94 accord - persistant 09 error code
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 44
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From: PA
It was fixed by adjusting the ignition timing.
Since the replacement distributors that have been put in this car were aftermarket, I decided to try the suggestions above and got a used Honda distributor at a junk yard. Before installng it, I checked and noted the current timing setting using an inductive timing light (not digital). I have no idea what the degree setting was, only that it was after the white dot (I assume this is TDC) and slightly before the first set of three tick marks (I assume this is the 15 degree plus/minus 2). I installed the new junkyard distributor and adjusted the timing to the same point. While I was adjusting the angle of the distributor, I noticed that engine rpm was decreasing as I approached the original setting. I still got the check engine light. So I decided to reverse the tilt and then check engine light went out. So the problem with the check engine light (9 error code) appears to be caused by incorrect timing.
The incompetant shop that installed the distributor and set the timing was apparantly making the same mistake over and over again.
So I have a new question.
The timing is currently set at "some" point and no check engine light. If I keep turning the distributor in that direction, the engine runs smoother and idles faster. Is this an indication that the timing is at it's optimum point, without relying on the timing light? It is very difficult to actually read the marks on the car. I don't want to go out and buy a new digital light because I am selling this car, and will not be able to use the light on the 01 accord because there is no adjustment.
Since the replacement distributors that have been put in this car were aftermarket, I decided to try the suggestions above and got a used Honda distributor at a junk yard. Before installng it, I checked and noted the current timing setting using an inductive timing light (not digital). I have no idea what the degree setting was, only that it was after the white dot (I assume this is TDC) and slightly before the first set of three tick marks (I assume this is the 15 degree plus/minus 2). I installed the new junkyard distributor and adjusted the timing to the same point. While I was adjusting the angle of the distributor, I noticed that engine rpm was decreasing as I approached the original setting. I still got the check engine light. So I decided to reverse the tilt and then check engine light went out. So the problem with the check engine light (9 error code) appears to be caused by incorrect timing.
The incompetant shop that installed the distributor and set the timing was apparantly making the same mistake over and over again.
So I have a new question.
The timing is currently set at "some" point and no check engine light. If I keep turning the distributor in that direction, the engine runs smoother and idles faster. Is this an indication that the timing is at it's optimum point, without relying on the timing light? It is very difficult to actually read the marks on the car. I don't want to go out and buy a new digital light because I am selling this car, and will not be able to use the light on the 01 accord because there is no adjustment.