Hi there. I have a 2003 Honda Accord Coupe, LX ( Automatic). She has 120k on her. This summer, my car has decided to violate my bank account. First, she needed a new starter; -350. Then, she needed back brakes replaced, and new front wheels, and an AC recharge. $600. THEN, and most painfully, the ignition coils and spark plugs ALL had to be replaced. $1,000. She has also within the last year had a new o2 sensor put in, as well as the timing belt, water pump, and serpentine belt. Today, I was driving to work, and the check engine light came on, again ( though solid this time, thank you god). What is going on? Is my mechanic having a party with my money???? I'm so frustrated, it's beyond words.

 

Since the timing belt was replaced, I am assuming this is a V6?

Get the trouble code(s) read from Autozone or some other parts shop that does it for free. Then post the actual trouble code number, we do not need the store person's description of what it might be.

 

Yeah, it is a V6 and I'm planning on going to autozone as soon as I can after work. Since the check engine light is solid, I'm assuming this means I'm ok to use the car for a little? Since the car has done nothing but financially rape me this summer, my bank account is at a point where I can do nothing above the most minimal of repairs until payday next week.

 

A solid check engine light generally is okay to drive; but, should be checked out to narrow down the cause. Flashing light is not okay to drive, which you already seem to know.

It might turn out to be something minor.

 

Yeah, the flashing engine light came on when I had to replace all my ignition coils/spark plugs. That bad boy ran me 1k, but luckily I only drove for about 2 miles with the flashing, so no harm done. Damn car. I hope it's minor, I'm at my wits end. I shall post further in about 2 hours.

 

Code is p0506. How bad is this?

 

DTC 0506: Idle Control System RPM Lower Than Expected

Usually caused by a dirty throttle body (e.g., carbon build-up). Disconnect the intake tube from the throttle body and clean around the inside of the throttle body.

Also, check air filter and replace if damaged or dirty.

 

Well this is going to go to the mechanic, I have no clue what I am doing. My concern is how much will this cost, and am I ok to drive for a week or so on her?

 

I just read what you posted again, and realized that we know we have to change te air filter, but haven't had the time to do that yet. Could this be causing the code?

 

The throttle body cleaning costs will vary based on whether they remove the throttle body or just wipe around the inside with a shop cloth and cleaner without removal of the throttle body. Proper cleaning is by removing whole throttle body and cleaning; however, just cleaning the butterfly and the inside without removal may also take care of your trouble code.

Here is an example at a Honda dealership charging $119.95 plus tax and shop supplies (they remove the throttle body). You can use it as a benchmark to compare to what an independent mechanic or other Honda dealer quotes.

http://www.kleinhonda.com/everett-throttle-body-cleaning-at-$119/

If you did it yourself, probably less than $5 without throttle body removal.

For the most part, you probably should be okay to drive around for a week or so. The trouble code can be something else; however, a dirty throttle body is a probable cause.