Tech Tip: Honda Has MIL On with DTC P1457
The EVAP bypass solenoid valve can fail due to corrosion, caused by water getting inside. If the water contains road salt, the solenoid windings could corrode, causing the valve to fail. In a few rare instances, the corrosion could be severe enough to cause an internal short in the solenoid valve, which could damage the ECM/PCM. If this happens, both the bypass solenoid valve and the ECM/PCM would need to be replaced.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2003-2008 Honda Pilot
Aligning the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot is not difficult. The first-generation Pilot shares the same suspension design as the Odyssey and rear suspension design with the Accord. The Pilot is the largest vehicle Honda manufacturers. There are no TSBs issued for alignment or tire wear problems. Most TSBs for these vehicles focus on the steering column noise, but most of them are for a limited number of vehicles. The Pilot is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform. It features a highly robust and rigid unit body design with isolated front and rear subframes.
Tech Tip: Honda Engine Knocks or Ticks at Idle
The engine knocks or ticks at idle. The noise is usually more noticeable when the engine is warm. This can occur when the rocker shaft bridge has excessive clearance, which causes the rocker shaft to rotate and make noise.
Solving Common Honda Driveability Problems
One of the common check engine light problems you’ll encounter on Hondas is a misfire code with no apparent misfire. Many times, this problem will be traced back to tight valve lash. Obviously, a tight valve will pass the audible test every time. But, it’s the tight valves that will set the check engine light in the best case, and if it’s ignored long enough you’ll be looking at a low-compression situation caused by a burnt valve.
Tech Tip: Demystifying Honda ELDs
Even though Honda has used the Electronic Load Detection (ELD) System since 1988 on the Civic and 1990 on the Accord, there is still a lot of confusion on how this system operates and controls the charging system.
Tech Tip: Shim Calms Chirping Noises in Honda Models
Some Honda owners may complain of a chirp from the lower timing belt area. The noise is most often noticed at idle, usually after the engine has warmed up. The probable cause is the idler pulley mounting surface is tilted, causing the edge of the timing belt to rub against the side of the pulser flange on the drive pulley (gear).
Tech Tip: Honda’s V6 Engine Leaks Oil from Front/Middle/Rear
If oil is leaking from the front, middle or rear of one of the above engines, it may be due to the cast aluminum engine block may be porous in spots. Depending on the location of the leak, seal it with JB Weld or 3-Bond-coated sealing bolts.
Servicing Hybrids: 10 Must Read Articles for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles from Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda and Nissan
Currently, there are about 1.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road. Within five years, hybrids are expected to account for 20 to 25% of all new car and light-truck sales. So sooner or later, you’ll be working on these vehicles at your shop. These vehicles have the same service opportunities like brake pads, filters and suspension parts that need replacement. Also, battery packs, electric motors and computers will need service soon. Below are the top ten hybrid articles so you can cash in.
BRAKE JOB: Seventh Generation Accord (2003-’08)
The seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-’08) and Acura TL are some of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. They have a very simple brake system to service, but it can be prone to brake noise if not serviced properly.
Tech Tip: Quiet Down a Chirping Honda
A Honda owner may complain about a chirp coming from the lower timing belt area.