stupid engine light

[grapeape97]

i put headers on my ride and cant get the check engine light to go off any help?

[HONDA_99]

Did you reset ECU after you install header?

[Deercat]

Hi,

You can try to reset ECU (unplug fuse #13 inside the cluster on the passenger side dash next to the door for 10 seconds, called "Clock Back ..." or something like that) and hope that the ECU will adjust to the new setup.

If that does no thelp, you will need to read the stored ECU codes to figure it out. There is a detailed procedure in the Haynes' book, can be performed at home in 5 minutes.

[natcc99]

I'm interested....

Can you please tell me more about this ECU that you talk of.

To my understanding, it's a brains of the car. (right??)

What does reseting the ECU do for a car?!?!

Thanks

[HONDA_99]

ECU is self-adjusting and constantly learning. Under normal operation it learning mode slowed down, it’s pretty much in troubleshooting mode. In case of high performance header installation; ECU used to see one amount of exhaust gasses flow, but once header was installed flow of exhaust gas was increased dramatically, and ECU gives warning (engine check light) because it sees it like trouble.
As said before ECU is self adjusting and constantly learning, so it will readjust itself, but you have to drive something like 400-500ml before it readjust it self.

By resetting ECU you're forcing ECU to go into learning mode, it will take 15-20ml of normal driving for ECU learn/adjust to new conditions.

you should reset your ECU every time you install high performance parts like exhaust, intake, ignition system modifications.

[natcc99]

cool thanks

so what does the ECU control in general.
Is it only exhaust that it controls?!?!?
I would think that it does numerous jobs

thanks again

[HONDA_99]

ECU controls all function of engine. There enormous amount of sensors all over your car, you can find them in engine, in exhaust system, in intake manifold and etc.

in 6gen Accord ECU also controls shift point of automatic transmission.
2000+ Accords have distrubiterless ingintion system, so ECU controls igntion also.

[DavidG]

i just got this question.....
the "engine check" shouldnt be on even if you installed the headeR, are you sure you installed the Oxigen sensor, and if you did did you put threat seal, so the vibrations wont knock it off???

the ecu controls your engine, it controls from fuel injectors, to VTEC if you drive honda/acura you gonna have sensors every here in the engine/exaust, on my accord theres one just about everywhere header, cat, intake manifold, oil pa, well you name it and theres probably one

[hondaman-iac]

resetting the ecu shoul do the trick, but i would check first if the o2 sensor is connected properly.

[Deercat]

Good luck with your project.
Please let me know if you need information as to how to reset ECU or read the stored codes.
There's a small piece on it in the Haynes' book (Accord 97-99).

A little disclosure: I have reset my ECU a couple of times and have gone through all the motions necessary to read the codes but I never actually saw a stored code, because my Check Engine light has never gone on, so far.

In any case, the procedure is simple and non-invasive.

Len