General Troubleshooting Information
Intermittent Failures
The term "intermittent failure" means a svstem mav
have had a failure. but it checks OK now. lf the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MlL) on the dash does not
come on, check for Door connections or loose terminals
at all connectors related to the circuit that Vou are
troubleshooting.
Opens and Shorts
"Ooen" and "Short" are common electrical terms. An
open is a break in a wire or at a connection. A short is
an accidental connection of a wire to ground or to
another wire. In simple electronics, this usually means
something won't work at all. With complex electronics(such as ECMs)this can sometimes mean something
works, but not the way it's supposed to.
How to Use the PGM Tester or a Scan Tool
lf the MIL {Malfunction Indicator Lamp} has come on
'1. Start the engine and check the MIL {A).
NOTE: lf the ignition switch is turned ON (ll), and
the engine is not started, the MIL will stay on for
15 20 seconds (see page 11-46).
K-> ;"PN/.- -::: - -d V-: !
w:ix&K#
2. lf the MIL stays on, connect the Honda PGM Tester(A) or an OBD ll scan tool to the Data Link
Connector {DLC) (B) located under the driver's side
of the dashboard.
3.
5.
Turn the ignition switch ON (ll).
Check the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and note
it. Also check the freeze data. Refer to the DTC
Troubleshooting Index, and begin the appropriate
troubleshooting procedure.
lf you do not find any DTCS, go to MIL circuit
troubleshooting (see page 11-97).
NOTE:. Freeze data indicates the engine conditions when the
first malfunction, misfire, or fuel trim malfunction
was detected.. The scan tool and the Honda PGM Tester can read the
DTC, freeze data, current data, and other Engine
Control l\4odule {EClvl) data.. For specific operations, refer to the user's manual
that came with the scan tool or Honda PG l\4 Tester.
lf the MIL did not stay
lf the MIL did not come on but there is a driveability
problem, refer to the Symptom Troubleshooting Index
in this section.
lf you can't duplicate the DTC
Some of the troubleshooting in this section requires
you to reset the ECM and try to duplicate the DTC. lf rhe
problem is intermittent and you can't duplicate the code,
do not continue through the procedure. To do so will
only result in confusion and, possibly, a needlessly
replaced ECM.
(cont'd)
11-3
lgnition Timing Control
The ECM contains the memory for basic ignition timing
at various engine speeds and manifold absolute
pressure. lt also adjusts the timing according to engine
coolant temperature.
Iniector Timing and Duration
The ECM contains the memory for basic discharge
duration at various engine speeds and manifold
pressures. The basic discharge duration, after being
read out from the memory, is further modified by
signals sent from various sensors to obtain the final
discharge duration.
By monitoring long term fuel trim, the ECM detects long
term malfunctions in the fuel system and sets a
Diagnostic Trouble Code {DTC).
Intake Air Temperature (lAT) Sensor
The IAT sensor is a temperature dependent resistor
{thermistor). The resistance of the thermistor decreases
as the intake air temDerature increases.
Knock Sensor
The knock control system adjusts the ignition timing to
minimize knock.
PIEZOCERAMIC
Malfunction Indicator Lamp lMlLl Indication {ln relation
to Readiness Codes)
The vehicle has certain "readiness codes" that are part
of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems.
lf the vehicle's baftery has been disconnected or gone
dead. if the DTCS have been cleared, or if the ECM has
been reset. these codes are set to incomplete. In some
states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set to comDlete. lf all of them are not
set to complete, the vehicle may fail the test and the
test cannot be finished.
To check if the readiness codes are set to complete,
turn the ignition switch ON (ll). but do not start the
engine.TheMILwill comeonforlS 20seconds. lf it
then goes off, the readiness codes are set to complete,
lf it blinks severaltimes, one or more readiness codes
are not set to comolete. To set each code, drive the
vehicle or run the engine as described in the
procedures to set them in this section (see page 1 1-46).
Manifold Absolute Pressure {MAP) Senso]
The MAP sensor converts manifold absolute pressure
into electrical signals to the ECM.
SENSOR UNIT
(cont'd)
11-27
Fuel and Emissions Systems
System Descriptions (cont'dl
ldle Control System Diagram
The idle speed of the engine is controlled by the ldle Air Control (lAC) varve:
'Aftertheenginestarts,theIACvalveopensforacertainamountoftime.Theamountofairisincreasedtoraisethe
idle sDeed.. When the engine coolant temperature is low, the IAC valve is opened to obtain the proper fast idle speed. Theamount of bypassed air is controlled in relation to engine coolant temperature.
INTAKE MANIFOLDIAC VALVEAKE AIR DUCT
CLEANER
\
BLK/REO
YEL/BLK ---< FromPGM.FIMAINRELAY
THROTTLE AODY
Intake Air System Diagram
This system supplies air for engine needs. A resonator in the intake air
drawn into the svstem.
VARIOUSSENSOnS
pipe provides additional silencing as air is
THROTTLE AODYVARIOUSSENSORS
BLK
BLK
I
11-36
{
Fuel and Emissions Systems
How to Set Readiness Codes
Malfunction lndicator Lamp (MlL) Indication
(ln relation to Readiness Codesl
The vehicle has certain "readiness codes" that are part
of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems.
lf the vehicle's battery has been disconnected or gone
dead, if the DTCS have been cleared, or if the ECM has
been reset, these codes are set to incomplete. In some
states, part of the emission testing is to make su re these
codes are set to complete. lf all of them are not set to
complete, the vehicle may fail the emission test, or the
test cannot be finished.
To check ifthe readiness codes are complete, turn the
ignition switch ON (ll), but do not start the engine. The
MIL will come on for 15 20 seconds. lf it then goes off,
the readiness codes are complete. lf it blinks several
times, one or more readiness codes are not complete.
To set readlness codes from incomplete to complete.
do the procedure for the appropriate code.
11-46
L
Catalytic Converter Monitor and Readiness
Code
NOTE:. Do not turn the ignition switch off during the
procedure.
. All readiness codes are cleared when the battery is
disconnected or when the ECM is cleared with the
OBD ll scan tool or Honda PG lvl Tester.. Low ambient temperatures or excessive slop-and-go
traffic may increase the drive time needed to switch
the readiness code from incomplete to complete.' The readiness code will not switch to com Dlete until
all the enable criteria are met.. lf a fault in the secondary HO2S system caused the
MIL to come on. the readiness code cannot be set to
comDlete until vou correct the fault.
Enable Criteria. ECT at 158"F (70'C) or higher.. Intake air temperature (lAT) at 20"F (-7'C) or higher.. Vehicle speed is steady, and vehicle speed sensor
(VSS) reads more then 25 mph (13km/h).
Procedure
1. Connect the scan tool to the vehicle's data link \
connector (DLCi, and bring up the tool's generic \"
OBD ll mode.
Start the engine.
Test-drive the vehicle under stop-and-go conditions
with short periods of steady cruise. After about
5 miles (3 km), the readiness code should switch
from incomplete to complete.
lf the readiness code is still set to incomplete, check
for a temporary DTC. lf there is no DTC, one or
more of the enable crlteria were probably not met;
2.
3.
Fuel and Emissions Systems
a
a
How to Set Readiness Codes (cont'd)
Misfire Monitor and Readiness Code
. This readiness code is always set to available
because misfiring is continuously monitored.. l\4onitoring pauses, and the misfire counter resets, if
the vehicle is driven over a rough road.. Monitoring also pauses, and the misfire counter
holds at its current value. if the throttle position
changes more than a predetermined value, or if
driving conditions fall outside the range of any
related enable criteria,
Fuel System Monitor and Readiness Code
. This readiness code is always setto available
because the fuel system is continuously monitored
during closed loop operation.. Monitoring pauses when the catalytic converter,
EVAP control system, and Ay'F sensor monitors are
active.. Monitoring also pauses when any related enable
criteria are not being met. Monitoring resumes when
lhe enable criteria is again being met.
Comprehensive Component Monitor and
Readiness Code
This readiness code is always set to available because
the comprehensive component monitor is continuously
running whenever the engine is cranking or running.
11-48
\-
L
DTC P0300: Random Misfire and Any Combination of the Following:
DTC P0301: No. 1 Cylinder Misfire
DTC P0302: No. 2 Cvlinder Misfire
DTC P0303: No, 3 Cvlinder Misfire
DTC P0304: No. 4 Cvlinder Misfire
NOTE:. lfthe misfiring is frequent enough to trigger detection of increased emissions during two consecutive driving cycles.
the MIL will come on, and DTC P0300 (and some comlrination of P0301 through P0304) will be stored.. lf the misfiring is frequent enough to damage the catalyst, the MIL will blink whenever the misfiring occurs, and OTC
P0300 (and some combination of P0301 through P0304) will be stored. When the misfirlng stops, the MIL will remain
on.
1. Troubleshoot the following DTCs first if any of them were stored along with the random misfire DTC(s):
P0'107, P0108, P1128, P1129r N4anifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor
P0111. P0'172t Fuel svstem
P0335. P0336: Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
P0505: ldle control system
P1 149, Pl 162, P1 163, P1 164, P 1 165: Air fuel ratio (Ay'F) sensor
P1259: VTEC system
P1361, P1362: Camshaft position (CMP) sensor B {Top dead center (TDC) sensor)
P1519: ldle air control (lAC) valve
2. Test-drive the vehicle to verify the symptom.
3. Findthesymptom inthechart below, and dothe related procedures in the order listed until you find the cause.
SymptomProcedure(slAlso check foi:
Random misfire only
at low RPM and
under load
Check fuel pressure (see page 1 1-145).. Low compressron.. Low quality fuel.
Random misfire only
du ring acceleration
Check fuel pressure (see page 11-145).Malfunction in the
VTEC system (see page
1' t-123).
Random misfire at
high RPM, under
load, or under
random conditions
Check fuel pressure (see page 11-145).Correct engine valve
clearances (see page 6-
91.
11-71
Front and Rear Suspension
WheelAlignment
The suspension can be adjusted for front camber, front
toe, and rear toe. However, each of these adjustments
are interrelated to each other. For example, when you
adjust the toe, the camber changes. Therefore, you
must adjust the front wheel alignment whenever you
adjust the camber or toe.
Pre-Alignment Checks
For proper inspection and adjustment of the wheel
alignment, do these checks:
1. Release the parking brake to avoid an incorrect
measurement.
Make sure the suspension is not modified.
Check the tire size and tire pressure
Tire size:
Front/rear: 195/60R15
Tire pressure:
Front: 230 kPa {2.3 kgf/cm',33 psil
Rear: 210 kPa |'2.1 kgf/cm', 30 psi)
Check the runout of the wheels and tires.
Check the suspension ball joints. (Hold a wheel
with your hands, and move it up and down and
right and left to check for wobbling),
2.
3.
Bounce the vehicle up and down several times to
stabilize the suspension.
18-4
Front Caster lnspection
Use commerciallv available comDuterized four wheel
alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment
(caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the
eouioment manufacturer's instructions.
Check the caster angle. lf the caster angle is not within
the specification, check for bent or damaged
susoensron comoonents.
Front caster angle: 1'40't 1"
\
Doors
Door Panel Removal/lnstallation
SpecialTools Required
Trim pad remover, Snap-on A 177A or equivalent,
commercially available.
NOTE: When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it
with protective tape, and apply protective tape around
the related parts. to prevent damage.
1 . Remove the mirror mount cover (see page 20-15).
2. Insert a hex wrench through the hole (A) in the door
grip base (B), Push the door grip cover (C) out to
release the hook (D) and tab (E), and pull out the
cover to release the tabs (F) and hook (G) by hand,
then remove the cover.
20-4
3. Remove the armrest cover (A). Take care not to
scratch the door panel.
-1 Pry out the front edge of the cover to release
the hooks (B).
-2 Pry out the bottom and rear edge of the cover
to release the hooks (C).
-3 Pry out along the top to release the tabs (D).
Remove the screws (A, B), and release the tabs (C),
then remove the door grip base (D). Remove the
screw (A) securing the door panel from the armrest
portion.
Fastgngr Locations
A> : Screw,3 B > : Screw,5
4.