Ever wondered if your car is trying to tell you something through that blinking check engine light? Good news! In many cases, especially with older vehicles, your car actually can communicate basic diagnostic codes directly to you, without needing a dedicated auto diagnostic reader. This guide will walk you through how to decipher these flash codes, using the classic method of counting check engine light blinks.
For certain car models, particularly Hondas and some other makes from the 1990s and early 2000s, the check engine light doesn’t just illuminate to signal a problem – it flashes in a pattern that represents a specific error code. This ingenious system allows you to perform a basic car diagnostic check yourself, potentially saving you a trip to the mechanic for initial troubleshooting.
The system is surprisingly straightforward. Once you’ve located the diagnostic connector (often under the dashboard – consult your car’s repair manual for the exact location), you’ll typically need to use a simple wire or paperclip to bridge specific terminals. With the wire in place, turn your ignition key to the “run” position – this is usually two clicks forward, just before you start the engine. Now, keep a close watch on your check engine light.
The light will begin to blink out a code using a sequence of long and short flashes. Understanding this code is key: long flashes represent “10”, and short flashes represent “1”. By carefully counting these blinks, you can determine the error code.
Let’s take a practical example. Imagine you observe the check engine light blinking once for a long duration, followed by two short blinks. This sequence translates to error code 12 (10 + 1 + 1 = 12). In the context of Honda vehicles, code 12 often points to an issue within the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system plays a crucial role in reducing emissions by recirculating a portion of the engine’s exhaust gases back into the cylinders, which helps to lower combustion temperatures.
Discovering an EGR system problem, especially on higher mileage vehicles, is quite common. While a check engine light can be initially alarming, understanding the code through flash diagnostics can provide valuable context. In the case of an EGR fault, it’s generally not an immediately critical issue that requires you to pull over immediately. It does, however, indicate a problem that should be addressed at your next convenient service appointment.
Once you have your error code, the next step is to find out what it means specifically for your car’s make and model. A quick online search for “[your car make] [your car model] check engine light error codes” will usually provide you with a list of codes and their descriptions. For Honda owners, a common set of codes is readily available online, like the example list below:
Honda Check Engine Light Error Codes
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | ECU |
| 1 | Oxygen Sensor |
| 3 | MAP Sensor |
| 5 | MAP Sensor |
| 6 | Crank Angle |
| 7 | Throttle Angle |
| 8 | TDC Position |
| 9 | No. 1 Cylinder Position |
| 10 | Intake Air Temperature |
| 12 | Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System |
| 13 | Atmospheric Pressure |
| 14 | Electronic Air Control |
| 15 | Ignition Output Signal |
| 16 | Fuel Injector |
| 17 | Vehicle Speed Sensor |
| 20 | Electronic Load Detector |
| 22 | Vtec System Malfunction |
| 23 | Knock Sensor |
| 41 | o2 Sensor |
| 43 | Fuel Supply System |
| 45 | System Too Rich or Too Lean |
| 48 | Primary Heated o2 Sensor |
| 54 | Crankshaft Speed Fluctuation Sensor |
| 61 | Primary o2 Sensor Circuit |
| 63 | Secondary o2 Sensor Circuit |
| 67 | Catalyst System |
| 70 | Automatic Transaxle |
| 71-74 | Random Misfire |
| 80 | Exhaust Gas Recirculation |
| 86 | Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit |
| 90 | Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected |
| 91 | Fuel Tank Pressure Circuit |
| 92 | Evaporative Emission Control System Insufficient |
By using this simple flash code method, you can gain a preliminary understanding of potential issues your car is experiencing. While modern cars heavily rely on OBD-II scanners for detailed diagnostics, this blink code technique remains a valuable, no-tool-needed approach for older vehicles to get a basic understanding of what might be triggering that check engine light. It’s a great first step in car problem solving and can empower you with information before you consult with a professional mechanic.
