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1988 Honda Civic DX 4dr [yellow light]

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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:21 AM
  #1  
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Default 1988 Honda Civic DX 4dr [yellow light]

Hey everyone new here! So sup!

I was wondering if someone could help me out on what could be wrong with my moms car.

She drives it about 5 miles and out of no where a yellow [check engine] light comes on. When she bought the the car I changed all the fluids, filters, and a couple tires. Nothing big.


When I drive it, and it happens, it seems to be running kinda hot but I know this isn't the problem. When I pull the car over to the shoulder and turn the car off then turn it back on it resets and everything is back to normal. Then about 4-5 miles after it comes back on. The light isn't flashing so I know its not that bad. Its a solid yellow. When the light comes on it bogs and doesn't go fast, I don't think it would hit 20mph with the yellow light. Has anyone had this problem? If so what was it?

I know it could be a sensor just not sure where to look and I know this could be a DIY job for me just need a direction to look first.

I just need some help, advice or any information

Thanks!
 
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 11:21 AM
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Check for the code number that is turning the light on. To do this, look at the computer (ECU) itself, it will have either one red light that blinks or a set of four. The ECU is under the carpet where the passenger's feet would be. Pull the carpet down, turn the key on and observe the light(s) on the ECU. If it's the single blinking light type, count the number of blinks. It will blink from one to 20 times, pause, then blink again.
 
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 11:54 AM
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Originally Posted by mk378
If it's the single blinking light type, count the number of blinks. It will blink from one to 20 times, pause, then blink again.
Ok so how would I read the blanks? If it blinks 20 times what does that mean?
If I download or buy the manual would it tell me what it means and what needs to be fix/replaced?
 
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 12:10 PM
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The number of blinks is the code. 5 blinks, pause, then 20 blinks, pause = codes 5 and 20. The table of codes is easy to find online. Post back here with the code(s) when you get them.
 
Old Jun 30, 2009 | 01:25 PM
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Hey man thanks for the help!


I checked under the carpet and I seen a metal looking cover. It has one clear sight hole and a red LED flashing.

When I turned the car on it took a minute for me to count the flashes lol but I got 4 blinks, pause, then 8 blinks and repeat.

I wonder what this means?!


Thanks for anymore info!
 

Last edited by _17; Jun 30, 2009 at 01:38 PM.
Old Jul 5, 2009 | 09:54 AM
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Well not much help here, so I guess ill let a mechanic check it out or she might sell it cheap or junk it.
 
Old Jul 5, 2009 | 10:30 AM
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CODE PROBABLE CAUSE for Honda Vehicles 1988 and later.


4 Crank angle sensor or circuit

8 TDC position/crank angle sensor or circuit.
 
Old Jul 5, 2009 | 10:31 AM
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^ i googled for you
 
Old Jul 5, 2009 | 01:01 PM
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We also have this information in one or two of the stickies... not everything has to be spoon fed to you. Most of the time, if you look for an answer you will find it.

https://www.hondacivicforum.com/foru...ead.php?t=3682


Good luck with getting it fixed. Nobody likes a check engine light.
 

Last edited by trustdestruction; Jul 5, 2009 at 01:04 PM.
Old Aug 16, 2009 | 01:38 PM
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Thanks for ALL the replies everyone!

I got the car running perfect. it was the distributor. Some gasket or o-ring was busted and oil was in the distributor all over the sensors and everything. Smells burned. I replaced it with a new distributor and all is good. Going to do more general maintanence, going to do some body work and have it painted for her. These cars last forever

Thanks again for the info
 
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