Honda Trouble

1989 Honda Accord Lxi EFI

After the engine warms up, the Check Engine light comes on. This has been occurring for about 3-4 months. I've noticed that at stops, while in gear, the enginge lunges (accelerates, wants to move forward). I can prevent this by putting it in Neutral.

I also have a Hard Start when Hot condition. When the engine has cooled down, there is no problem starting.

The ECU (I think that's what it is) is located behind the Driver's seat. I count 6 flashes followed by a pause, and continues with 6 flashes, which, after researching, I believe indicates a Code 6: ECT Sensor (Engine Coolant Temperature) defective circuit or unplugged/defective sensor.

As I stated earlier, these conditions have been occurring only for the past few (2-4) months, so I don't know of anything that has been unplugged.

I've considered a bad o2 sensor, but have been told that that would not cause a Hard Start condition. Though, considering the age and mileage (about 200K) of the car, it would seem reasonable that the o2 needs replaced, but I don't see this as the primary cause of my troubles. Am I mistaken?

Can anyone help me locate this ECT Sensor and its circuit, and advise me on troubleshooting methods of this circuit?

Any other ideas would also be appreciated. And if I didn't list enough specs for my model, I apologize - please let me know.

Thanks,
clueless

Yes it is your coolant temperature sensor. i had the same problem, the same symptoms. the sensor is actually called a TW sensor. it is located right next to your EGR valve. it should have a green plug on top of it. Let your engine cool off and remove the sensor and swap it out with a new one. the sensor i believe is about 50 bucks new... i paid 2 bucks at a salvage yard and it works perfect.

Yes it is your coolant temperature sensor. i had the same problem, the same symptoms. the sensor is actually called a TW sensor. it is located right next to your EGR valve. it should have a green plug on top of it. Let your engine cool off and remove the sensor and swap it out with a new one. the sensor i believe is about 50 bucks new... i paid 2 bucks at a salvage yard and it works perfect.

OK, I read another thread http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=384798&highlight=Engine+Coolant+Temperature+Sensor (1st 2 posts are most relevant, I think) that indicated that there were two sensors (one for the temp guage and the other for the fan) and that they were located in the thermostat housing itself (I think that's what they were saying). Anyway, keep in mind that mine is an '89, unlike your '86 (wonder if there's a location difference)

I have no idea what this (these) sensor(s) look like, so if you or anyone could help with a pic, I'd be most grateful.

Thanks for the reply

http://69.0.158.19/live/thumb/P403646668.JPG

This is what the sensor looks like....

http://i22.ebayimg.com/01/i/03/c6/08/c1_12_s.JPG

it's the green plug you see next to the distributer... take off the plug and the sensor is screwed in there... This IS an 89 accord LX-i in this photo.

you want to replace the green one.

now if only someone could show/explain to me where the vss is the vehicle like this for a 92', lol, shure would be helpful

I replied to your thread. Just because someone doesn't answer you in an hour and a half, doesn't mean we wont get to it. Do not hijack other members' threads.

This is what the sensor looks like....

it's the green plug you see next to the distributer... take off the plug and the sensor is screwed in there... This IS an 89 accord LX-i in this photo.

you want to replace the green one.

Thank you so much for that pic. I hope this solves the problem and will let you know ASAP. In the meantime, any other ideas are also welcome.

Thanks so much,

OK, a couple more questions before I go out and buy this part. I want to make sure I've got the correct suspect.

I put an ohmmeter on the two leads of this sensor, and there was no resistance (indicating an open). According to the specs, there should be varying resistance as the engine runs. There's also supposed to be resistance with the engine off.

Questions:

Am I looking at the right part here? It's the green cap to the upper left of the valve cover, right?

Is this a resitive component?

Should I measure resistance between the two pins of the sensor, or between one of the pins and ground (i.e. chassis)?

Thanks

I would just buy that part from your local auto parts store.... if it isn't the problem, you should be able to return the part and get your money back