Help!

Set off out to work this morning, only to see the car totally encased in ice..
I started the car to help warm the engine slightly whilst i scraped the windows, and upon getting in to drive off, i noticed I had a CEL on the dash.
I tried switching the car off/on again but the CEL didn't clear...

I am running with the airbox lid off, so was wondering if there was a possiblity that ice had thrown a sensor due to the filter prehaps being too cold/wet/frozen?

The only other thing I could assume it might be is that I am low on fuel - but I have run it this low before as I know how dodgy that gadge actually is.. so its unlikey to be that.

I decided to run the car anyway, and it seemed to run perfectly!? No hesitation, no stalling, VTECH engages (although due to icy conditions, I could only take it to around 7K maximum), all controls seem to work etc so im stumped!?

I was hoping that after the 30 odd minutes of driving, the CEL might clear, but upon getting to work and switching the car off/on again, the CEL just comes back on with a 'click' and remains on whilst the car is running..

Car was serviced just a couple K ago, including full oil, gearbox and diff oil change..
Engine Oil is probably in need of topping up this week but would assumed its probably about 1/3 above 'low'. I will check this at lunch today and pop to halfruads should the need arise.

I was just wondering if I should be worried, and if i should be running the car??
If i shouldnt be worried, can the CEL be cleared?
If i should be worried, what do you think is the likely cause, and is it expensive to fix??

Any help/advice would be apprecaited.
Jamie

 

Get yourself a CEL code reader from ebay. They cost around

 

The CEL light will remain until you reset the fuse, so I would try that first to see if it occurs again.

If you're low on oil then it's more likely the oil light will come on first, and I doubt a CEL will be thrown if you're low on fuel. I doubt it's the air filter either. It could be one of your sensors has sent an incorrect reading, such as an o2 sensor.

Still, getting a CEL code reader would clear the matter up a bit, just for the sake of interest! I wouldn't panic just yet.

 

Low oil will light the CEL before the oil warning light comes on, and the VTEC willl not kick in if this is the case. (safety feature)!
I have a cel reader and am just down the road from you, Honda may charge .5 hours labour just to read the code and reset...
Let me know if you want to borrow the CEL reader.

 

To me it sounds like the classic leave the car idling whilst waiting for ice to melt CEL.
A good drive usually does clear the CEL (yes some will clear however will remain in the ECU).
I'd be tempted to pull the ECU fuse and see if it comes back as you don't sound to have a fault code reader.

 

I would leave it until you ascertain what it is.
Pointless otherwise having error checks isn't it?!

After all, you say its not hurting you to drive it anyhow.

 

If you have a JDM you can do the paperclip trick to read to CEL.

I leave mine to idle whilst its been sitting for a few days in similar conditions i dont get a CEL.

 

Offtopic: Steven that avatar pic is truly great

 

Cheers for the responses guys
well i've just had to take the car out again and all seems totally normal..

Decided to check oil and put the airbox lid back on just to be sure (booo!) but the CEL remains as you guys said. Oil is just above 1/2 way so thats fine....
VTECH kicking in to full revs, engine quiet as a whistle - no odd rattles etc except from the norm

I might take you up on that offer of a reader Kawa - i've had a look on ebay but I can't find anything (im probably looking for the wrong thing..) - will halfords be likey to sell one as there is one down the road...

Although its a bit disconcerning to drive around with that big orange light in my face, i'd rather not clear it without knowing what it is at least..

As others have said - i've always left it to idle with the blower on to help melt screen ice whilst I scrape off the sides/back and never had the issue. Am hoping it is just an 02 sensor not reading correctly.

odd

 

Halfords do the Gunson one, it's about