Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a mechanic nor a car specialist. This page is not for instructional use. Rather it is an accounting of a personal experience and/or process. Any information used from this page is solely at your discretion and I can not be held liable for any resulting action and/or damage.
Cause: Both the ECM (Engine Control Module) and TCM (Transmission Control Module) constantly monitor the ongoing condition of the vehicle. When either module detects an abnormality, the warning light is flashed. The ECM warning light is the 'check engine' light and the TCM warning light flashes the D4 indicator on the dash (D4 as in P R N D4 D3 D2 D1).
Tools Needed:
Jumper wire or a paper clip
Flash light.
Difficulty Scale: On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being very difficult) this is a 0 okay a 1.
Process: (note - these instructions are from sections 11 and 14 of the factory Honda Accord Service Manual amended with my comments.)
First we'll need to locate the ECM/TCM. The unit is located just behind the floor board just in front of the front passenger foot well just under the dash. (note there is no need to remove the carpeting, this is just to show you where the unit is located)
To check codes you must first access the Service Check Connector (2P). Remove the kick panel (no tools needed, just pull) to reveal the Service Check Connector (2P).
Turn the ignition on. Using a jumper wire or a paper clip bent into the shape of a "C" connect the 2 terminals together.
Failure codes or DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are indicated by the length and number of blinks by the (MIL) Malfunction Indicator Light. The MIL is the check engine light for the ECM and the D4 light for the TCM. The MIL can indicate simultaneous component problems by blinking separate codes, one after another. Codes 1-9 are indicated by individual short blinks. Codes 10-43 are indicated by a series of long and short blinks. The number of ling blinks equals the first digit, the number of short blinks equals the second digit. Please refer to the diagram below:
The following are links to PDF files that contain the list of DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes):
RESETTING THE ECM/TCM:
Turn the ignition switch off .
Remove the back up fuse (7.5A) from the under-hood fuse relay box for 10 seconds to reset. (note this will result in lose of power to the radio thus you will have to reset any present stations - if you have an anti-theft radio with a code, you will have to re-enter the code)
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Last updated 20 Oct 2008 05:40:30 PM
