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View Full Version : Idle searching, check engine codes, and electrical issues


ek1civic
Dec 30, 2010, 12:01 PM
I have a 2001 Honda Civic EX, I recently noticed belt whine and saw my top alternator bolt fell out. After I put it back in, the belt whine went away for a couple days then returned. A couple days after it returned my battery light came on, the day after my battery light came on my car went seriously crazy. When I start my car it idle searches from about 1,200-600 RPM, every time it idles down the check engine light clicks on, I can hear it clicking at the ECU. After about 40 seconds the idle smooths out, then the check enging light comes on steady and I lose power at my tach, about 30 seconds later my temp gauge loses power. It is an automatic transmission, the gear light indicators around D, D3, a 2 are not working (my brake safety switch is also clicking for about a minute or 2) but the lights around park, reverse, and neutral are working. When this started happening, my car shifts hard in to reverse and drive, goes into park and neutral just fine, also in drive, I'm not getting much power accelerating, it acts like it's staying in first gear. My fans are kicking on sporadically. I have pulled my alternator and had it tested at 2 different shops and it passed all tests, alternator fuse is good, ECU fuse is good. This one has me stumped as the check engine light flashes when the car starts no one can pull the code. Any ideas, input, or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also the car is bone stock.

TxGreaseMonkey
Dec 30, 2010, 12:30 PM
. Remove and fully charge the battery. Most auto parts stores will do this for free.

. Perform the regulated battery voltage test, described in the link below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-10.html#post1973613

. Check the coolant level. Fill the radiator with coolant, until it comes out of the air bleeder bolt. Fluctuating idle is often caused by air in the system. This link should help:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-14.html#post2581995

. Get to the bottom of why you can't read codes. Clean the main ECM ground, located on the thermostat housing. The ECM may be bad.

. Test all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-hondas-selected-other-vehicles-46563-3.html#post252145