98 Accord LX 4 Cyl - Multiple Cylinder Misfire - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Thr
 

I have a Honda Accord 1998 LX 4 cylinder model. I replaced my radiator and compressor in June 2010 and then ran into a problem of sputtering engine.
https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...ad.php?t=33364

I am summarizing the last thread now.

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I went to a Honda dealer and their diagnosis at that time was:
Cause Correction:

Has faulty spark plug #2, had bad spark plug wire set. Check Compression
All 4 Cylinder OK 135 PSI.

Recommended:

Spark Plugs, Spark plugs wire set, Dis-cap, rotor
P/S Pump reseal
Front Brake pads
L/F Axle boot kit (open)
VTEC Solenoid Gasket set (leaking oil)

I got this fixed in July 2010.
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I did a state inspection a week back the following codes:

P0300: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire detected
P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)


I went to the Honda dealer they erased the codes and asked me try again after I had driven for 50 miles. I drove around and then went again for State Inspection and got the same error codes.

My car runs smoothly and there is no check engine light on.

(1) Are the above failure codes related to my sputtering engine fix last year?

(2) One thing which the Honda Service Consultant told me was that the history might not have been deleted when I got my sputtering fixed in July. She said the deletion will cost me $100. Then the next day when I went to clear my history, another service consultant just erased the codes using a hand held device and asked me to drive around for 50 miles before doing the state inspection check again.

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks
Anand

The misfire codes should be due to the sputtering. The catalyst efficiency code could have been caused by this as well.

All of those codes should cause the check engine light to turn on while driving.

If the check engine light has not turned on since you got the problems fixed, then you should be able to pass the state inspection as long as the Honda dealership properly cleared the memory.

Thanks PAHonda. The check light has not turned on.
How do I make sure the check codes are erased properly?

This is what the Honda service consultant did last time:
Read the codes and then erased it. When he read them back it was not there.

Is there something I should keep in mind while erasing the codes?


Thanks
Anand

I am not as familiar with the PCM clearing procedure on the newer accords.

My 95 ECU would store current codes and past codes, so I am assuming that your 98 can do that as well. My 95 was pretty easy to clear codes, where I had to pull a fuse to clear the memory. Your 98 requires the scanner to do this stuff.

I am guessing that the emissions place may be able to read past codes with their scanner? The Honda Dealership should be able to clear all codes with their scanner. They should be able to read both types of codes as well. If your codes are returning, then you will have to fix the problem before your car passes emissions testing.

I would stop by a parts store and have them scan your PCM. If they can't see any codes popping up, then you will know that you have no current codes.

No, you can clear codes from a 98 by pulling a fuse (#13 at right-side door hinges) or by pulling the battery cables.

But I don't understand how you have those codes without the CEL lighting up. Does the CEL light up when you first turn the key ON (bulb check)?

Hi Jim,

The CEL turns on when I start the car but it does not stay long as Maint Check bulb.

Thanks
Anand

Hi,

After clearing the codes I drove for 50 miles and found that only
P0420: Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

showed up. The cylinder misfires did not happen. I fixed that by replaced the catalytic converter.

Thanks for the help

Anand