirControl (lAC)valve circuit.
IGP
Terminal side of maleterminals
Sub3titute e known-good ECM/PCM .nd recheck. lf 3vmptom/indicalion goos away, replac6thc original ECM/PCM.
*: IACV N line
11-200
Tho MIL has b€en reported on.OTC P1509 is sto.ed.
Problem verilicationr1. Do the ECM/PCM Reset Proce-dure.2. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
Intermittont tailure, sy3tem i3 OKat thb time. Check for poor con'noctions or loose wiros at C109(lAC velvel and ECM/PCM.
ls DTC P1509 indicated?
Check for an oDen in the wilosIPG linesl:Measure voltage between bodyground and ECM/PCM connectorterminals 82 and 810 individually.
Ropail open in the wires be'tw€enECM/PCM .nd G101 llocated .tthe the.mostat housingl.ls there more than 1.0 V?
Check tho ECM/PCM input volt-age:1. Turn the ignition switch OFF.2. Disconnect ECM/PCM connec-tor A (32P)trom the ECM/PCM.3. Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
4, Measure voltage betweenbody ground and ECM/PCMconnector terminals 86 and815* individually.
Chock the IAC v.lve:1. Turn the ignition sw;tch OFF.2. Disconnect the IAC valve 3Pconnoctor.3. Measure resistance betweenIAC valve 3P connector termi'nal No. 2 and terminals No. 1and 3 individually.
ls there 16 - 28 O?
Wire side of female terminals

\
lTo420l Th" """n toot indicates Diagnostic Troubte code (DTc) p0420: catatyst sysrem efficiency below threshold.
Description
This system evaluates the catalyst's capacity by means of the Ho2s {Primary and secondary) output during stable driving
conditions. ll deterioration has been detected during two consecutive driving cycles. the MIL comes on and DTC P0420 will
be stored.
NOTE: lf some of the DTCS tisted below are stored at the same time as DTC P0420, troubleshoot those DTCS first. then
recheck for DTC P0420
P0137, P0138: Secondary HO2S (Sensor 2)
Po14'1:Secondary H02S {Sensor 2) Heater
Possibl€ Cause
. TWC Deterioration
. Exhaust system leakage
Troubleshooting Flowchart
I
The MIL has been reported on.
DTC P0420 is stored
Problem verilication:1. Do the ECM/PCM Reset Proce
dure.2. Start the engine Hold the
engine at 3,000 rpm wath no
load {in Park or neutral) until
the radiator fan comes on.
3. Connect the SCS service con
4. Test drive 40 - 55 mph for
approx, two minutes Then
decelerate for at least 3 sec_
onds with the throttle com'pletely closed- Then reduce
the vehicle speed to 35 mph,
and try to hold it until the
readiness code comes on
Intermittent Iailure, system is OK
at this time.ls DTC P0420 indicated?
Check the TWC {see section 9l
lf necessary, replace the TwC

Emission Control System
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System (D16Y5 engine with GWI (cont'dl
lTl49il T_he scan tool indicates Diagnostic Trouble Code (OTC) P1491: A malfunction in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation- lEgh) svstem.
CvT lM/T see page 1l-2611:
J
EGR VALVELIFT SENSOR#16 HOSE
PUMP/GAUGE,0- 30 in.HsA973X-041-XXXXX
EGRVALVE
The MIL has been reoorted on.DTC P1491 is stoled.
Problem verification:1. Do the ECM/PCM Reset Proce-du re.2. Connect the SCS service con'
3. Start the engine. Hold theengine at 3,000 rpm with noload {in Park or neutral) untilthe radiator fan comes on,4. Drive the vehicle on the roadfor approx. 10 minutes. Try tokeep the engine speed in the1,700 - 2,500 rpm range.
Intermittonl failure, system is OKat this time. Check for Door con-nections or loose wires at, C144{EGR velve} and ECM/PCM.
ls DTC P l49l indicated?
Check fo. vacuum to ihe EGR
1. Disconnect the No. 16 hose fromthe EGR valve.2. Connect a vacuum pump/gauge to the hose.3. Start the engine and let it idle.
ls there any vacuum?
Check tor a malfunction in theEGR control solenoid valve:'1. Disconnect the EGR controlsolenoid valve 2P connector,2. Becheck the No. 16 hose for
Check vacuum hose routing o,the entire EGR svstem. lf hoserouting is OK, replac€ the EGRcontrol solenoidvalv6.
ls there any vacuum?
Substitute a known-good ECM/PCM and recheck. It symptom/indicalion goes away, replacethe original ECM/PCM.
(To page 11 257)
11-256