95 Accord, 4 cylinder auto (non-vtec). This has happened three times, and I hope that someone can help me. The CEL comes on, I use a paper clip to create a connection between the two terminals on the service connector, and the CEL immediately goes off. It stays off for several weeks (maybe 25 or so cranks?) and then pops back on. What's up?

Thanks, Dave

 

Have you tried to insert the jumper first, Then turn on the key?

 

Dude,

Yes, that is the protocol I have followed, per instructions. It's almost as if the procedure functions as a switch to turn off the light.

 

This link has a good set of instructions: http://www.dhost.info/accordinfo/howto/cel.html

Make sure that you use a thin paperclip and that it is securely touching both metal leads in that plug.

 

If theres no error code stored, the lamp is supposed to stay on solid. Unfortunately, if the CEL is on, then goes OFF when you plug in the jumper, the problem might be a bad ECU.

 

Jim,

How would I determine if it's a bad ECU? Would it be worth grabbing one from a junk yard to switch out?

 

If cheap, try the swap.I usually dont like throwing parts at it without diagnosing, but dont know how to positively test for this.

The Helm book says to try a new ECU, but thats easy for them to say - they dont have to pay for it...

 

Took a look at the ECU this afternoon. There are two units there, onemarked for the transmission, the other for the engine (?).I didn't take them off the platform they are mounted on.What's troubling me is that the two wires that you jump together according to the online protocol don't go to the large ECU, they go to the unit markedfor the transmission! The other connector's three wires go to the larger unit, presumably the engine's ECU.

This leads me to think that I am not testing properly and that the sudden turn-off of theCEL is proper. Could it be that I have an early OBD II car that can be scannedusing the three-wire connector?

 

Pull out the ashtray and see if there is an OBD2 plug behind it.

Also the under hood sticker should say if the car is OBD1 or OBD2

 

Yeah, I checked under the hood and it is definitely OBD I. Also, nothing available behind the ashtray. BTW, what's the other service (three wire) connector for?

Perplexed.