My '88 civic's check engine light frequently comes on when the car reaches 45-50 mph. The ECU code is 20, electric load detector. Also, at stop lights, while the engine is running, I can press the accelerator all the way to the floor and not get any acceleration for 20-40 seconds. I've replaced the O2 sensor.

P0600 means that the ECU has lost the connection with one of its many controllers more than once. When this code is set the ECU triggers the Check Engine Light to be displayed on the dashboard and a failsafe mode enacted.

The failsafe mode is to prevent further damage and protect the vehicle. Failsafe mode will remain in effect until the normal operation is detected or the vehicle is repaired.

What causes the P0600 code?
1. Failing ECU or the ECU has failed
2. Low battery voltage
3. ECU wiring harness open, short or poor electrical connection

Based on a battery light coming on, I would strongly suspect the battery is failing. Change the battery (or have it tested using a CCA tester, NOT A VOLTAGE TESTER which will (not give you an accurate picture of a battery in a modern car.)

Personally, if this is the original battery, I would change it before considering anything else.

Electric Load Detector Circuit High Voltage

Possible causes - Faulty Electronic Load Detector Unit - Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) - Electronic Load Detector Unit harness is open or shorted - Electronic Load Detector Unit circuit poor electrical connection
Possible symptoms - Engine Light ON (or Service Engine Soon Warning Light)
P1298 Honda Description The Electric Load Detector (ELD) measures the main current flow and sends that signal to the Engine Control Module (ECM) to command the alternator charging system to get fuel efficiency and decrease the drag of the engine when starting.

who diagnosed the ECU , its more than likely to be the Electric Motor for the power steering as it goes hard , did you get the OBD codes read ? sometimes just clearing the code will cure the issue ,

there is a code in the PCM that needs to be checked out. a light the stays on tells you this a flashing light tells you what ever the problem is can cause a running problem possible engine damage and is allowing the emissions to go out of range.

Next time the engine light comes on, get the codes pulled and get back to me

service manual.
Code Description Possible Cause
0 ECU / ECU signal No signal to ECU
1 Oxygen sensor circuit Oxygen sensor or circuit, ECU
2 Oxygen sensor circuit Oxygen sensor or circuit, ECU
3 MAP sensor circuit Map sensor circuit
4 CKP sensor / engine speed (RPM) Crank angle sensor or circuit, ECU
sensor
5 MAP sensor circuit MAP sensor or circuit, mechanical
problem
6 ECT sensor circuit ECT sensor or circuit, automatic
transaxle control unit
7 TPS / Angle Sensor TPS sensor or circuit, automatic
transaxle control unit
8 CKP sensor / engine speed (RPM) Crank angle sensor or circuit, ECU
sensor
9 CMP sensor CMP sensor or circuit
10 IAT sensor IAT sensor or circuit
11 Idle Mixture Adjuster Sensor Idle mixture adjuster sensor or
circuit
12 EGR system fault No EGR action, faulty EGR valve
13 BARO sensor circuit BARO sensor or circuit
14 Idle Air Control valve circuit / ECU Open or shorted out ignition signal
circuit / No signal to ECU
15 Ignition Output signal Open or shorted ignition output
signal circuit
16 Fuel Injector Circuit Open or shorted fuel injector
circuit
17 VSS circuit VSS sensor or circuit
18 Ignition Timing Adjuster Open or shorted signal circuit
19 A/T Lock-up control solenoid Open or shorted signal circuit,
Lock-up control solenoid lock-up solenoid
20 Electrical Load Detector / Sensor Electrical load detector or circuit
Honda/Acura
Fault Code Definitions (21 - 59)
Chapter 3 22
Code Description Possible Cause
21 Spool Solenoid Valve Open or shorted signal circuit,
spool solenoid valve
22 Valve Timing Electronic Oil Open or shorted signal circuit,
pressure switch valve timing oil pressure switch
23 Knock sensor circuit Knock sensor or circuit
30 AT / ECU communication signal A AT control unit, ECU
31 AT / ECU communication signal B AT control unit, ECU
35 Traction control / ECU / signal Traction control module, ECU
36 Traction control / ECU / signal Traction control module, ECU
41 Oxygen sensor heater - left side Oxygen sensor / heater or circuit
42 Oxygen sensor heater - right side Oxygen sensor / heater or circuit
43 Fuel Supply system - left side Oxygen sensor or circuit, fuel
system
44 Fuel Supply system - right side Oxygen sensor or circuit, fuel
system
45 Fuel metering - left side Injector control circuit, incorrect
fuel metering
46 Fuel metering - right side Injector control circuit, incorrect
fuel metering
48 Heated oxygen sensor Oxygen sensor or circuit
53 Right Knock Sensor Right knock sensor or circuit
54 CKP sensor 2 CKP sensor 2 or circuit
59 CMP sensor 2 CMP sensor 2 or circuit

Problem fixed--bad distributor

P1361 TDC Sensor Intermittent Interruption (I got this from Engine-Light-Help.com)
TDC should mean Top Dead Center.
It is the sensor that tells the computer the #1 cylinder piston is at the very top. And therefore, fires the spark plug.

Since the maintenance done above, I believe the the timing marks for the timing belt is not lined up properly. Being off by one tooth will cause this problem.

OVERDRIVE ENGAGEMENT IS TIED TO THE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL, THE SYSTEM WILL NOT GO INTO OD UNTIL THE CAR REACHES A CERTAIN SPEED, IN MOST CASES AROUND 35-40 MPH, THE SPEED SENSOR SIGNAL TELLS THE ECU WHEN THE CORRECT SPEED HAS BEEN REACHED.

You will need to remove the speedometer and have it repaired, it is electronic.