Check Engine (8 flashes)

Hey guys did a search and to no avail I write this post, hope ya'll can help.
Car:
97 Accord SE

diag:
-So I checked using the paperclip method I got 8 flashes.
-Poked around my distributer and the wires that lead to spark plugs
-discoverd that the fifth wire (non spark plug wire) was broken at the plug end.
- I attempted to solder it
-reset ecu
-stayed off for about 3 days
- back on again giving me 8 flashes with check engine.

What are the possibilities here? I will replace that broken wire and see if it makes a difference. If not according to the OBD trouble codes it can be the following:

P1359 8 CKP/TDC Sensor Connector Disconnection P1361 8 TDC Sensor Intermittent Interruption P1362 8 TDC Sensor No Signal
if it is any of the above do I just go ahead and change the whole distributer???

also,

Can it also be this???:

P0401 80 EGR Insufficient Flow Detected
any help is apperciated thanks

First you have to decide between code 8 (8 short flashes) vs. code 80 (8 long).
 
Unplug your intake air temperature sensor (IAT).  That should throw a code 10 which is one long flash.  That'll help you recognize the difference between a long flash vs. a short flash.  Running with that unplugged for a minute is pretty harmless to the engine.
 
Or take it to AutoZone & let them read the code with their scanner to give you the more specific 4-digit code.
 
I think in '97 the TDC sensor is in the distributor, and it's not replaceable by itself.  So if you can't find a loose wire to blame it on, you need a new distributor.
 

Ok thanks for the repsonse, you made alot of sense here. but also is it possible that I need to adjust anything like cams, timing belt, etc...??? 

If it is a TDC issue and the 5th wire you are refering to is your Coil wire there is a slim possibility that it's arcing intermitently and throwning that code... Make sure you have good plugs (NGK) and if that wire is the coil wire and it's bad I'd replace the whole set then reset the ECU and see what happens

Yeah, that's a good idea.  Get rid of a potentially arcing bad wire first to see whether that caused it all from the beginning.
 
Soldering isn't a good way to repair those secondary wires.  More likely the spark is 'leaking' thru the insulation and heating (soldering) will just do more damage to the insulation.
 
Cams or timing belt should have caused completely different problems.  Don't mess with them (yet).
 

Cool, i'll keep you updated on the progress. thanks

Update:
Changed the faulty coil wire, and replaced the spark plugs...

Results:
Engine light came back on... 8 flashes... TDC error

Any more suggestions??

First, go back & check the difference between long & short flashes.  Or go to AZ & get the Pnnnn code.  Don't go wild with distributors until you know whether it's the EGR in the first place.
 
Well, you've ruled out simple interference from a bad secondary wire, and the new plugs are probably not related to the error.  Those would have been nice things to do anyway.

Check to rule out loose/corroded connections at the distributor wiring harness.  I don't have a '97 wiring diagram to say what color is the TDC sensor.

The possibility of a bad TDC sensor gets more likely as you rule out the easier stuff.  Check the resistance, but someone will have to chime in to say which wires & what's the correct resistance.  Got any red/brown dust inside the distributor?  Can't get that TDC sensor separately; you have to get a new distributor.
 

Thanks again Jim.

Done:
checked the wiring harness at dist. all seems to be in tip top shape. Even inside of dist., it was clean.

So yes, hopefully soeone can chime in about the wiring and resitance, I think i will go ahead and change distributor and put in a complete wire set.

Dont forget to rule out the EGR code just in case it's really been a code 80 all along.
 
A new distributor is kinda pricey if you don't really know that's it.  Maybe some download pdf file of a Helm repair manual?  I KNOW the wiring and correct resistance is given in that book.
 

Ya I am familiar with the distributer and its components. And yes it is pricey.

As for the EGR what does that consists of? I have the manual (94 accord) and I have not seen the code for 80 nor the diagnostic.

Did you replace all the wires or just the one wire that was faulty?
Before blowing my cash on a new distributor I would get a entire set of new plug wires and install them.
Is anything amiss with the engine running?  Or is it just a Check Engine Light?
Go to AutoZone and ask them to hook up their OBDII code reader to your car and give you the code.  They probably won't know where to hook it up (I had to show them on my '95).  The connector is behind the ashtray.  The ashtray pulls right out and there is a plug there.
Get the code from them & post it here.
 
Oh, by the way, what kind of plugs did you use?  Please don't tell me you used Bosch!

in the process of getting new wires....we don't have auto zone in quebec, but I know what you mean and can get the code from any garage anyways. But won't it give me the same results as in the 2 pin method? I will do as Jim said and check reisitance first. that can be very usufull instead of blind shooting the wires.

It will give you a more exact code than the "8" or "80" I believe.  It will be a four digit code starting with a "P."

quote:

ORIGINAL: biz_accord

in the process of getting new wires....we don't have auto zone in quebec, but I know what you mean and can get the code from any garage anyways.

Canadian Tire or ???  Wherever you can borrow an OBD-2 code reader.  The question in MY little mind is whether you recognize the difference between 8 short flashes vs 8 long flashes (code 8 vs code 80).
 
EGR is Exhaust Gas Recirculation.  Probably Canada cars have it too, but it's always good to know what part of the world you're talking about.  Little passageways in the intake manifold that get plugged up with carbon crust.
 

I am pretty sure it is code 8. Also, in my manual there is no listing for a code 80.
also, in the manual it says to check the resitance on the TDC 8p connector for the TDC sensor. I am having a little dificulty finding this connector, cause when I pull out the connector I think it is, there is no 8 pin setup. It is more like a 4 prong connection thing. At this point i feel I should install a new distributer. What you think?

anybody?

I read back over the thread & noticed that you're using a '94 repair manual on a '97 engine.
 
I know that on my '98 Accord the TDC sensor is located down below the crank pulley, not in the distributor.  I figured that '98 (first year of 6th-gen) was the first year for this, but ????
 

ok I will check that. My mechanic buddy once told me he thinks my '97 is a early '98, cause certain parts for 98 will only fit my 97.

There should be a stamp on the engine near the exhaust manifold.  Tell us what letters are stamped there i.e. F22A1, F22B1, F23A1?  I didn't think they started using the F23 till the 98-02 models, but you never know what you got till you check

F22B1 

F22B1 is definitely a 5th gen engine (94-97).  I'm at the office right now, but I have a Haynes manual for 94-97 models at home.  Let me do some research when I get back home.....

Thanks bud.

If it's related to an EGR port issue then you may have a "stumble" at around 2000-2500 rpms the car will feel a little jerky or underpowered etc.  Do you feel that at all?

yes I do. feels like tranny is slipping.