Hi there. Hybrid vehicles are incredibly complex to diagnose and service; which is why we always recommend having the dealership perform diagnostic and repair services on these vehicles. This is probably why the repairs that Auto Zone recommended had no effect on the big picture issue you’re having. I wish we could help here, but I believe your best option is to have the local Honda dealers inspect IMS warning light issue.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
A check engine light will shut itself off if the condition that caused it is remedied. So, if your converter is marginal, and you did a lot of stop-and-go driving, which creates high demand for the converter, that may have turned on the check engine light.
If the check engine light in your Honda Accord starts flashing, that means that the problem needs immediate attention and your Honda should be brought in immediately. This blinking light usually indicates a severe engine misfire allowing unburned fuel to be dumped into the exhaust system.
A steady glow typically means something less serious but a flashing check engine light indicates that your vehicle`s engine is in serious trouble and service is needed immediately. If your check engine light is flashing in your Honda Accord, we highly recommend not to drive the vehicle and schedule Honda service today.
Because the sensor can no longer regulate the fuel mixture, a car`s emissions will go up. While O2 Sensors are robust, they are exposed to the elements, and will deteriorate. Once this happens, the sensor will throw a fault, and thus the Check Engine light comes on.
If the vehicle is just randomly turning off like this, it is almost always caused by a bad crank position sensor on this engine. This is very common and it will not turn on the Check Engine Light when it is intermittent.
A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it`s in good condition. If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on.
If your check engine light is flashing three times and then goes off, this indicates that there is a problem with the emission control system in your vehicle. This could be caused by a number of different things, such as a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter.
Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.
Diverse natural reasons for a Check Engine Light are damaged oxygen sensor, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, dirty mass airflow sensor, faulty head gasket, faulty emissions control part, or defective spark plugs to name a few.
Honda Check Engine Light Flashing
Other common reasons for a Check Engine Light are faulty emissions control part, faulty head gasket, dirty mass airflow sensor, a malfunction with the fuel injection system, damaged oxygen sensor, or defective spark plugs to name a few.
Oxygen sensors are a common cause of “check engine” lights. This sensor is located in the emission control system of your car, and is standard on all vehicles manufactured after 1980. The oxygen sensors are used to ensure that your engine is burning the correct amount of fuel, and running at peak performance.
A bad battery can cause problems in electrical and electronic parts, including the computer. It can even cause a “Check Engine” light.
Number 1 – Bad Battery
A bad battery is one of the most common reasons that cars stall. Most people think that if a battery is dead, the car won`t start. Truth is, if your battery is going bad,your car will run but you`re at risk of stalling out.
These problems can range from faults within the electrical system, the engine, fluid levels or to problems within the car`s emissions system. The problem can even be as simple as forgetting to tighten your gas cap – in fact, this is the most common reason why check engine lights appear in the first place.
You can judge how serious an issue is by looking at the warning light. The check engine light can show up in two ways: Solid yellow/amber light: Indicates a less urgent issue. Flashing light or red: Indicates a severe problem that needs immediate attention.
A flashing check engine light is likely to indicate a misfire in the engine, so the car may judder and could sound rough. Continued driving could overheat and damage the expensive catalytic converter, which is part of the exhaust system. You should immediately drive to a garage, using the accelerator gently.
Potential causes of a vehicle shaking at idle include a loose gas cap, loose battery cables, a worn throttle sensor, a damaged engine mount, or bad spark plugs. Perform a general inspection of your engine bay to look for damage. If you can`t repair the problem yourself, take the vehicle to a mechanic.
A flashing CEL indicates a severe problem, one that requires immediate car repair. In other words, if your check engine light is flashing, pull over and call a tow service. Continuing to drive your car with a flashing CEL can cause irreversible damage to internal components.
How long can you drive with the check engine light on? Once you see the check engine light, it is safe to drive with the light on for 50 to 100 miles. This is because if the issue is with the sensors, then this will buy some time for it to reset, turning the check engine light off.
There is no set time limit, as the severity of the problem can vary. However, it is generally not advisable to drive for more than a few miles with a flashing check engine light. If possible, have the vehicle towed to a repair facility rather than driving it so that you do not put yourself or others at risk.