Originally Posted by webie
Hey HondaTech,
One last question; if I backprobe the wires to the map with the engine idling and it gives me an off set value. Doesn’t that mean that the problem should be between the cables and cars computer?
No if you backprobe the wires on the connector which plugs into the sensor you are getting the reading the computer would get provided the wiring in the rest of the system is okay. You are isolating the sensor from the circuit. If the sensors voltage is within range then you need to check the wiring to the computer. I usually will check at the sensor first then at the computer main harness connector then I'll split the circuit at another connector etc. until I find my bad wire or pinfit whatever...
If I'm not mistaken the sensor does not have a place to test for it voltage other than an OBD-2 reader. I could not found any space to put the probes while the "Sensor" is connected to the cable. Maybe I could get some jumper between the cable that sends voltage back to the computer and the ground cable and test them while connected to the sensor. Is that what you are saying?
The book was made for us (techs) and we have a scanner which is faster at every dealership. This doesn't mean that you can't use a multimeter(not a scanner) to test a Map sensor. It's electrical in nature right? Buy a cheapo multimeter turn it on and set it to voltage , stick one end of the probe into the hole where the wire goes into the connector and one end at the neg. battery cable. You will get a voltage reading. That is all there is to it.
Also and finally, what do you mean by a cheapo meter? Can you recommend me one? I think I could pay between $50 and $150 to get one that could give me, at least, the error code and the sensor data the computer sends to the OBD-2. I was reading the “Honda Accord (98-00) Service Manual” and many basic troubleshooting requires some info from the OBD-2. Maybe this could be I good investment on future services to my car as I’m gonna keep it for as long as he can give me the joy.Thanks for your advice man, I really appreciate it.
I think you are getting confused, by meter I mean multimeter. It's a device that measures electrical values. You can get them at sears for less than ten dollars. Harbor frieght has them so does home depot. The best one for automoblies is hands down a Fluke model 88. They run about 400 bucks. But sears has cheapo ones for 10 or less. If you spend like 40 bucks you should get a nice decent one. Fluke's are lab grade type meters, very expensive.
A scanner is a just that they scan for codes. the most basic scanner just scans codes, more advanced(and expensive) ones will give you data list. Which is what the book is calling for. Unless it's a honda scanner which is pricey, it will usually give less information which sucks. I would buy a used MT2500 off ebay if I were you, snap-on has stopped selling them and ppl are all upgrading to the new ones the solus and the modis. If you get one try to get one with all the cords and with as much software possible. For a Honda you need the asian cart. and a "key", make sure it's OBD2 too. Just look through the auctions and buy one with "asian" cart. thats OBD2. It should come with the key. I happened to get lucky and found a used Honda scanner for 100 bucks that was dead. I changed out the batterys( it looks like an expensive pack but if you open the pack it's full of ni-cad rechargeables) and fired it up and it was working cool. I updated it at the dealership and it's now at the lastest software version and ready to go. Plus it has the OBD2 generic function for other cars..If you want a Honda scanner find a used "vetronix" scanner on ebay buy the 8meg card and get someone at a dealer to update it for you and you'll have a honda scanner up to 03. Vetronix makes the 1st honda scanner and it's "mastertech" scanner is the aftermarket version of the honda scanner. The difference is the software. Find a used 8meg honda factory card and you'll be in business. I'm currently looking for a factory card for toyota since yota uses the same scanner still as the old honda one. If I could get one and get it updated through a friend at toyota I'll have one scanner that has factory software for two brand cars that I work on most.
With the factory cards software you get all info plus immoblizer function, etc..
Anyways, check ebay and craigslist in your area you never know what someone has for sell, 100 for a honda scanner almost floored me. I bought it without even looking at it over the phone.