Top 10 1997 Honda Accord Questions & Answers

Hi

If the engine is running without any problems then The fault code which has flagged the checked engine light will either pertain to the upstream O2 sensor, a drop in catalytic efficiency, an EGR issue, or maybe even an EVAP issue.

A lot of EVAP issues can be resolved by simply ensuring that the fuel filler cap is on securely, otherwise a vacuum leak will be detected in the system and the check engine light will come on.

A drop in catalytic efficiency (P0420) is usually temporary and will stay away after a reset.

EGR issues can sometimes be rectified by removing the EGR valve and cleaning it, and the ports on the intake where it was sat, but there are occasions when it has to be renewed.

The O2 sensor issues are a wee bit different. There are a number of fault codes which relate to the O2 sensor, and which make the O2 sensor look faulty, when the O2 sensor is actually attempting to rectify a problem from elsewhere and isn't faulty at all. However, they could also be due to a fault with the O2 sensor. Basically, further checks should be made before condemning the O2 sensor should the fault code relate to the sensor.

Have a code read done and then have the codes reset and see what comes up.

Regards

Geordie

Flasher unit is bad. Replace flasher

i haven't fixed the problem but I don't have any money to pay for a plan on here. thank you anyway.

Window motors & regulators go bad every day. Pull your door panel, unplug the motor, if you have an ohm meter apply the leads to the leads into the motor. One will be ground the other two will raise and lower (reverse) the motor. If you show resistance between the leads the motor windings are good and the problem may be the window regulator. If you do not have an ohm meter, you can run two wires (one ground, the other hot) and test the motor by applying elec to it.

The total to refill the system is slightly less than 2 gallons. Purchase 1 gallon of the correct antifreeze and 1 gallon of distilled water. Mix them together 50/50 and you will have more than enough to fill the system after a drain and flush. Replace the thermostat at this time. Be sure and bleed all air from the system after the fill.

OK?

All these code are related to misfiring, the most common problem if you replaced the dist cap and rotor then i would say you have a bad distributor,this is a very common problem the distributors on these hondas cause alot of problems, i would start there.

There are two fuse boxes. One is under the hood, toward the back of the engine (as you're looking at it) and the other is in the cabin, on the driver's side just below and to the left of the steering column,

Three things you may want to check out next in your problem diagnosis:

1. You may actually be getting power to the fuel pump through the functioning fuel pump relay and the good fuse, but the fuel pump itself may have failed - you can check by disconnecting the fuel pump electrical connector, and checking for battery voltage when the ignition key is turned to "Start".

2. The ignition switch itself may have failed, since it has been recalled on this vehicle. The recalled defect may have caused a failure of the switch to deliver power to the fuel pump at startup. Here's a list of all the recalls for the 1997 Accord:

Recall - Ignition Switch Replacement 02-031 09/24/2002
Recall 02V120000: Ignition Switch Defect NHTSA02V120000 05/01/2002
Recall 99V069000: Lower Ball Joint Replacement NHTSA99V069000 04/20/1999
Recall 98V231000: Air Conditioner Wire Harness Chafing NHTSA98V231000 09/18/1998
Campaign - Front Balancer Shaft Oil Seal Replacement 00-073 03/13/2001
Recall - A/C Wiring Harness Routing 98-072 10/13/1998

3. Testing the PGM-FI main relay is fairly involved (and not detailed in the information below). You may want to re-post your query asking for the testing & diagnosis procedure for this component alone.

Below find the 1997 Honda Accord manual entry for diagnosis & testing of the fuel pump electrical circuit.

TESTING

Fuel Pump Circuit

If you suspect a problem with the fuel pump, listen for the pump to operate by removing the fuel fill cap and checking to see if the pump can be heard running during the first two seconds after the ignition key is turned to the ON position. You should hear the fuel pump motor run.

If the fuel pump can be heard running, the fuel pump's electrical circuit is likely to be OK and the fuel pump operating pressure should be checked as outlined later in this section.

Once the engine has started, the fuel pump operation is controlled by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) via the PGM-FI Main Relay. The fuel pump receives its electrical power from the PGM-FI Main Relay, which is triggered for two seconds when the ignition switch is initially turned to the on position.

After the initial two-second startup signal is received, the PGM-FI Main Relay is controlled by the PCM. Because the fuel pump receives its power from the PGM-FI Main Relay, a problem with the ignition switch, PCM, or electrical wiring may not allow battery voltage to reach the pump.

To check the fuel pump wiring proceed as follows:

1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the OFF position.
2. Locate and detach the fuel pump electrical connector at the fuel tank.
3. You may have to remove the floor access panel. For specific details, see the fuel pump removal procedure in this section.
4. Fuel pump access is limited on some 1996-97 models of the Accord and may require you to work under the vehicle. Perform the following steps if that is the situation:

a. Raise the vehicle and safely support it on suitable jackstands.
b. Remove the protective cover from the fuel tank fuel hoses.

5. Detach the fuel pump electrical connector.
6. Connect a suitable Voltmeter between the fuel pump positive terminal of the electrical connector and a known good chassis ground.
7. Hold the electrical connector of the PGM-FI Main Relay so the wire side of the female terminals is visible and install a jumper wire between terminal Nos. 4 and 5.
8. When the ignition switch is turned ON , battery voltage should be present at the fuel pump electrical connector.
9. If the battery voltage is present, check the fuel pump's ground.
10. If the ground is "OK", check the fuel pump.
11. If battery voltage is not present, trace the wiring harness and check the cause for an open or shorted circuit.
12. If all wiring checks out, test the fuel pressure, as outlined later in this section.

Fuel Pump Pressure

The fuel pressure should be checked at the fuel rail or at the fuel feed line for the fuel rail. The fuel pressure is checked with the engine started, thus the fuel pressure gauge must not interrupt the flow of fuel to the fuel rail and the fuel injectors.

To attach a fuel pressure gauge to the pressurized fuel loop requires the use of an adapter that is capable of safely withstanding the fuel system fuel pressure.

WARNING
Checking the fuel system fuel pressure requires the use of an in-line fuel pressure gauge with the engine running. Do not perform this check if suitable test equipment and fuel fittings are not available. The fuel system operates under pressure, if any fuel leakage is noticed while performing this check STOP immediately and do not continue until the source of the leak is resolved. Do not perform this test near sources of heat, spark, or flames. This test must be performed in a well-ventilated area.


CAUTION
The fuel injection system remains under pressure, even after the engine has been turned OFF . The fuel system pressure MUST BE relieved before disconnecting any fuel lines. Failure to do so may result in fire and/or personal injury.

To check the fuel system pressure proceed as follows:

1. Remove the fuel filler cap and relieve the residual fuel pressure. For specific details, refer to the relieving fuel pressure coverage in this section.
2. Attach a suitable fuel pressure gauge to the fuel injection fuel loop as follows:

Models such as the 1998-00 Accord have a fuel pulsation dampener which must be removed in place of the banjo bolt for testing.

1996-97 Accord with 4-cylinder engines and 1996-00 Prelude: Remove the service/banjo bolt from the end of the fuel rail. Install the fuel pressure gauge using a suitable fitting to temporarily substitute for the banjo bolt or in place of the service bolt that will allow fuel to be supplied to the gauge and the fuel rail.

1996-97 Accord with V6 engines: Remove the banjo bolt from the fuel filter outlet and install the pressure gauge using a suitable fitting to temporarily substitute for the banjo bolt and supply fuel to the gauge and the fuel rail.

1998-00 Accord: Remove the fuel pulsation damper from the end of the fuel rail and install a suitable fuel pressure gauge in its place.

3. Remove and plug the vacuum line for the fuel pressure regulator located near the end of the fuel rail.
4. Start the engine and note the fuel pressure. With the pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected and plugged, the fuel pressure should register as follows:

2.2L engines: 38-46 psi (260-310 kPa)

2.3L engines: 47-54 psi (320-370 kPa)

2.7L engines: 40-47 psi (270-320 kPa)

3.0L engines: 41-48 psi (280-330 kPa)

If the engine won't start, turn on the ignition switch ON, wait two seconds, then turn off the ignition switch OFF. Turn the ignition switch back ON again and read the fuel pressure.

5. If the fuel pressure is higher than specification check for a pinched or restricted fuel return hose or line.

6. If the fuel pressure is lower than the specification check for a damaged fuel pressure regulator, clogged fuel filter, fuel feed line or a leak in the fuel feed line. If the fuel pressure regulator, fuel feed lines, and fuel pump are OK, replace the fuel pump and fuel filter.

The fuel pressure regulator testing procedures are located later in this section.

Once the test is complete, perform the following:

7. Carefully remove the fuel pressure gauge and test fittings.
8. Install the removed fasteners using new sealing washers.
9. Install the fuel filler cap.
10. Start the engine and check for any fuel leaks, and repair as necessary.

Doesn't matter if you're looking up at the petcock or down at it, it turns counterclockwise. You have to visualize looking straight on to the petcock as it fits into the radiator, and rotate the petcock counterclockwise relative to the stationary radiator.