So Fix it

Car problems can be frustrating, especially when youre trying to get somewhere important. Before calling a professional mechanic to take a look at your Honda that wont start, try a few tips to solve the problem.

Reasons

There are several reasons why your Honda engine might turn over, but not turn on. It might be a problem with the fueling system or the ignition system. Either not enough gas is getting to the engine or the engine is not combusting fuel.

Location

First, confirm that you have sufficient gasoline in the tank. If you do, then go to the fuel tank at the back of the vehicle. Crawl underneath the vehicle and check the fuel tank for holes. Follow the fuel line from the fuel tank to the engine. Look for corrosion along the fuel line which might indicate a fuel leak. Check components that are often in need of maintenance, such as the fuel filter, fuel pump, spark plug and starter.

Troubleshooting

Put at least two gallons of gas in your fuel tank and immediately try to start your vehicle. This should cover the possibility of an empty fuel tank. Your fuel filter, fuel pump and spark plugs are easily replaceable; replace these components. If you have some automotive knowledge, you might be able to check and replace the camshaft mounted near the top of the engine as well. Also, check your catalytic converter, located underneath the vehicle, to make sure it is not warped or damaged. Consult a professional mechanic if the problem continues.

A Honda Civic will alert you every 10,000 miles that it is time to perform standard maintenance. When this happens, a light will come on in the instrument panel. If you take the car to a Honda dealer for service, the mechanic will reset the light for you. However, if you perform system maintenance on your Honda Civic by yourself you must reset the maintenance indicator manually, using your ignition key.

Instructions

1

Put the key into the ignition and turn it to the "On" position but dont start the vehicle. Find the trip meter button located near the bottom of the dashboards instrument panel.

2

Press the trip meter button and hold it down for 10 or more seconds.

3

Continue to press the trip meter button and turn the ignition key to start the car. Wait for the light to turn off.

The car alarm on your 1997 Honda CR-V can be very annoying if you are trying to replace your battery or make a repair to the vehicle. You can disable the car alarm in your 1997 Honda CR-V by taking the negative lead off of your battery. This takes the electrical power away from the alarm and leaves it dead. Once the valet switch is enabled, the car alarm will be disabled, allowing you to make your repair.

Instructions

1

Pop the hood to your Honda CR-V.

2

Locate the battery under the hood. This is to the right of the engine.

3

Determine which of the leads is the negative lead. The negative lead will have a "-" sign next to it.

4

Loosen the terminal with a socket wrench.

5

Pull the negative lead off of the battery to disable the car alarm.

A vehicles water pump is used to push engine coolant through the cooling system to keep the engine from overheating. In the 1991 Honda Accord the engine itself, through the use of the timing belt, drives the water pump. If the water pump fails the engine could overheat and cause major damage. If this happens, the old water pump will need to be removed and replaced with a new one. In the 1991 Honda Accord, the water pump is located on the left side of the engine just behind the front left tire.

Instructions

Removal

1

Disconnect the battery from the motor by removing the cable going to the negative pole on the battery. This is to ensure that there is no electricity going to the car so nothing can short.

2

Empty the coolant from the engine by opening the plug in the bottom of the radiator. Let the coolant drain into a clean container so that it can be re-used after the installation of the new water pump.

3

Align the timing marks on the engine by turning the crankshaft until cylinder number one reaches top dead center (TDC) of the compression stroke. Take off the timing belt and make sure that the engine doesnt turn at any time during the removal or replacement process.

4

Unscrew the six bolts holding in the water pump, making sure to keep track of which hole each bolt came from. The bolt heads are 1 mm in diameter.

5

Pull the water pump and O-ring from the motor to complete the removal process.

Installation

6

Place some sealant on the rubber surface of the new water pump located near the bleed hole to protect it from tearing.

7

Insert the new O-ring and water pump into the spot where the old pump came from on the motor. Make sure that the holes for the bolts on the new pump are lined up with the holes on the motor.

8

Replace the six bolts on the new water pump. Use a torque wrench to tighten them to 9 ft.-lbs. of torque.

9

Replace the timing belt on the engine and pour the coolant from its container back into the radiator. Make sure the engine coolant is completely filled before starting your vehicle.

10

Reconnect the battery to the motor by connecting the negative wire to the negative battery terminal and start your vehicle. Check for any excessive leaking coming from the newly installed water pump. A small amount of fluid coming from the bleed hole is okay.

You can reset the airbag light on your Honda Odyssey right from your home garage, saving you time and money. A Honda Odyssey comes with an on-board diagnostics computer that keeps track of all of the vehicles functions. When the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) light illuminates on the instrument cluster, you need to have the vehicle towed to your mechanic to have it looked at and replaced. Generally, the SRS light only flashes on when the vehicle has been in an accident. If it turns on when there has been no accident, it means the airbag system is malfunctioning and the vehicle should not be driven. But once you have the vehicle fixed, you can reset the light.

Instructions

1

Put on safety equipment such as work gloves and goggles.

2

Locate the MES connector under the steering column. You can find it next to the fuse box. Pull out the plug in the connector and set aside.

3

Use a knife to strip both ends of the coated wire. Touch one end of one wire into one hole on the MES connector and touch one end of the other wire to the other hole in the connector.

4

Cross the ends of the wires together to create a short. Although its low voltage, you shouldnt touch the exposed wires.

5

Place the key into the ignition and turn it on, but dont allow the engine to turn over while still holding the wires together. Watch as the SRS light blinks on then turns off. Separate the wires right away and the SRS light will turn back on.

6

Repeat Step 5 and the SRS light will flash two times and then turn off.

7

Shut off the Honda and wait 60 seconds. Start the engine and notice as the SRS light illuminates then shuts off.

The Honda Motor Company has been making engines since 1948. The Honda D17A2 was originally produced for 2001 and later models of the Civic EX, and it is highly sought-after by car enthusiasts and tuners.

Engine Specifications

The Honda D17A2 is a 1,668 cubic centimeter, in-line, four-cylinder engine. The bore cylinder has a diameter of 75 mm and a piston shaft length of 94.4 mm.

Performance Specifications

The D17A2 is capable of producing 127 horsepower at 6,300 rpm. The torque rating of this engine is 114 foot-pounds at 4,400 rpm. The engines compression ratio is 9.9 to 1.

Other Specifications

The fuel control system on the Honda D17A2 is a single overhead camshaft that contains four valves per cylinder. The D17A2 also features a variable valve timing and lift electronic control valvetrain system, otherwise known as VTEC. Honda developed the VTEC system to improve the volumetric efficiency of their four-stroke internal combustion engines.

Whether you purchased your 1996 Honda Odyssey the year it came out, or you purchased a used model, there have been problems reported by consumers regarding this car. Always make sure your car is covered by a warranty because repairs will more than likely be needed.

2009 Recall

In May of 2009, Honda recalled all Odysseys that were manufactured in 1996 due to the headlamps failing to conform to the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. The lamps in the 1996 Odyssey did not contain the required amber side lectors.

Ignition Problems

Over 500,000 1996 Honda Odysseys had problems with faulty ignition switches that caused the vehicle to shut down while traveling at both low and high speeds. Most of these vehicles were manufactured in China, and exported into North America.

SRS Control Module

Several complaints have been filed stating that after a replacement battery has been installed in the 1996 Honda Odyssey, the SRS light would come on. Upon inspection by mechanics, a conclusion came about that the SRS control module needed to be replaced and the cost would be around $700.

The oxygen sensor is an important part of the exhaust system. By sending periodic electrical impulses at different voltages, it informs the cars computer whether or not it burns fuel at its peak efficiency. When the exhaust has lots of unburned fuel in it, the oxygen sensor sends signals around .8 to .9 volts. When too much oxygen is getting pumped through and not enough fuel, the signals are .1 to .3 volts. The perfect air/fuel mixture is around 0.45 volts, and the CR-Vs computer strives to maintain that.

Instructions

1

Place a jack under the front of the frame of your Honda CR-V and lift it. Slide jack stands under the frame and lower the SUV onto the jack stands.

2

Lie on a mechanics dolly and roll yourself under the SUV. Find the muffler. It looks like an oval cylinder with piping running in one end and out the other toward the back of the car, where your exhaust gets expelled from the CR-V.

3

Follow the piping with your eyes from the muffler leading toward the front of the SUV to the catalytic converter. It is a circular cylinder attached to the underside of the car with two bands clamped around it, and it has piping running in one end and out the other. If you have difficulty, the diagram for the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors on 2 Car Pros can help.

4

Find the two sensors bolted into the drivers side of the catalytic converter. The one near the front of the SUV is the primary oxygen sensor, which measures the air/fuel mixture before the exhaust runs through the catalytic converter. The one located closer to the rear is the secondary oxygen sensor, which measures the oxygen content of the exhaust after it has gone through the catalytic converter. Be aware that the Honda CR-V has two oxygen sensors and either can cause error codes.

If your "check engine" light is on in your Honda, you should have the engine checked by a qualified mechanic. But after the car has been checked and possibly repaired, you will want to have that light off. Also, if you are taking your Honda to have a state emission test, you will want to have the light turned off so the car can pass emissions. The check engine light is not the same as the "maintenance required" light, which automatically comes on at set mileage to remind you a factory-recommended service interval has been reached. Sometimes when the check engine light comes on, for whatever cause, the light doesnt go off when the cause is rectified. You can turn it off yourself.

Instructions

1

Located the fuse box panel cover on the side of the dashboard. Open the panel by pulling down on the top.

2

Look for a sticker on the back of the fuse panel cover that shows the list of all the fuses and how they are arranged. Find the "clock" fuse, which is probably fuse 13. Remove it using the fuse puller. If you dont have a fuse puller, you can pull it out with tweezers.

3

Wait about 30 minutes, then put the fuse back in place. This will reset the check engine light and turn it off.

If you own a 1992 to 1995 Honda Civic there will be fog lights installed in the lower front bumper. However, over the years these fog lights have certainly seen their share of wear and tear and it may be time to upgrade to a Euro-styled halogen, or an amber colored lens, or maybe youve had an accident and you simply need new ones. Rather than go to the local garage, this is a perfect do-it-yourself job.

Instructions

1

Make sure the engine is off and you have applied the parking brake. Never work on an automobile that is on or that is not securely parked. Let the car cool if it has been running a while. When the hood is cool to the touch it should be safe to begin.

2

Lay a blanket under the front bumper and crawl down underneath the front end of your Civic. Look directly behind the drivers side fog light and notice the wiring harness plugged directly into the lights socket. Unplug this wire.

3

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen and remove the three mounting bolts holding the old fog light assembly to the bumper. Then pull the entire assembly out and discard of it appropriately.

4

Insert you chosen replacement fog light assembly. Secure it in place in the Civics bumper with the supplied mounting screws or bolts. Plug the wiring harness back in. Then repeat this same process on the passenger side light and you are finished.

The Honda Rubicon is an all-terrain vehicle that allows hunters and adventurists to cover rugged environments in little time. If you are having problems with your Honda Rubicon, there are a few things that you can do before you take it to a service shop. Common issues reside in the fuel, battery, or the engine. You can diagnose these problems with little hassle and minimal knowledge of the inner components for your Rubicon.

Instructions

1

Insert your key into the Rubicons ignition and turn it halfway to engage the electrical system. Check the fuel gauge on the right side of the steering column. Make sure that you have enough fuel to start the ATV.

2

Fill the gas tank with fresh fuel if you are on empty. Make sure that you are not using fuel that has been sitting in a container exposed to the elements. If condensation has entered the fuel container the water in the fuel could cause misfires in the engine.

3

Use a siphon hose to pump the old fuel out of the gas tank if this is the case. Remove the fuel cap from the gas tank and then insert one end of your siphon hose into the tank. Connect the other end of the hose into an empty container. Pump the siphon hose until all of the gas has been pumped out of the tank and into the container.

4

Fill the gas tank with fresh fuel. Replace the fuel cap and make sure that you tighten the connection to the tank. If the fuel cap is loose or not present, air will get into the tank causing problems for the carburetor. Try to restart your Rubicon.

5

Lift the seat off of the Rubicon to reveal the battery. Use a voltmeter to test the battery connections. Rubicons use a 12-volt battery. Connect the test leads to the battery terminals on the top of the battery. You should get an 11-12 volt reading. If you dont get this reading, replace the battery.

6

Put the Rubicon into the neutral using the gearshift located on the side of the ATV. Hold the "Up" and the "Down" shift buttons down at the same time and then release them. Press both of the buttons down again and hold them for about two seconds. Look at the ATVs display for a troubleshooting code. Show the troubleshooting code to a certified technician, who can perform more extensive repairs in the engine.

If you disconnect the battery in your Honda Civic for any period of time -- even if you reconnect it properly -- you might be dismayed when you get in the car later and discover that the stock radio no longer turns on. Instead, the radios display will prompt you to enter a code. Without the code, the radio will not work. This is an anti-theft measure that makes that stock radio from your Honda Civic useless to anyone who steals it out of your car--unless they have access to your particular Civics specific security code.

Instructions

1

Locate your vehicle identification number (VIN); the VIN is a 17-character alphanumeric string used to identify your particular car -- no two VINs are alike. Standing outside the Civic, look through the extreme lower portion of the windshield, on the drivers side of the car, for a small, rectangular metal plate fastened to the dash. Record this number on paper. Check your work to ensure you got the VIN written down correctly.

2

Call your local Honda dealer or the support number located in your Civics manual. Explain that you need the code for your radio and provide them the VIN. Write the code down and store it in a safe place. If you ever change your battery, which you or the next owner will, youll need it again.

3

Turn the car ignition key to the "on" position. Enter the five-digit code by pressing the corresponding keys (preset buttons) on the radios face.

4

Turn the ignition key to the "off" position then back to the "on" position to ensure that the radio functions.

Your Honda Accords bumpers are the first parts of defending the cars ends during a possible rear-end or head on collision. Should the unfortunate occur, you may find that replacing the bumper to your 1995 Accord is not such a difficult task. If you are able to find a matching replacement for the bumper, you may be able to perform this repair procedure from home. Luckily, there are no special tools required for the job.

Instructions

Removing and Installing the Front Bumper

1

Open the engine compartment.

2

Remove the radiator grille by unscrewing the five screws at the top with a Phillips screwdriver. Push down on the retaining tabs, with a flathead screwdriver, located between the grill and each headlight. Remove the grille.

3

Unscrew the plastic retaining screws with a Phillips screwdriver, and unbolt the bumper bolts using your socket wrench, from under the bumper.

4

Unscrew the retaining screw on each turn signal light housing with a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the housings towards you to release them. To remove the bulb sockets, turn them counter-clockwise and pull. Set the housings aside.

5

Remove the bolts that are located inside the turn signal recesses with your wrench. Some Accords may have more plastic screws instead of bolts in the recesses.

6

Remove the remaining plastic screw along the top of the bumper with your Phillips screwdriver.

7

Separate the bumper by pulling it up and then sliding it towards you.

8

Follow all steps in this section in reverse to install the new bumper. There are no torquing specifications for tightening the bolts.

Removing and Installing the Rear Bumper

9

Pry off, with a flathead screwdriver, the rear bumper to fender well clips that retain the bumpers forward ends.

10

Unscrew and remove the five plastic screws at the top of the bumper with your Phillips screwdriver. Do the same for the four screws at the bottom of the bumper.

11

Unscrew the side markers (lights) retaining screws with your Phillips screwdriver and take out the light housings. Turn the light sockets counterclockwise to remove the sockets and bulbs. Set the housings aside.

12

Unbolt the two lower bumper retaining bolts using your socket wrench, underneath your Accord.

13

Remove the trim panels from inside your Accords trunk and unbolt the upper retaining nuts with your socket wrench.

14

Pull the bumper towards you and remove it.

15

Follow all steps in this section in reverse to install the new bumper. There are no torquing specifications for tightening the bolts.

A 1998 Honda Civic has two oxygen sensors: one between the catalytic converter and the exhaust pipe, and a second located behind the catalytic converter in the exhaust manifold. The purpose of an oxygen sensor is to monitor the oxygen levels in the exhaust. A bad oxygen sensor can cause the "check engine" light to come on. The engine may also run poorly and blow smoke out the tail pipe. Replacing an oxygen sensor is not difficult if you have right tools and time.

Instructions

1

Spray penetrating oil around the base of the primary oxygen sensor where it threads into the exhaust pipe. The oxygen sensor is located in exhaust components that heat up and cool down and may be difficult to remove. You will need to be under the Civic to access the sensor .

2

Disconnect the oxygen sensor from the wiring harness.

3

Place the ratchet and oxygen sensor socket over the top of the oxygen sensor. The socket has a slot for the sensor wires to pass through which allows you to loosen the oxygen sensor from its mounting collar. Turn the socket counterclockwise to loosen the oxygen sensor.

4

Remove the socket from the oxygen sensor when it has become loose enough to turn by hand. Remove the oxygen sensor and discard. Oxygen sensors contain precious metals and should be recycled properly or returned to an automotive store.

5

Install a new oxygen sensor into the threaded collar by hand and turn it clockwise until it is tight. Place the oxygen sensor socket over the top of the new oxygen sensor to fully tighten it. Connect the new oxygen sensor to the old wiring harness.

6

Spray penetrating oil around the base of the secondary oxygen sensor where it threads into the exhaust manifold. Remove the secondary oxygen sensor from the engine compartment.

7

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 to remove and install the secondary oxygen sensor.

You can adjust the parking brake on your 1992 to 1995 Honda Civic right from your home garage, saving you time and money. You only need a few simple tools that most backyard mechanics have on hand already. You can tell when it is time to adjust your parking brake when the Honda starts to slip when you are parked downhill and have engaged the parking brake.

Instructions

1

Look for the covers on the screws that hold the center console cover on top of the parking brake. Remove those covers using a Phillips screwdriver then remove the screws underneath.

2

Push the console cover back and up to lift it off of the parking brake.

3

Find the parking brake cable and the adjuster nut attached to it. Use a wrench to tighten the nut.

4

Put wheel chocks in front of and behind the front wheels of your vehicle. Put the jack under the rear end of the Honda and raise the vehicle up high enough to slide jack stands under the vehicle, next to both rear wheels. Lower the car onto the jack stands.

5

Verify your adjustment by lifting up on the parking brake until it clicks twice. Spin the rear wheels to make sure there is some resistance. Pull up four more clicks on the parking brake lever. When you try to spin the rear wheels, they shouldnt move at all.

6

Raise up the Honda using the jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the wheel chocks from behind the front wheels.

7

Place the center console back on and tighten the screws with the screwdriver. Put the covers back on top of the screws.

Replacing the rear taillights on your Honda Odyssey with new bulbs can be done at home. The job is basic and takes about 10 minutes. The bulbs used in the rear of the Odyssey are 7443 bulbs, which are available from an auto parts retailer or through the Honda dealer network. Two bulbs often come in a pack, allowing you to replace both taillight bulbs or keep a spare. The same replacement process is used for all Odyssey model years.

Instructions

1

Open the rear lift gate on your Odyssey. Locate the taillight assembly on the side of the van. Locate the two bolt covers along the inboard edge of the assembly. Pry the cover open with a flat screwdriver.

2

Remove the two retaining bolts from the taillight assembly with a socket and ratchet. Set the screws aside in a safe place. Pull the taillight assembly straight back, removing it from the body of the Odyssey.

3

Locate the bulb socket on the rear of the taillight assembly. Turn the bulb socket counterclockwise, and pull it straight out of the taillight assembly. Pull the burned-out bulb out of the socket and discard it.

4

Push a new bulb into the socket, making sure its bottom contacts the bottom of the socket. Insert the bulb and socket into the rear of the taillight assembly. Turn the bulb socket clockwise to lock it in place.

5

Position the taillight assembly on the rear of the van. Push it straight in and seat it in the opening. Install the two retaining bolts, and tighten them with a socket and ratchet. Snap the bolt covers closed. Close the lift gate.

Its difficult to get where you need to go when you lose your keys. Lost keys are not a major problem in the grand scheme of things, but they are an annoyance that needs to be dealt with quickly, as you cannot drive your motorcycle anywhere without the key. Your local Honda dealership has the necessary equipment to replace your key. Contacting them is the fastest way to go about obtaining a new motorcycle key.

Instructions

1

Call or visit your local Honda dealership. It does not matter if you visit any Honda motorcycle dealership or the dealership where you purchased your bike. Any Honda dealer will do.

2

Provide Honda with your motorcycles key code. This code is recorded in your original purchase paperwork. If you cant locate this paperwork, call the Honda dealership where your bike was originally purchased and ask them to do a quick search for your key code.

3

Pay for your new motorcycle key once your key has been created for you, a process that generally only takes a few minutes. Request additional copies if you think you will need them.

The Honda Accord is a mid-size car that Honda has manufactured since 1976. The 1992 models in the United States use a four-cylinder 2.2-liter engines. The DX trim level has a more powerful version of this engine, but this does not affect the timing belt replacement procedure. The majority of this procedure deals with ensuring the new timing belt is properly installed on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets.

Instructions

1

Remove the cable from the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Turn the crankshaft counterclockwise to align the timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. Disconnect the splash shield under the engine. Drain the coolant into a container and seal the container. Detach the electrical connector from the cruise control actuator, and push the actuator aside.

2

Disconnect the drive belt from the power steering pump. Remove the mounting bolts for the pump with a socket wrench, and push the pump aside. Detach the electrical wiring from the alternator and remove the wiring harness from the valve cover. Loosen the mounting bolts for the alternator remove the alternator drive belt. Remove the valve cover and upper cover for the timing belt.

3

Support the engine with a floor jack, and disconnect the side engine mount with a socket wrench. Detach the dipstick and dipstick tube from the engine.

4

Disconnect the bolt on the crankshaft pulley and remove the crankshaft pulley. Remove the seal on the adjusting nut for the timing belt tensioner without loosening the nut. Disconnect the lower cover for the timing belt with a socket wrench. Insert a mounting bolts from the lower cover into the adjuster arm for the timing belt to hold it in place.

5

Loosen the adjustment nut for the timing belt and push the belt tensioner to relieve the tension on the balancer belt. Tighten the adjustment nut and disconnect the balancer belt.

6

Remove the bolt in the timing belt adjuster arm that you fastened in step four with a socket wrench. Loosen the adjusting nut for the timing belt, push the belt tensioner to release the tension on the timing belt and tighten the adjusting nut. Remove the timing belt and belt tensioner from the engine.

7

Turn the camshaft pulley clockwise until the timing mark on the pulley aligns with the timing mark on the flywheel. The timing mark on the front balancer pulley must also align with the notch on the oil pump. Install the new timing belt onto its pulleys and tensioner.

8

Install the crank pulley temporarily and loosen the adjusting nut on the timing belt tensioner by one turn with a socket wrench. Tighten the adjusting nut again and turn the crankshaft counterclockwise to advance its pulley by three teeth. Loosen the adjusting nut on the timing belt tensioner again, and tighten it to 33 ft. lbs with a torque wrench.

9

Install the balancer belt onto its pulleys and turn the crankshaft counterclockwise by exactly one turn. Tighten the adjusting nut on the balancing belt tension to 33 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Remove the crankshaft pulley with a socket wrench.

10

Install the mounting bolt on the timing belt adjuster arm with a new washer and tighten it to 22 ft. lbs. Connect the lower cover of the timing belt and tighten the retaining bolts to 9 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench. Install the crankshaft pulley and tighten its mounting bolts to 159 ft. lbs.

11

Replace the dipstick and dipstick tube. Connect the side mount for the engine with a torque wrench and lower the jack. Install the upper cover for the timing belt and the valve cover with a socket wrench. Connect the drive belt for the alternator and adjust its tension. Connect the wiring harness to the valve cover and attach the electrical wiring to the alternator.

12

Connect the power steering pump and its drive belt. Install the cruise control actuator, and attach its electrical connector and vacuum hose. Fill the radiator with coolant and attach the splash shield below the engine with a socket wrench. Attach the cable to the negative battery terminal and start the engine. Allow the engine to idle and ensure that the driving belts are not binding or rubbing together.