It seems that my check engine light comes on often. I need to have my emissions tested, and they wont do it with the light on. Does anyone know if disabling the light is possible and will that get me through emissions. I've had Honda turn it off many times, but it keeps coming back. Any suggestions...?

While I'm here, is it possible to disable the passenger side airbag?

thanks,

Matt

 

There are "specialists" that will install a key switch on the passenger airbag. It is rather expensive, but lots of people do it to protect their kids.

Depending on what the cause is of your CEL's (did Honda not say what the code was?), you may be able to prevent it from coming on by pulling the ECU backup fuse (#25). Some of the errors the ECU detects (missing catalytic converter, etc.) require several driving cycles to trigger. Leaving the fuse out will prevent the ECU from seeing multiple cycles. It is the 3rd fuse slot (2nd actual fuse) from the top on the right side. It will also clear any CEL's you do get whenever you turn the car off.

 

On second thought, why don't you just get it fixed? If it is under warranty, Honda should pull the OBD-II diagnostic code that is causing the CEL, and fix what is wrong. Depending on the problem, you may not be able to pass the emissions test anyway.

 

I would certainly try everything before this, but if all else fails, just go to the light for the CEL with a pair of needlenose pliers and it will never give any more trouble

 

I had a random CEL come on. After taking it to the local Honda dealer (with the tech that owns a S2000) we found out that I had drilled a hole in one of the vacuum lines. The ECU did a check at a certain speed, so it was very unpredictable.

I would not disable the CEL, because if something is really wrong that can cause permanent damage you would never know. Do it the right way.

Not to mention any experienced emission place would check to see that your CEL comes on when the key is turned to the run position, so you wouldn't necessary get away with it anyway.

 

Hmm? Before pulling the backup fuse? I pull my backup fuse quite often, just to "cleans" it. The car always runs strong after a reset.

 

Keep in mind that pulling the backup fuse does not "disable" the CEL. If something serious is wrong, the CEL will still come on.

 

put black tape over it, if it falls off, repeat...

 

Tighten your gas cap.

 

GChambers brings up a good point. I haven't ever experienced it myself, but I've read about lots of people not tightening the gas cap enough, which causes a CEL. Make sure your cap is tighted enough that it clicks 3 times.