Afternoon,

I have a 89 Accord LxI with the 2.0 Auto tranny. My check engine light came on and since its an 89 the chain stores say they cant read the code. Any ideas where I can get the info on how to pull the code and find out what it is?

 

I changed the title to attract the attention of poorman212 who knows a lot more about the older cars than I do.

I think the ECU is under the seat and you just look for a flashing red LED.

 

Under the drivers seat. From the back of the seat, there is a "plastic" cover over the top-to the right there is a window, pull from the top.

Turn the key to on/pos II - count the number of flashes. If there are multiple codes, there will be a pause before the next set. If only one, it will repeat after that pause.

EDIT: Sorry for the delay---

 

Thanks so much for the help, it surprises me how much little help the dealer can be on older vehicles. It flashed 6 times, paused 2 sec, flashed 6 again. I gather thats a code 6. If that is correct, would it affect gas mileage and make the engine surge up and down when you are in drive going along with your foot on the gas?

 

Again, sorry for the delay. I usually try to look for posts on the the 3rd gens (86-89).

You are reading correct, Code 6. This points to the ECT-engine coolant sensor for the computer. Would impact MPG-if the ecu thinks the engine is "cold" all the time then the "fuel mixture" would try to be rich.

Now for the idle, could be but, I "kind of" think these are sim but different.

Check the coolant level, make sure you bleed the air out if low-then "why is it low?-. Since you have an LXi, I know this is FI so the idle issue could be because of the IAC or FITV.

If the coolant is low or air is trapped in the system, both the idle and ECT could be because of that.

Let us know what you find....now that I've "signed up" to this post I will be able to follow.

 

Thanks, looks like I will change the sensor in this next week when I get a little more time. I will just drain and change the coolant so I know I have it burped and changed for winter. I am also going to start inspecting all those vacuum lines under hood. Thanks again and we will see what happens next week.

 

There are some tests you can do on the sensor-pan of water and a temp, plus a volt meter....there is a sticky in the General Tech section where you can download a manual, if you don't have one. Might not be a bad idea for the future.

My consern is IF the coolant is low, all of this could be related to just that.

 

Is the "check engine" light the same as the PGM-FI light?

Mine came on and I was wondering how to troubleshoot.

 

That I believe is separate all together. My CEL is on but not that.