Honda Civic SI 2008 emission control system

Tiny
NERYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 HONDA CIVIC
  • 25,000 MILES
Hello there.
the malfunction indicator lamp just turned on while I was driving. I went to the owners manual and it says that one of the emission control systems may have a problem. 3 weeks ago I got intalled an aem intake system but it didnt cause me any trouble. Im not sure if the cause of the malfunction indicator lamp came on is related to the instalation of the intake system. Ill be grateful if you could help me.
thank you
Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 7:18 AM

14 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
The "check engine" light is an indicator for a system that monitors many electronic functions in the system, also called the "malfunction indicator lamp" (MIL). It can come on for any of hundreds of different causes from any of the systems that the computer monitors. Some are very important and can lead to further component or engine damage and some are emissions related not as serious but still a problem and need to be repaired.

Your first step is to have the computer scanned to retrieve the trouble codes that were set when the check engine light came on. Those codes will give you specific information about what the computer saw and will get you pointed in the right direction to find your problem. With a 1996 or newer and some 95 cars and you have an AutoZone or Advanced auto parts in your area, they will read them for free. Once you have these code numbers, we can be a lot more specific about what your problem may be.
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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 10:05 AM
Tiny
NERYMAN
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Thanks a lot. I would retrieve those codes to see what's happening. In the owners manual says that sometimes the codes are erased due to a dead battery or disconnected battery. I realized a hose coneccted to the intake had a minor leaked. I fixed it and disconnedted the battery and put it on II ignition without turning on the enginem let pass 20 seconds and it the MIL blinked five times and dissapear. In the manual says that codes con be set again.
Again, thank you very much
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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
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You'll have to drive it until the codes come back.
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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 8:38 PM
Tiny
NERYMAN
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  • 8 POSTS
This will not cause serious damage? The codes that make the MIL turn on the first time were erased?
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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
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I can't tell you anything. You erased all the info.
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Monday, October 31st, 2011 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
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Thank you anyways.
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011 AT 3:17 AM
Tiny
NERYMAN
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Hello.
I just retrieve the code and it is P0172. What can I do?
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Friday, November 11th, 2011 AT 8:41 PM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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That code indicates a rich condition. I think you need to get rid of the aftermarket stuff.
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Friday, November 11th, 2011 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
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So I have to replace the intake for the stock air filter? What does a rich condition mean? What else could I check without removing the intake?
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Friday, November 11th, 2011 AT 11:36 PM
Tiny
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You have to find the reason the engine is getting too much fuel and the new intake is the #1 suspect. You probably eliminated or bypassed the IAT too. Can't do that stuff on a computer car.
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Friday, November 11th, 2011 AT 11:41 PM
Tiny
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What's the IAT. I haven't eliminated or bypassed anything. Another thing. I am driving right now and the light turned off. Could it be the MAF sensor?
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Saturday, November 12th, 2011 AT 12:04 AM
Tiny
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Intake Air Temp sensor. Yours is built into the MAF. Many of those kit tell you to install a resister in the IAT line to fool it into running richer.
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Saturday, November 12th, 2011 AT 12:08 AM
Tiny
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Thank you very much. Ill look foward into this. If there is anything else that could help. I'm all ears.
Thanks
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Saturday, November 12th, 2011 AT 12:11 AM
Tiny
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You just need someone knowledgeable to examine it and determine what is causing the problem.
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Saturday, November 12th, 2011 AT 12:13 AM

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