The Honda CRV check engine light can cause dread and concern. Yet, many of the things it indicates are quite easy to diagnose and deal with.
But knowing what it means and what could actually be wrong will help you deal with it in the right way.
The ‘check engine light’ is located on your dashboard and comes from the onboard diagnostics (OBD) system in your car, which notifies you that there is a problem with the engine or related components. Read on for our comprehensive guide.
Topic Summary
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
Your car’s check engine light may be illuminated for many reasons, some trivial, some serious. Getting it wrong can lead to serious motor damage. The light might be:
Solid: This is nearly always a non urgent fault code. You should have the car in for diagnostics soon, but you don’t need to pull over. You don’t even need to have the fault inspected immediately.
Check Engine light: This indicates a more immediate problem that is probably related to engine misfire. If the light is flashing, stop driving as soon as you can safely do so and get the vehicle examined right away.
Causes of the Honda CRV Engine Malfunction Light
Here are some common reasons why the check engine light might turn on:
Loose or Damaged Gas Cap
Number one among the check engine light causes that have easy solutions is the gas cap. If it’s not tightened enough or it’s damaged, the check engine light can pop on.
You can tighten the gas cap and see if the problem goes away. If not, replace the gas cap.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor measures the level of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. Failure to correctly monitor this can cause poor fuel economy and high emission rates, so a faulty oxygen sensor will need to be replaced to maintain the effectiveness of the engine.
Bad Spark Plugs or Wires
Each engine has a number of spark plugs that ignite the air fuel mix. (Mechanics occasionally discover broken wires or plugs that contribute to an engine seizing up.) If you replace them, the performance improves.
Malfunctioning Catalytic Converter
Harmful emissions in the exhaust are pushed through the catalytic converter, which helps clean them up before they reach the atmosphere.
When the car has a malfunctioning catalytic converter, for various reasons, it affects the engine efficiency and fuel mileage.
Having a fouled catalytic converter is very costly to repair, so dealing with it as quickly as possible is very important.
Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
That car has an MAF sensor, which decides the amount of air coming into the engine. If the sensor has some fault, there will be a problem with the engine’s performance, and the engine will not give good mileage. So we have to have the sensor replaced.
Problems with the Ignition Coil
The ignition coil carries out the ignition, and the explosion also generates the power required to drive the cooling system, power system, and lighting system.
If there is a problem with the ignition coil, it will cause the engine to be unable to combust and will lead to misfires, driving or power system failures, and related problems.
The replacement of the ignition coil and electrodes is completed. Then, the problem will be cleared.
What To Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On
Check for Obvious Issues: Before hitting the road, make sure the gas cap is tightened properly. A damaged cap should be replaced.
Monitor Vehicle Performance: Note changes in vehicle performance, like strange noises, vibrations, or loss of power, all of which can help a mechanic diagnose the problem.
Schedule a Diagnostic Test: If the check engine light is still on and flashing at this point, then it is advisable to take your CRV to a certified mechanic, who will connect a diagnostic scanner to the vehicle computer to retrieve the trouble codes pertaining to the issue.
Address the Issue Promptly: Leaving a check engine light alone will result in an even more costly repair of more severe damage than was the problem to start with. The sooner you diagnose and take action, the better.
How To Reset Honda CRV Check Engine Light
There is more than one way to reset a check engine light, but any attempt to erase the input will be temporary. Once you find and address the problem, the computer will set the light again. Here’s how to reset:
1. Using an OBD-II Scanner
- Purchase or Borrow an OBD-II Scanner: You can buy one online or at an auto parts store, or you can borrow one from a friend whose toolbox has an auto part store rental option.
- Connect the scanner: Insert the OBD-II scanner plug into the port labeled ‘OBD’ or ‘DIAG’ under the dashboard, which is usually on the driver’s side.
- Turn on the Ignition: Turn on the ignition or start the motor while leaving the engine off.
- Read and Clear Codes: Follow the scanner’s instructions to ‘read the DTCs’ (diagnostic trouble codes) from the trouble area. Clear away or correct the problem codes, then select ‘clear’ or ‘reset.’
- Turn Off the Scanner: Now turn off the scanner and start the engine to check if the light goes off.
2. Disconnecting the Battery
- Turn Off the Engine: Ensure the vehicle is completely off and the key is removed from the ignition.
- Disconnect the Battery: Loosen the negative terminal with the wrench and remove the cable. Leave it without being connected to the battery for about 15 minutes.
- Reconnect the Battery: Reattach the negative terminal and tighten the bolt.
- Start the Vehicle: Turn the ignition to check if the check engine light is off.
In addition to good safety reasons, disconnecting your car’s battery may reset other systems, including your radio presets and your clock, so future attempts to access your car will become more restricted. You may also clear important diagnostic information.
3. Driving the Vehicle
Sometimes, the check engine light won’t turn off until it’s been driven around a certain number of cycles or miles after the problem has been fixed. This is true only if the problem has been fixed.
- Address the Root Cause: Resetting the light switches without fixing the circuit can damage it permanently. Pay someone to check and repair the problem.
- Check with a Mechanic: If you’re unsure about whether or not to attempt these steps or feel uncomfortable performing them yourself, consider seeking help from a traditional mechanic.
If you do these things, you will turn off the check engine light. But remember, let someone fix the original problem so your CRV stays in good shape.
FAQs on Honda CRV Check Engine Light
What Should I Do If My Honda CRV Check Engine Light Comes On?
If the check engine light turns on, first check for anything that might be obvious, such as an ill fitting or cracked gas cap. If the cap fits but the light keeps glowing, make an appointment to have a diagnostic test run on your car. A mechanic can plug your car’s computer into a diagnostic scanner to learn which problem is setting off the light.
Can I Keep Driving If the Check Engine Light is On?
A solid check engine light means there’s a non emergency issue. Get the car checked out soon to make sure nothing irreversible happens. If the light is flashing, there’s more to worry about. A flashing light points to issues like engine misfires. Stop driving right away and get it inspected ASAP.
What is the Bill Going To Get the Check Engine Light Checked Out?
The price for a diagnosis and a solution will vary drastically, depending on the extent of the problem. Diagnostics are typically between $50 and $100, with repairs ranging from a couple of dollars (maybe to replace a gas cap) to several hundred dollars (such as for a faulty catalytic converter).
Can I Reset the Check Engine Light Myself?
You can reset the light by disconnecting the battery or using an OBD-II scanner, but this won’t fix the problem. Turning the light off is a temporary construct, they point out. The car still has the issue, and if you don’t figure out what’s up and address it, something more significant down the line could break, leading to a costly repair or possibly stranding you on the side of the road.
How Can I Prevent the Check Engine Light from Coming On?
Regular maintenance and timely repairs can turn off the check engine light. Keep the oil changed, oil filter, and air filter fresh, and make sure your vehicle’s emissions system is working properly. You can plan check engine light maintenance around your Honda CR-V’s scheduled maintenance plan to ensure no related trouble codes are waiting to turn on the check engine light and ruin your day if in need of repair.
Conclusion
The check engine light on your Honda CRV provides a strong clue as to the health of your car.
While it can mean different things and range in seriousness, being informed about its meaning and acting accordingly can help you keep your CRV running smoothly.
Keeping up with maintenance and responding to warning signs can keep your CRV on the road and running smoothly.