CEL came on :(

Vezna31 · 03-17-2008, 09:53 AM

After 117k miles, my CEL came on for the first time ever yesterday as I was taking the car down off the trailer to run on Laguna Seca tomorrow. I'm a bit bothered by it. The car didn't feel any different and was fine in VTEC.

I reset it by disconnecting the battery. We'll see if it comes back. Hopefully, it doesn't. Makes me glad that I put the car on the trailer for the 1000 mile drive up to here and back.

DJJSR · 03-17-2008, 02:15 PM

Maybe just a loose gas cap?

jagg · 03-17-2008, 06:03 PM

If it was running right Vez, it was running right.

If you have a check engine lamp with no poor driving condtion, (especially in a manual transmission car) it's generally not a big deal.......There's a reason the lamp isn't colored red......It means, "caution".
Red warning lamps mean, "Shut her down now, and pull over." or vice versa, dependant upon your comfort level.

Jagg

s2k aok · 03-17-2008, 07:59 PM

walmart had cheap ob2 code readers 'round $68. you could plug it in and get the CEL engine code, look it up, and see specifically what is wrong. it's small and can fit in your glove box and then you wouldn't have to go have it cleared by a dealership.

Boost Convert · 03-17-2008, 08:24 PM

Get the code, even if you have to go to Auto Zone and I'll help you figure out what it is.

Vezna31 · 03-17-2008, 09:56 PM

I checked the gas cap yesterday. Seemed to be tight. I drove over 200 hundred miles around Monterey today, wine tasting with the mrs. and carving up Carmel Valley Rd which is AWESOME! No CEL since resetting by disconnecting the battery. I'm wondering if it was just a burp in the system. My buddy says sometimes it takes 5 on/offs to throw a code and I did at least 10 today.

So, I'm off to 2.5 hours on Laguna Seca Tuesday. Look for video in about 2 days

Scooter · 03-17-2008, 10:40 PM

Have fun at LS! They on/offs requre a complete cooldown, so it takes more than a day to clear that way, FYI.

gomarlins3 · 03-18-2008, 08:59 AM

Well if it hasn't returned, I guess you are o.k.

army_boy · 03-20-2008, 08:35 AM

ur CEL might not come on again for a while, every car has a thing called a complete engine diagnostic test. Its designed to happen in normal driving, but takes 2 to 4 weeks to complete. Also with a OBD2 car like yours, your MIL (malfuction indicator lamp) it designed to come on when there is an emmissons related problem. More often then not it is just the start of a O2 sensor going bad, and thats a relitivly easy fix. As long as the MIL isnt flashing at you, ur not in any real danger, your gas milage might change, but when it starts to flash, that means theres a catalist damanging effect taking place inside of your catalitic converter and that means shut off the car right away. But even with that, you can tell right away bc someing is very wrong with the engine. hope some of this helps someone out there, lol

Vezna31 · 07-14-2008, 07:53 PM

Light came on again today, almost 4 months after the first time. I'm debating whether to take it and see what codes it gives or trying to reset. The car ran fine on the way home from work.

lonestarbuzz · 07-14-2008, 07:57 PM

worth it to check it. you can get that done for like $20 at any local garage.

chazdawg35 · 07-14-2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vezna31

Light came on again today, almost 4 months after the first time. I'm debating whether to take it and see what codes it gives or trying to reset. The car ran fine on the way home from work.

Hey Dude if you can wait until the BBQ I can bring my scanner down and tell you what is going on for sure. I bet with the mileage it is probably a PO420-catalytic converter, or a PO300-random misfire. The misfire is due to valve adjustment, NOT the coil! Been there done that. If it is the CAT is bad good thing you have a friend that can help you out. LOL

TheCarGuy2021 · 07-14-2008, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lonestarbuzz

worth it to check it. you can get that done for like $20 at any local garage.

AutoZone will pull the code for free. As long as it isn't blinking, it isn't anything too serious.

Vezna31 · 07-14-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazdawg35

Hey Dude if you can wait until the BBQ I can bring my scanner down and tell you what is going on for sure. I bet with the mileage it is probably a PO420-catalytic converter, or a PO300-random misfire. The misfire is due to valve adjustment, NOT the coil! Been there done that. If it is the CAT is bad good thing you have a friend that can help you out. LOL

I can't wait that long. That's 6 weeks away and only 1 week before my track day. I'll go to the Autozone close by.

chazdawg35 · 07-14-2008, 08:54 PM

Wish I could help but I'm stuck here this weekend. Don't pay for the scan if you can just tip the dude $10.

D1sclaimer · 07-14-2008, 11:10 PM

could be an 02 sensor going out since your car is still running fine and its got "higher" miles.

1_2_3_gone · 07-15-2008, 08:51 AM

grap battery plug and place it again...try that

dezignpro04 · 07-15-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vezna31

I can't wait that long. That's 6 weeks away and only 1 week before my track day. I'll go to the Autozone close by.

Could be bad gas, dirt in the gas or a bad/misfiring plug.

FYI - Autozone does not charge for scans. I have done it plenty of times.

Vezna31 · 07-15-2008, 11:34 AM

P0300 random misfire
P0301 misfire #1
P0302 Misfire #2

Going to try disconnecting the battery first to reset it and see if it comes back on. If it does, then I'm going to have the plugs checked. They were done at the most 2 years ago or 40k miles. It may have been last year. Not sure. If the plugs are ok, then we'll check the coil packs.

My mechanic listened to the engne last time and said the valves sounded fine, so i don't think it needs an adjustment, but who knows. Maybe it does.

satisaii · 07-15-2008, 12:04 PM

For less than $200, get a Scangauge II. I have used it in both cars to check and reset CEL's.

dezignpro04 · 07-15-2008, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vezna31

P0300 random misfire
P0301 misfire #1
P0302 Misfire #2

Going to try disconnecting the battery first to reset it and see if it comes back on. If it does, then I'm going to have the plugs checked. They were done at the most 2 years ago or 40k miles. It may have been last year. Not sure. If the plugs are ok, then we'll check the coil packs.

My mechanic listened to the engne last time and said the valves sounded fine, so i don't think it needs an adjustment, but who knows. Maybe it does.

You track your car. It spends more time in the high rpms then your average S2K. I think it is your plugs. Go buy some OEM NGK's and you will be fine.

Dr. Jimbo · 07-16-2008, 12:19 PM

Damn!! Reading all these CEL posts and threads caused my S to throw a CEL last night. Filled up at Shell and 30 miles later, I get the light...and yes, my gas cap is on tight. I'm gonna get a code reader cuz this is the second time. Plus I can use it on other cars.
I've been jinxed!

lonestarbuzz · 07-16-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Jimbo

Damn!! Reading all these CEL posts and threads caused my S to throw a CEL last night. Filled up at Shell and 30 miles later, I get the light...and yes, my gas cap is on tight. I'm gonna get a code reader cuz this is the second time. Plus I can use it on other cars.
I've been jinxed!

check your gas ca... oh.

I got a code reader too, then I found out Autozone checks codes for free. awesome.

gomarlins3 · 07-16-2008, 04:11 PM

Doc, I still bet it's the cap.

desmo4 · 07-16-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by satisaii

For less than $200, get a Scangauge II. I have used it in both cars to check and reset CEL's.

$159.00

Jonathan

jagg · 07-16-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Doc, I still bet it's the cap.

........From Go Marlins.

I wouldn't be suprised under the circumstances described.......

Just because it's on tight, doesn't mean that it's properly sealing the filler neck......knowing the code that prompted the CEL would be a HUGE start......Finding an Evaporative Emissions code would seal the deal for me.

Jagg

DJJSR · 07-16-2008, 06:06 PM

Doc, there's a way to see if it's the cap without buying another cap. Open the fuel door, leave the cap in place and fill the entire well with peanut butter all the way out until it's even with the body. Once it sets up, it will seal the filler neck and cap very nicely. Drive as normal and see if the light comes back.

I'm not sure how much peanut butter you'll need, but give your local Honda service dept a call and ask them. I'm pretty sure there's a tech service bulletin on it.

(smooth, not chunky)

03-17-2008, 09:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,219	CEL came on :( After 117k miles, my CEL came on for the first time ever yesterday as I was taking the car down off the trailer to run on Laguna Seca tomorrow. I'm a bit bothered by it. The car didn't feel any different and was fine in VTEC. I reset it by disconnecting the battery. We'll see if it comes back. Hopefully, it doesn't. Makes me glad that I put the car on the trailer for the 1000 mile drive up to here and back. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

03-17-2008, 02:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
DJJSR Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hooterville Posts: 1,673	Maybe just a loose gas cap? __________________ Don

03-17-2008, 06:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,448	If it was running right Vez, it was running right. If you have a check engine lamp with no poor driving condtion, (especially in a manual transmission car) it's generally not a big deal.......There's a reason the lamp isn't colored red......It means, "caution". Red warning lamps mean, "Shut her down now, and pull over." or vice versa, dependant upon your comfort level. Jagg Last edited by jagg : 03-17-2008 at 06:05 PM.

03-17-2008, 09:56 PM	#6 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,219	I checked the gas cap yesterday. Seemed to be tight. I drove over 200 hundred miles around Monterey today, wine tasting with the mrs. and carving up Carmel Valley Rd which is AWESOME! No CEL since resetting by disconnecting the battery. I'm wondering if it was just a burp in the system. My buddy says sometimes it takes 5 on/offs to throw a code and I did at least 10 today. So, I'm off to 2.5 hours on Laguna Seca Tuesday. Look for video in about 2 days __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

03-18-2008, 08:59 AM	#8 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,643	Well if it hasn't returned, I guess you are o.k. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

03-17-2008, 07:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
s2k aok Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: floribama panhandle Posts: 28	walmart had cheap ob2 code readers 'round $68. you could plug it in and get the CEL engine code, look it up, and see specifically what is wrong. it's small and can fit in your glove box and then you wouldn't have to go have it cleared by a dealership.

03-17-2008, 08:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
Boost Convert Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tempe, AZ Posts: 166	Get the code, even if you have to go to Auto Zone and I'll help you figure out what it is.

03-17-2008, 10:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,036	Have fun at LS! They on/offs requre a complete cooldown, so it takes more than a day to clear that way, FYI.

03-20-2008, 08:35 AM	#9 (permalink)
army_boy running amuck Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 98	ur CEL might not come on again for a while, every car has a thing called a complete engine diagnostic test. Its designed to happen in normal driving, but takes 2 to 4 weeks to complete. Also with a OBD2 car like yours, your MIL (malfuction indicator lamp) it designed to come on when there is an emmissons related problem. More often then not it is just the start of a O2 sensor going bad, and thats a relitivly easy fix. As long as the MIL isnt flashing at you, ur not in any real danger, your gas milage might change, but when it starts to flash, that means theres a catalist damanging effect taking place inside of your catalitic converter and that means shut off the car right away. But even with that, you can tell right away bc someing is very wrong with the engine. hope some of this helps someone out there, lol __________________ drive drift dream

07-14-2008, 07:53 PM	#10 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,219	Light came on again today, almost 4 months after the first time. I'm debating whether to take it and see what codes it gives or trying to reset. The car ran fine on the way home from work. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

07-14-2008, 07:57 PM	#11 (permalink)
lonestarbuzz awesome Join Date: May 2008 Location: arlington Posts: 635	worth it to check it. you can get that done for like $20 at any local garage. __________________ i need a better signature.

07-14-2008, 08:54 PM	#15 (permalink)
chazdawg35 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: simi valley,california Posts: 657	Wish I could help but I'm stuck here this weekend. Don't pay for the scan if you can just tip the dude $10.

07-14-2008, 11:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
D1sclaimer Mustang Killer Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 423	could be an 02 sensor going out since your car is still running fine and its got "higher" miles. __________________ It’s alright. I aint losing. This fool’s running a Honda 2000. I’ll win, that way me and my dad can roll together when he gets out of prison. It’s all good.

07-15-2008, 08:51 AM	#17 (permalink)
1_2_3_gone Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: United Arab Emirates (Dubai) Posts: 34	grap battery plug and place it again...try that __________________ *123gogogo...*

07-15-2008, 11:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
Vezna31 Resident Track Whore :) Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chula Vista, CA Posts: 1,219	P0300 random misfire P0301 misfire #1 P0302 Misfire #2 Going to try disconnecting the battery first to reset it and see if it comes back on. If it does, then I'm going to have the plugs checked. They were done at the most 2 years ago or 40k miles. It may have been last year. Not sure. If the plugs are ok, then we'll check the coil packs. My mechanic listened to the engne last time and said the valves sounded fine, so i don't think it needs an adjustment, but who knows. Maybe it does. __________________ Vezna Financial Services - For mortgages, accounting and taxes, and phone service needs. http://www.vezna.com San Diego Car Club - http://www.sdcarclub.com

07-15-2008, 12:04 PM	#20 (permalink)
satisaii Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Glendale CA Posts: 76	For less than $200, get a Scangauge II. I have used it in both cars to check and reset CEL's.

07-16-2008, 12:19 PM	#22 (permalink)
Dr. Jimbo Don't taze me bro! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca. Posts: 1,004	Damn!! Reading all these CEL posts and threads caused my S to throw a CEL last night. Filled up at Shell and 30 miles later, I get the light...and yes, my gas cap is on tight. I'm gonna get a code reader cuz this is the second time. Plus I can use it on other cars. I've been jinxed! __________________

07-16-2008, 04:11 PM	#24 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,643	Doc, I still bet it's the cap. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

07-16-2008, 06:06 PM	#27 (permalink)
DJJSR Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hooterville Posts: 1,673	Doc, there's a way to see if it's the cap without buying another cap. Open the fuel door, leave the cap in place and fill the entire well with peanut butter all the way out until it's even with the body. Once it sets up, it will seal the filler neck and cap very nicely. Drive as normal and see if the light comes back. I'm not sure how much peanut butter you'll need, but give your local Honda service dept a call and ask them. I'm pretty sure there's a tech service bulletin on it. (smooth, not chunky) __________________ Don