The Dreaded "Check Engine" Light

In every car's life, there comes a time when the dreaded "check engine" light appears. Not to fear. There are many resources you can use to check and diagnose these DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes).

For 1992-1995 (OBD1) vehicles you can check these yourself by using the method shown in the picture below.

Location of OBD1 Honda Diagnostic Connector

How to Read the Code

In OBD1 Hondas and Acuras there is a diagnostic port and a two-pin connector located under the passenger-side dashboard. When checking the DTCs you will need to insert a jumper wire from one pin to the other in the two-pin connector. If you don't have a piece of wire around, it is also common to see people using paperclips to "jump" the two sides of the connector.

Once you have "jumped" the two-pin connector, you now need to insert the key and turn on the vehicle. Your check engine light will then start to flash. Every long flash is a digit in the "tens" place in the code, and a short flash is a digit in the "ones" place. So, if you see two long flashes and five short flashes, you have a Code 25. There will be a long pause between codes. Read all the codes until they start to repeat themselves. Then refer to the table below to get the meaning of each code.

For 1996 and Newer Vehicles

For 1996 and newer (OBD2) vehicles, you can visit a local auto parts supplier, such as Advance Auto Parts, that offers free vehicle diagnostics. Most of these free services are restricted to OBD2 vehicles and will give you an immediate explanation of what the code is. As always, it's a good idea to write these codes down and do a little search online to see what other owners have run into when receiving the same codes.

The Most Common Honda and Acura OBD1 Codes

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

Comments

Joel Mantilla on April 07, 2020:

I have a 98 Honda Civic with a 95 Acura integra motor and I’m getting the code 37 but nothing is explaining to me about that code is for anyone know??

J Meakins on February 23, 2020:

I have an A 124 code on my 2006 Honda Civic. Along with an oil change 15%. Any ideas

Nicole A Martinez on February 01, 2020:

and my car code reads valve insignificant lift and exhaust fuel recirculation I don't know what that means that's what the code on the diagnostic says what do I do next

Lil Tony on October 08, 2019:

I have a 95 del Sol that I recently put a d 16 z6 in after putting the motor in I ran into some electrical problems I pulled the main relay and have to run 30 amp fuses in there have to jump the fuel pump no I'm still running that way can you buddy help the problem is even further and is now I thought you might be check solenoid my temperature sensor can somebody please help me

dave on July 05, 2019:

code 43 for a year

Fault code on May 20, 2019:

Fault code 92 on 95 Honda Accord 6 cylinders

EVAPORATIVE EMISSION

CONTROL SYSTEM

where do I start checking to look for this part?

Any suggestions pls help

EGR

PVC

MAP sensor

Oxygene sensor

Fuel Injector

mwanza edlis on April 16, 2019:

i cant find the one plug connector on my Honda integra she 1997 model,i have checked around and beneath the passenger and drivers underworld,does have one

billy Hayes on March 14, 2019:

So, one long blink and stop Is it code 1 or 10 ?

Ines on March 14, 2019:

Code 25 Honda accord lx 95

Dermot on January 14, 2019:

I’ve got solid light come on after 8sec check engine light

shripad on November 15, 2018:

are these code same for Honda city type Z India

Nadim on October 23, 2018:

I got code 45 and 112 for honda accord 1995

Naeem on September 12, 2018:

Hi sir

Stretch on August 05, 2018:

I got code 41. Will that prevent a car from starting tho? (1992 Honda Accord) f22a1

Clifford on July 07, 2018:

#6 is pretty broad, or is it not?

Joe on May 09, 2018:

What code would it be if it's just a continuous flash? Doesn't stop.

Geovonie on April 22, 2018:

What is code 27

Luis on August 29, 2017:

I have a 92 Honda prelude but I'm getting the flashing codes from the D instead of the check engine light. So are those my engine codes????

pissed on June 22, 2017:

i get code 65 - Rear heated oxygen sensor heater - but my model car does not have a heated oxygen sensor its the non heated type.

wezzy on September 28, 2015:

Does anyone no what code 27 is

Carlton Hammonds on August 24, 2015:

When I do the dinosaur on the check engine light it just turned off it doesn't blink what could be the problem 94 Honda Civic

Justin on April 03, 2015:

Vince if it stays on no flash that means ur ecu fuse blew under the hood

vince on April 01, 2015:

Jus stays on wont flash

haseeb on December 21, 2013:

39-1 serial com failurs

ch haseeb on December 21, 2013:

39-1 serial com.failure