How to Use an OBD II Scan Tool or (HDS)

How to Use an OBD II Scan Tool or the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS)

If the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) has come on




1. Start the engine, and check the MIL.

NOTE: If the ignition switch is turned ON (II), and the engine is not started, the MIL will stay on for 15 - 20 seconds.







2. If the MIL stays on, connect the HDS or scan tool to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's (passenger's) side of the dashboard.
3. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
4. Check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and note them. Also check the freeze data. Refer to the DTC Troubleshooting Index and begin the appropriate troubleshooting procedure. Diagnostic Trouble Code Descriptions
5. If you do not find any DTCs, go to MIL circuit troubleshooting.

NOTE:
- Freeze data indicates the engine conditions when the first malfunction, misfire, or fuel trim malfunction was detected.
- The scan tool and the HDS can read the DTC, freeze data, current data, and other engine control module (ECM) data.
- For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the scan tool or the HDS.

If the MIL did not come on
If the MIL did not come on but there is a driveability problem, refer to the Symptom Troubleshooting index. Symptom Related Diagnostic Procedures

If you can't duplicate the DTC
Some of the troubleshooting requires you to reset the ECM and try to duplicate the DTC. If the problem is intermittent and you can't duplicate the code, do not continue through the procedure. To do so will only result in confusion and, possibly, a needlessly replaced ECM.