737 Jock

So I installed a new battery (Wal-Mart Everstart Maxx 35N) in the RDX last week. Tightened everything down. Good to go.

Today she calls on the way home; "I just got a 'Check Emissions' message, wait, now it says 'Check Super Handling'.....and now it says 'Check VSA', OK the 'Super Handling' and 'VSA' went out, but 'Check Emissions' is still lit with the MIL. It says code 'P1009' on the Acuralink messages."

I look up P1009; it's VTEC valve timing actuator. Trouble shooting goes like this:
1. Clean VTEC screen. (sure, no problem).
2. Check VTEC solenoid (OK can do that too).
3. Remove timing chain, remove intake cam, check VTEC actuator (oh $#it can't be that can it? ...nothing ever goes wrong with this Honda.)

She pulls into the garage. I flip the hood and wiggle the battery terminals -- the battery shifts around a little -- hmmm. Tighten down the battery hold-down and put nearly another full turn on the terminal nuts.

Go into the AcuraLink (HIP) ECU menu and clear the code from Messages. This doesn't clear the code from the DIC screen or the MIL though.

Drive the car -- seems OK -- can feel VTEC kicking me in the pants around 4800 rpm. MIL is still on, but no new AcuraLink Messages, so I don't think the code tripped again. Stop at Advance Auto Parts and clear the MIL with their scanner -- great guys. No more problem.

So my after my battery install, the terminal connections worked loose. The battery shifted a little and the momentary loss of power triggered spurious codes. Shoulda known it wasn't Honda -- just a doofus mechanic

Oh, and Advance Auto Parts has nice code scanners on sale right now.

wspy

"Don't you just hate it when that happends"!

I just bought this one;

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP9575-.../dp/B003IOKPLO