Troubleshooting Procedures

I. How To Begin Troubleshooting
When the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) has been reported on, or there is a driveability problem, use the appropriate procedure below to diagnose and repair the problem.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp:

A. When the MIL has come on:




1. Connect the Honda PGM Tester or an OBD II scan tool to the 16P Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the glove box behind a removable cover.
2. Turn the ignition switch On.
3. Check the DTC and note it. Also check and note the freeze frame data. Refer to Trouble Code Charts and begin troubleshooting.

NOTE:
- See the OBD II scan tool or Honda PGM Tester user's manuals for specific operating instructions.
- The scan tool or tester can read the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC), freeze frame data, current data, and other Engine Control Module (ECM) data.
- Freeze frame data indicates the engine conditions when the first malfunction, misfire or fuel trim malfunction was detected. It can be useful information when troubleshooting.

B. When the MIL has not come on, but there is a driveability problem, refer to Diagnosis by Symptom. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures




C. DTCs will be indicated by the blinking of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) with the SCS service connector connected.
Connect the SCS service connector to Service Check Connector as shown. (The 2P Service Check Connector is located under the dash on the passenger's side of the vehicle.) Turn the ignition switch On.




II. Engine Control Module (ECM) Reset Procedure
Either of the following actions, will reset the ECM.
- Using the OBD II scan tool or Honda PGM Tester to clear the ECM's memory.

NOTE: See the OBD II scan tool or Honda PGM Tester user's manuals for specific operating instructions.

- Turn the ignition switch OFF. Remove the CLOCK (7.5 A) fuse from the under-hood fuse/relay box for 10 seconds.

III. Final Procedure
(this procedure must be done after any troubleshooting)
1. Remove the SCS Service Connector if it is connected. If the SCS service connector is connected and there are no DTCs stored in the ECM, the MIL will stay on when the ignition switch is turned on.
2. Do the ECM Reset Procedure.
3. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
4. Disconnect the OBD II scan tool or Honda PGM Tester from the Data Link Connector (16P).

IV. Known-Good ECM Substitution
The ECM is part of the immobilizer system. If you substitute a known-good ECM, the ECM will have a different immobilizer code. In order for the engine to start, you must rewrite the immobilizer code with the Honda PGM Tester.




If the inspection for a particular code requires voltage or resistance checks at the ECM connectors, remove the bulkhead panels. Unbolt the ECM. Check the system according to the procedure described for the appropriate code(s).




How to Use the Backprobe Sets
Connect the backprobe adapters to the stacking patch cords, and connect the cords to a multimeter. Using the wire insulation as a guide for the contoured tip of the backprobe adapter, gently slide the tip into the connector from the wire side until it comes in contact with terminal end of the wire.




CAUTION:
- Puncturing the insulation on a wire can cause poor or intermittent electrical connections.
- Bring the tester probe into contact with the terminal from the connector side of wire harness connectors in the engine compartment. For female connectors, just touch lightly with the tester probe and do not insert the probe.




Symptom Chart
Listed above are symptoms and probable causes for problems that DO NOT cause the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to come on.
If the MIL was reported on, go to Troubleshooting.
Troubleshoot each probable cause in the order listed (from left to right) until the symptom is eliminated.
The probable cause and troubleshooting reference list can be found below.

Other Probable Causes:
Engine will not start
- Compression
- Engine locked up
- Timing belt
- Starting system
- Overheating
- Battery




Probable Cause list








ECM Data
By connecting the OBD II scan tool or the Honda PGM Tester to the 16P data link connector (DLC), various data can be retrieved from the ECM. The items listed in the table below conform to the SAE recommended practice.
The Honda PGM Tester also reads data beyond that recommended by SAE.
Understanding this data will help to find the causes of intermittent failures or engine problems.

NOTE:
- The "operating values" given below are approximate values and may be different depending on the environment and the individual vehicle.
- Unless noted otherwise, "at idle speed" means idling with the engine completely warmed up, A/T in [P] or [N] position, M/T in neutral, and the A/C and all accessories turned off.