The light came on today and seems to be staying on. I did read the manual and it is not the gas cap. I plan to wait a few days to see if it just sensed something irregular or intermittent and maybe it will go out. If it doesn't go out my question is how do I troubleshoot which component is bad in the emissions? Do I need to spend big $ at a dealer for them to hook up to a computer and diagnose?

Thanks,
Scott

 

Stop by a parts store and have them scan for codes. It is a free service. If any codes come up post the code number on here. Codes start with the letter P and have four numbers, like P1234.

 

Go figure...the light went out after staying on for one full day. I did replace the battery the day before the emissions light came on. Could that have triggered it to come on possibly? Hopefully just a fluke. I'll know what to do next time if it comes on and stays...off to the parts store for a free code scan. Thanks.

 

The code will still be stored on your engine computer and still can be read by a scanner at a parts store.

 

Stored code can be read, but if it was caused by low voltage it might be misleading. Read it & then wait to see if it ever comes back.

 

My emissions light came on Tuesday afternoon. I stopped by Advance Auto Parts this morning (Thank you PAHonda). The computer said the code is P1285: Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. What are my options? What could be the problem? Is this going to be an expensive fix?

 

Doesn't sound bad. I do not own a proper manual for an '05 (might try the Common DIY Threads or automanualsource ~$27 online) to bet sure of the testing procedures,,,,,before just replacing the switch.

Redbull, do you have anything on this?

 

DirectorOfFun, what year & what engine do you have?
My list of error codes from 2003-2006 4-cyl doesn't have P1285.

 

JimBlake,
My car is a 2007 Honda Accord SE. I has about 84,000 miles on it.

 

Is your SE a 4 cylinder or V6? I have the images for the V6.

For the newer Hondas, P1285 - Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor 3 Circuit.

Possible cause: wiring, APP sensor, or ECM/PCM