Why does my engine light randomly comes on?

Question

I have a 1995 honda accord and the light randomly comes on sometimes after ive been driving for a bit its weird it never comes on right away and the light goes away if i shut my car off and turn it back on.. has nothing to do with my oil or anything like that i want to know what givesI

Answer 1

I'd guess it was something to do with tempreture if it takes a little while to come on but there really is no way of knowing without using the appropriate diagnostic equipment to get the ECU (cars computer) to tell you whats wrong and even that really just tells you where to start looking. It tends to cost about the same to buy the diagnostic kit on ebay as it does to get someone to do it so if you are feeling handy then I'd suggest buying one.



EDIT: what makes you say it is innacurate?

Answer 2

A random check engine light coming on indicates there is a temporary problem with some engine control system detected by the computer....often times a misfire due to old spark plugs or wires, etc... You can test to see what trouble codes are stored which will indicate which system has a fault in it and may require more testing. Being a 95 model, it could be an OBD-I system or some models had the newer OBD-II system which uses different test procedures. Some info on testing and what codes mean listed below....some parts stores offer to check for trouble codes for free or have a shop check it out.



OBD- I system....

"With ignition off, insert jumper wire in service check connector terminals, located behind right side of dash on Accord, Civic and Civic Del Sol and near center console on Prelude.

Turn ignition switch to ON position. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) will be indicated by a series of long and short flashes on MIL.

The number of long flashes indicates the number in the 10s column. The number of short flashes indicates the number in the 1s column. For example, 4 long flashes followed by 3 short flashes would indicate DTC 43."



OBD-II....

"95–97 Accord V6 & 96–97 Accord 4 Cyl.



If the malfunction indicator/Check Engine lamp remains lit or comes on while the engine is operating, the ECM has detected a malfunction and has stored a DTC in its memory.



To access the DTC memory using a scan tool, connect the Honda PGM Tester or an OBD II scan tool to the 16-pin DLC. The DLC is located in the center console behind the ashtray. Turn the ignition On and begin troubleshooting as indicated by the tester, following its prompts to diagnose the error. If unsure how to operate the scan tool or PGM tester, refer to the tool user’s manuals for specific operating instructions.



To access DTC memory using the MIL, connect the SCS service connector to the SCS check connector. The SCS 2 pin connector is located under the passengers side of the instrument panel. Place ignition switch in the On position begin MIL flash code diagnosis.



Data Link Connector (DLC) locations. 95-97 Accord V6 & 96-97 Accord 4 cyl. In Console.

Service check connector location. 95-97 Accord V6 & 96-97 Accord 4 cyl. Passenger side, up under glove box."

http://www.batauto.com/troublecodes/honda/



Trouble codes for both systems and what they mean are listed at bottom of page.

Answer 3

+1 on the random misfire. It says in the manual, that when the engine is misfiring the check engine light will blink, if it misfires a lot, then the check engine light will blink then stays on.



Do a tune up, replace sprakplugs and check valve clerances.

Answer 4

Check to see if you have ant specific codes. It could be either random misfire or misfire in anyone of the cylinder. Have you had them check your intake manifold gasket? If there is a small leak, it could set a misfire code.

Answer 5

95 accords don't have intake gasket issues, that's not the problem,, have the code checked that will send you in the right direction.

Answer 6

sounds like there is a o2 sensor acting up.