Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Engine Controls - Test Drive Precautions
2005 Honda Accord L4-2.4LSECTION Engine Controls - Test Drive Precautions
Don't Test-Drive With MIL On or D Indicator Blinking
NOTE:
This article applies to '98-06 Accords, '96-06 Civics, '97-06 CR-Vs, '03-06 Elements, '99-06 Odysseys, '03-06 Pilots, and '06 Ridgelines. When the PCM detects a malfunction that turns on the MIL, starts the D indicator blinking, or both, it can revert to a backup mode or "limp home" mode. This mode differs depending on the A/T design, the cause of the malfunction or DTC, or both.
When you test-drive a vehicle, make sure you first clear all A/T DTCs. You can't evaluate the A/T if the MIL is on, the D indicator is blinking, or both are on.
In backup mode, some A/Ts let you manually shift while others let you shift only to certain gears that apply to its particular backup mode. Here are some common symptoms you get in backup mode:
^ Harsh upshifting and downshifting
^ Vehicle starts in 2nd gear and then shifts to 4th gear
^ Vehicle starts in 2nd gear and then shifts to 3rd gear
When an A/T is in backup mode, service customers commonly complain about low power or lousy acceleration because the vehicle starts in 2nd or 4th gear.
NOTE:
This article applies to '98-06 Accords, '96-06 Civics, '97-06 CR-Vs, '03-06 Elements, '99-06 Odysseys, '03-06 Pilots, and '06 Ridgelines. When the PCM detects a malfunction that turns on the MIL, starts the D indicator blinking, or both, it can revert to a backup mode or "limp home" mode. This mode differs depending on the A/T design, the cause of the malfunction or DTC, or both.
When you test-drive a vehicle, make sure you first clear all A/T DTCs. You can't evaluate the A/T if the MIL is on, the D indicator is blinking, or both are on.
In backup mode, some A/Ts let you manually shift while others let you shift only to certain gears that apply to its particular backup mode. Here are some common symptoms you get in backup mode:
^ Harsh upshifting and downshifting
^ Vehicle starts in 2nd gear and then shifts to 4th gear
^ Vehicle starts in 2nd gear and then shifts to 3rd gear
When an A/T is in backup mode, service customers commonly complain about low power or lousy acceleration because the vehicle starts in 2nd or 4th gear.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.