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check engine light on - Click HERE for Original Thread
binrocha
my check engine light came on @ 43,000m, dealer claimed gas cap was loose (bs), reset light for $100 & sent me on my way... 2 days later, same bs., now both times, i made sure that the gas cap is tight (at least 1 full rotation), did not topped off gas (over-filled), & key is out of ignition while filling...dealer taking me for a ride? maybe, maybe not, but i sure lost confidence on this particular dealer, thinking of getting a code reader... thoughts, anyone?



sorry i failed to mention, both times dealer found code p1456 which is evap system leak, tightened gas cap & claimed problem fixed. now i'm on the third "check engine light" within 2 weeks, & i don't want to bring it back to any honda dealer because i'm afraid i will blow my gasket if they say "the gas cap was loose" excuse for the umpteenth time... any suggestion? thanks
Blkblurr
Could have a real leak in your gas cap. I do recommend bying a reader. You can get them for about $60 at Autozone. Autozone will read your ecu for free.
binrocha
i've used auto zone code reader before taking it to the dealer on both occurence, i also made sure the gas cap gasket is ok ( if it wasn't, wouldn't it triggered the fault light sooner than a day or so after clearing) well, if the gas cap was at fault, shouldn't the dealer catch it & corrected it, i mean, from their diagnosis of the gas cap being loose on both occasions, unless they're looking for more business...
Blkblurr
quote:
Originally posted by binrocha
i've used auto zone code reader before taking it to the dealer on both occurence, i also made sure the gas cap gasket is ok ( if it wasn't, wouldn't it triggered the fault light sooner than a day or so after clearing) well, if the gas cap was at fault, shouldn't the dealer catch it & corrected it, i mean, from their diagnosis of the gas cap being loose on both occasions, unless they're looking for more business...
unless they're looking for more business... [/QUOTE] [/B]

That's why I have the reader. That way I know if they're telling the truth. The codes are universal and the same ones the dealer reads.
rocky
Lets assume that its reading correctly and the gas cap is loose. These codes typically come on after a half a tank has been used.
Refill the tank after clearing the code and resetting the gas cap.
binrocha
i found out from the service manual pg. 11-4 to reset the pcm without scan tool: on the front passenger side fuse box, #13 7.5 amp fuse... with the ignition off, pull the fuse & wait at least 10 seconds, then re-install. that should reset the check engine light.
charlie_med
I'm having the same exact problem with my 04 Pilot. Three times in two weeks and two trips to the dealership. Today will be the third. The dealership is telling me that they are going to run a smoke test on the evap system. Thanks for the tip on the #13 fuse........it reset the engine light. I just don't want to put a band-aid on something much larger. Thankfully, my vehicle is still under warranty.........
hilltopper
Having same engine light problem on my 04 Pilot with 39000 miles. Taking it in Monday for second time for code 1457. Has anyone gotten a resolution to this problem? There is a NHTSA item # 10014076 showing a Honda service bullitan #804 on their website but I don't know if there was a determination of defect. Dealer denies problem with defective sensor but I suspect they are hiding a common problem.
N_Jay
Try a new gas cap, then after that they should have a diagnostic procedure for fuel system leaks. If they don't tell then to call Honda Tech Line.

If they don't have a test, all the people calling for one should inspire them to develop one.
N_Jay
OK, well screw that. The tests are in the service manual.

By the way 1456 is the gas cap, 1457 is the canister.

Either way, give the service manager an earful for NOT doing the tests in the service manual and still charging you $100.
hilltopper
Work order shows following:
Retrieve code P1457, EVAP CANISTER LEAK, DIAGNOSE AND TEST ALL EVAP SOLENOIDS, ALL SOLENOIDS TEST NORMAL, CHECK EVAP SYSTEM FOR DEBRI, NO DEBRI FOUND, CLEAR LIGHT, PERFORM EVAP FUNCTION TEST 3 TIMES, EACH TIME EVAP SYSTEM TEST NORMAL, RETURN TO CUSTOMER....SEVERAL DAYS LATER LIGHT was BACK ON. I don't want to pay for Honda's guessing game and have given dealer copies of messages from the net showing there seems to be a problem.
N_Jay
quote:
Originally posted by hilltopper
Work order shows following:
Retrieve code P1457, EVAP CANISTER LEAK, DIAGNOSE AND TEST ALL EVAP SOLENOIDS, ALL SOLENOIDS TEST NORMAL, CHECK EVAP SYSTEM FOR DEBRI, NO DEBRI FOUND, CLEAR LIGHT, PERFORM EVAP FUNCTION TEST 3 TIMES, EACH TIME EVAP SYSTEM TEST NORMAL, RETURN TO CUSTOMER....SEVERAL DAYS LATER LIGHT was BACK ON. I don't want to pay for Honda's guessing game and have given dealer copies of messages from the net showing there seems to be a problem.



Since the "Check Engine" code is about the emission control system see if you can push them to cover it under the emission control warranty.

Just something to try.
hilltopper
To charlie_med

Did you ever get a resolution to your problem with the engine light?
BigBarkingDog
I have been having issues with Check Engine light and VTM-4 light coming on and off and searched the forum and found threads on EGR valve. Took my '03 (27,000 40 months) to the dealer. They did determine the EGR Lift valve was insufficient, so that is covered by the EGR warranty extension.

Bad news is they say the the PCM Control Unit is failing for VTM-4. Failing to the tune of $1,012 as I am out of warranty on time, not miles. (Did not purchase extended warranty.)

So the service rep called his district manager to see if they could go 50/50 on it with me since it was only 4 months out of warranty and such low miles. Manager said "yes", but since that is not a stocked part (retail $650 as quoted by a neighborhood mechanic I go to that called another Honda dealership for me, $800 quoted by Honda service rep), I have to wait a week to get the work done as the same mechanic that started the work has to complete the work. (OK, that doesn't make a lot of sense to me and is inconvenient. He diagnosed but did not start any repairs. Any comments on this???)

The Check Engine code was P1491 for the EGR and 77-1 PowerTrain for VTM-4.
N_Jay
Get a price from Tim!:4:
big a
if they charged you 100 bucks to turn out your light and it came back on, then they now should fix it no matter what, they can't keep telling you it is your gas cap. i own an auto repair shop, and thats our policy, if my guy's screw up with their diagnosis, then usually i get involved and get it resolved, at no extra labor cast to our customer, only maybe a part at a reduced rate.
hilltopper
I only paid for the first diagnostic--they stuck my extended warranty company for the replacement of two "faulty parts". The light came back on. They then replaced a canister valve which may have been the problem all along--at no charge. I have not let the gas tank get near empty so I'm not sure it is fixed. To say the least I am not happy with Honda which I suspect is not owning up to a problem nor with the dealer which probably replaced two parts which were not at fault. When my extended warranty is no longer in effect I'm selling the Pilot.
binrocha
light came on 2x, both times dealer claimed gas cap was loose, both times i made sure they weren't... my next move was to get the tech manual - replaced gas cap, reset light & it seems fine so far...they just lost a lifelong customer...(3 hondas & counting)
BigBarkingDog
Well, the dealer called today with some very good news. Since my 36 month warranty was over by 4 months but I did not approach the 36,000 miles, the dealer was going to split the $1,012 charge with me. They had to order the part.

Today they called and said Honda would cover the repair under the 80,000 mile emissions warranty as the PCM module controls both emissions and transmission. That just saved me $506! Restores my faith somewhat that all dealers are not stealers!

I did check with Tim at HondaAccuraWorld about purchasing an extended warranty, even if I had to pay for this repair, and he said "Once the vehicle's warranty is up, the only way you can get a HondaCare is to have it certified as a Honda Certified Used vehicle." I will check with the dealer on what cost or process getting my vehicle certified would be in case the extended warranty is something I want to consider. Just feeling like I dodged a bullet this time!
mastyle2000
I purchased 06 Pilot on June 30. On July 7, with about 500 miles on it, the VTM-4 and "engine" light came on while I was on my way home from work. Called the dealership and stopped by and they reset it. That same evening, both the lights came on again after I had driven another 20-30 miles. Dealership said it is safe to keep on driving. VTM-4 light went out later that evening and engine light went out the next day.

I took it in on July 14 to have some accessories installed (that I purchased originally). When I went to pick it up on July 15, they told me that the lights had come on while they were test driving it and upon further diagnosis, they replace the Power Control Module (PCM). The lights have not come on since then.

Initially, I did get the same BS about tightening gas cap well.
Blkblurr
My check engine light and the VTM-4 code was coming on at the same time as well and was determined to be bad fuel injectors. This was after three trips to the dealer and having the egr valve replaced. I talked to engineers at the Honda engine plant near where I live and they told me the VTM-4 light frequently comes on when engine codes come up. The VTM-4 code is a chasis code. They said Honda is very restricted on what they can do with these codes because ot the need to be universal. I'm not buying that one! My point is: Don't spend the money to have the VTM-4 problem fixed until you solve the check engne light problem. I suspect they are one and the same problem.
Rapid Rob
Correct.
Any emission related DTC should be fixed before addressing the VTM issues. Usually there is no VTM problem. I'm surprised the dealer didn't explain that.
timchen
right about turn into 50000 miles, Both check engine light and VTM4 came up.

Already order my valve to replace it myself, Thanks to this board again
HondaDriver
I had my oil changed before a trip from SF to LA so I would have good oil for the long trip. After I arrived in LA, I experienced the same problem.

My check engine light come on. And shortly after, the VTM-4 light came on. After turning off the engine and re-starting, the check engine light would be on, and again the VTM-4 would follow.

Having already checked the gas cap, I starting reading these posts. I was getting ready to replace the ERG valve and went out to my Pilot to see what was involved.

What I found was the oil dip stick was sticking up, out of the tub by about 4"-5". The rubber seal at the top of the dip stick was not made. I pushed it back in and the VTM-4 light was out and did NOT come back on.

Then according to the owners manual, the Check Engine light will take about three trips to turn off once the problem was corrected. And that is exactly what happened! Both lights are out and all is well.

So at least do two checks before you even go to the repair shop or dealer. Check you gas cap and be sure the dip stick in all the way in!
:D
FLYI.COM
Our check engine light keeps coming on. 2004 pilot with 47000 miles. We dropped it of at our lovely honda shop in manchester, nh and they charged us $84 bucks as they said it was the gas cap. The light has been coming on and off for over 6 months. I explained to the service manager that we did what the owners manual said to do with the gas cap, and the light keeps coming on.

The paper work even blames us, "owner did not replace gas cap properly".
Like this is the first time that I ever owned anything that takes gas??

The paper work even show the code of P1457 which is not the cap.

Call is already into Honda.....
john802
quote:
Originally posted by FLYI.COM
Our check engine light keeps coming on. 2004 pilot with 47000 miles. We dropped it of at our lovely honda shop in manchester, nh and they charged us $84 bucks as they said it was the gas cap. The light has been coming on and off for over 6 months. I explained to the service manager that we did what the owners manual said to do with the gas cap, and the light keeps coming on.

The paper work even blames us, "owner did not replace gas cap properly".
Like this is the first time that I ever owned anything that takes gas??

The paper work even show the code of P1457 which is not the cap.

Call is already into Honda.....



P1457 error code is about leakage in evaporative canister system.
timchen
I try gas cap first, but that didn't cure.
So I just order an EGR valve from the Net and didn't go to sDealer at all.
EGR valve came, I replaced the old one. Only 4 bolts and 2 nuts, and some cleaning with old gasket...
Anyway, the VTM4 light doesn't come anymore, few days later, check engine light went out too.
This is a problem too common on pilot. If your pilot has some mileage, I think you should try to replace ERG valve. Even it's not the cause in your case, its time will come soon.
PolishSumgai
quote:
Originally posted by binrocha
i found out from the service manual pg. 11-4 to reset the pcm without scan tool: on the front passenger side fuse box, #13 7.5 amp fuse... with the ignition off, pull the fuse & wait at least 10 seconds, then re-install. that should reset the check engine light.


NOTE: It's the " Inside passenger side fuse box " ( not the one under the hood ) and the procedure worked on my '04 Pilot, saved me $50 and a trip to Hondaland. THANX
James Plourde
HI all, just located this forum and found some very interesting answers to the VTM4 and check engine light issue. I am sure glad that my Google search pointed me here as we are nearing the end of our lease term with this 04 Pilot and up until yesterday were thinking of buying out at that time. Then this issue came up and I was considering dumping the vehicle and going for a new one. Now I have enough info to fix the problem it seems and at the very least I can go to the dealership in Nashua NH with some argument on the PCM issue and the 800000 warranty if the PCM is toast.
Thanks for the colaborative effort on all of you. ;)
pato
vtm4 and check engine light.................rats munch on a wire that goes to Knock sensor =red wire=... mechanic said it was a big rat nest under the fuel injection sys...wire 15 usd ....mechanic 100 usd
James Plourde
Nice to know Pato but I do not have any rats in my neighborhood, likley not enough food sources. Not to mention we have several cats and even the mice are far and few between. I do however have many squirels and they sometimes can be just as destructive so I will be looking into the red wire you mentioned.
I did the "fuse removal" trick last week and reset the pcm as suggested before. This worked for a bit then the light came back on. I did not get a chance to look into it further as my wife uses the car most of the time and she said after 3 trips to the grocery store the light went off and has not yet come back on. I think someone mentioned this happening in an earlier posting as well. One thing we did notice is that the idle seems to get a bit rough now and then so I am starting to think that there may truly be an issue with the EGR valve. If anyone has more info on that subject I am all ears:) Note that I also ensured that the dip stick for the oil was secured correctly as well as the gas cap.
vegasdude
Thanks to this thread I was able to figure out the problem and not panic. It was my oil dip stick being loose. Just to make sure I also tighten my gas cap. I put in close to 100 miles and still no oil engine light warning.

Thanks everyone!
Chasmoore
My check engine and VTM-4 lights have been on for a while and based on everything I had read here, I went ahead and got an EGR valve on ebay for $85. including shipping. It was an easy swap out except for removing the stubborn old gasket and now she purrs like a kitten. No idiot lights, no hesitation at 1,500 RMP, no problems at all. Buy from gmhonda94 on ebay if you want to save 40 - 50 bucks vs. Honda dealer on this part. BTW, dealer wanted $370. to do this job. This board is a GREAT resource.
denmo83
quote:
Originally posted by binrocha
i found out from the service manual pg. 11-4 to reset the pcm without scan tool: on the front passenger side fuse box, #13 7.5 amp fuse... with the ignition off, pull the fuse & wait at least 10 seconds, then re-install. that should reset the check engine light.


Thank you for the tip on fuse #13. Check engine light went out. Time will tell if it stays that way.
christiamwalter
i have a 2003 pilot and im getting check engine and VTM-4 ...had the codes pulled out and im getting PO135, PO748, 77-1?


What are those???

I dont to pay big bucks at the dealer..please help

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