Car question - Check engine light on.

[jsbush]

The car is a 96'honda civic lx, 5speed.

The speedo stop working and then it started working again (few minutes later), then the check engine light came on.

Any ideas on what might be wrong?

 

[BlueApple]

Have you looked in the manual?

 

[fastz28]

electrical?

Best to hook it up to a computer and pull the code.

 

[PsychoAndy]

if that car is OBD compatible, youre lucky. you can head over to your mechanics and he can tell you the error code the computer is storing.

i'm not so lucky, i got an 88 with the light on and finding out whats wrong will take a fortune

 

[Thegonagle]

I'd bring it to the dealer rather than to Bubba's Garage, unless you know that your local Bubba's Garage scans for computer codes (that's what smart guys do if an engine light is on) instead of just throwing parts at it.

Actually though, I just thought about it, and I think the the computer probably recorded a code for a fault with the vehicle speed sensor. If your problem is intermittent enough, the check engine light will eventually turn itself off after something like 20-40 drives. If it happens again, the light will turn back on. If it was a freak occurrence that never happens again, the light will stay off until something else turns it on. My bet is that it will get worse over time, unfortunately, and the speed sensor will eventually need to be replaced.

 

[Bignate603]

do what my mechanic told me, take some electrical tape and tape over it!

 

[Thegonagle]

<< do what my mechanic told me, take some electrical tape and tape over it! >>

Sweet Jesus! Your mechanic is either an idiot, or he needs to retire, because that's the wrong approach.

 

[MacBaine]

Maybe you should check the engine.

 

[goodoptics]

I happen to have a 96' civic lx auto. You can check the code yourself. All you need is a paper clip and 2 flat-tip screwdrivers. The 2-pin (female) diagnostic connector is located inside the front passenger side's kick panel. Use the screwdriver to pry (gently) out the plastic panel. You should be able to easily spot the connector. It should be covered with a small plastic cap (on mine it's blue. It prevents dust from getting into the pins). Pull the dust cover off and short them with a paper clip. Insert key to turn the ignition until the engine light comes on. It should start flashing repeatedly. For example, if it gives up 4 longs flashes, followed by 1 short flash, that means code 41 (oxygen sensor failure). After you've found out the code and fix the problems associated with it, you can reset the computer by disconnecting and reconnecting. If the check light doesn't come back on, Congrats. If it comes back on, further diagnosis is needed.

Good luck.

 

[Bignate603]

no, he told me to put tape over it because he knew exactly what the problem was, an air sensor had stopped working. It wasn't a real problem and had only a small effect on my gas mileage.

 

[Tominator]

The check engine light is programmed to come on at specific intervals usually based on milage. It's intent is to get you to check the emission system. In most cars it does not mean anything is actually wrong.

This differs by model and make and may be just a loose wire or a sensor. Get a Haynes manual for your model and read it. If the sensor is bad it will effect the engine and it's drivability. Buy one and put it on.....easy.

 

[Pepsi90919]

<< no, he told me to put tape over it because he knew exactly what the problem was, an air sensor had stopped working. It wasn't a real problem and had only a small effect on my gas mileage. >>

ok, and what happens now if something else goes wrong?

you should get any broken sensors fixed anyway.

 

[jsbush]

So its not anything that can hurt the car? Can I still drive it untill I get it fixed?

 

[ElFenix]

that light is emission control sensors. OBD I was different for every manufacturer. OBD II has been standardized for codes and can check for more things, like your gas cap being unscrewed. you can't pass an emissions test with that light on. somtimes its very minor, sometimes theres something really wrong with the engine and thats why its on.

 

[goodoptics]

<< So its not anything that can hurt the car? Can I still drive it untill I get it fixed? >>



What's the mileage on the car? How does it the engine run?
I'd suggest to get it fixed as soon as possible. IMHO, it's not a wise thing to ignore the problem. It could be minor. It could be major. The only way to find out is to get it checked.

 

[jsbush]

The car runs the same as always. It's got 152 000km on it.