Hey guys, my check engine light came on tonight when driving home, it is my understanding that you just use a paper clip to short the computer connector and read the flashes on the CEL on the dash, this is correct? Some intuition says it's not meant for that(I know it's really meant for the honda diagnostic computer), but I know mechs who don't have the computer do it, and many of you I'm sure,

I just want reassurance that it does not do any damage, right? I'm sure someone has done it dozens of times...

Does this look like the right procedure?

6th gen CEL procedure

Anyone who has done this can tell me it's ok to do this, right?

This is on my 98 EX-V6, 73,500K miles.

Thanks a bunch!

 

That is correct.

As for the codes, just search yahoo for what it flashes back.

 

I pulled the code, extremely simple to do. I got 8 long 0 short, code 80 - P0401 - EGR flow insufficient

Also the ABS light was flashing too, giving 6 longs and 1 short = 61, I don't know what that means...

I did some searching around on this code, and there was an emissions recall,
DTC P0401 EGR Flow/EGR Port Clogging for my car, does that give me something to attempt to tell the dealership to get done for free?

What is the warrenty on emissions systems, was it 80k?

 

I'm familiar with that bulletin...I do believe the warranty is 80k miles, so it should be covered under warranty.

 

More and more searching online makes me believe this is covered under the warrenty extension to 8yr/80k for 6th gen Accord emissions systems..

I will call a Honda dealer tomorrow, and find out. If one tells me no I have about 5 within a 30 min. drive from here But I really think it will be covered.

 

I think on our '98 Accord the 8/80k emmissions warranty has a specific list of whis is & isn't included. But I don't have the warranty book with me now. Even if it looks like it's not included (by the book), a recall might change that & make it a free repair.

 

Called and make an appt to get it in Friday. I explained it to the gal on the phone, she said "It should be" of course they cannot be sure since they have not plugged in the computer and seen the code for themselves. There's no mistaking the code I pulled, i counted the flashes several times, all the same.

Reading this website list of recalls/TSB's for 98 Accords, although you can't see the details anymore, makes me think it should be covered

Accord Recalls/Bulletins

On a seperate question, how do they go about charging people for TSB fixes? Both labor and parts, right? There's a couple that relate to mine, but they aren't a big deal for me to pay to have them fixed, like the drivers seat moves slightly side to side when I take full 90' turns, but that is nitpicking and I can live with a few things like that, for a 6 year old car.

 

For most TSBs its the same as if you just come in & complain about the problem. If you're out of warranty you pay parts & labor. TSB's simply tell the dealer tech what's the 'approved' method to fix your problem. Sometimes it prevents the tech from wasting time if he's never personally seen the same problem before.

 

In and out of the dealer today, cost to me = $0.00 What would I do if not for google and informative forums like this one?