g8r96

I've searched all over this site trying to find information about the computer codes for our cars. I was surprised to find that there were not posts. Not a single one.

The reason I am looking for the codes is because my TCS light and ABS light are both on and don't reset when I shut off the engine. I want to read the codes from the DTC port but I can't find any info on what the different waveforms indicate.

On most cars, the computer read-out port pulses on and off a certain number of times which corresponds to a particular computer code (e.g. two flashes = code 2 = O2 sensor is bad). With our cars on the other hand the computer issues pulses with various widths and duty cycles. The Acura service manual shows the break down of a few different pulses but it doesn't tell you how to read them.

Does anyone know how to read these without a PGM tester? If so, I would be willing to make a custom PGM tester so people can check their computer codes.

HELP!

2001TL4KCdude

How many miles on your TL, Take it back. My was conveniently reset during my oil change

2001TL4KCdude

Found this....
Make: ACURA Model: 3.2TL Year: 1999
Service Bulletin Number: 98037 Bulletin Sequence Number: 457
Date of Bulletin: 03/99
NHTSA Item Number: SB604552
Component: BRAKES:HYDRAULIC:ANTI-SKID SYSTEM
Summary: ABS AND TCS INDICATORS ARE ON AND TCS DTC 28 IS SET. *TT

g8r96

Cool, DTC 28 is the TCS relay. I will check it out.

I would still like to know how to check the DTC's myself. Thanks for the reply.

mr tl

theres a port on the drivers side multiplex control unit that your supposed to short (acura has a tool specifically for this). after shorting it, the check engine light will flash a certain number of times, indicating the problem

g8r96

Does the manual talk about that port (on the drivers side -- the one that needs to be shorted). Unless the special tool does something really special, I can sort the pins that need to be shorted with a wire.

I can't seem to find any info. on the SCS (Service Check Signal) in the manual. Where is it? How do I involk it, etc.?

g8r96

As I read more and more about determining the DTC's it looks like you have to "jump the SCS service signal line with the Honda PGM tester."

There has to be a poor man's way around this.

mr tl

its under one of the electrical sections near the end of the manual. isnt there a section called multiplex control unit? try there

at the starting of the chapter it shows a picture of the tool. its a block of plastic with a wire going in and out. you dont really need it, just tap the 2 pins together with some wire. i forget which port it is...theres a few under there

RAdams

Although I've not done it on the TL (or any other OBDII car as I have some diagnostic software and an OBDII cable for my laptop computer).. on all other Hondas there is a green plug under the passenger side dash. As has been stated before, you simply need to short these two wires together (using another piece of wire, paperclip, etc) and count the Check Engine light flashes. The codes can be found in the service manual, along with ways to troubleshoot each one.

g8r96

Cool. I'll look into it tomorrow.

g8r96

Here's the latest in the TCS/ABS light saga. A mechanic friend of mine checked out ALLDATA and found the details of the technical bulletin that KCDude mentioned in an earlier post.

The bulletin suggests that water is present in the modulator unit connector. Supposedly removing the water from the connector and applying lithium dielectric grease to the connector face will fix the problem.

I'll let you know if this works.

Austin519

Or you could get OBD plugin for your laptop...allow you to fix all those codes yourself...it's what I'm getting...

Austin519

g8r96

This time the OBD wouldn't have worked. I hooked up the SnapOn computer to it and there weren't any codes.

I am still trying to find the connector that needs to be shorted in order to get the codes to flash the dash lights.

2001TL4KCdude

Good Luck. Keep us updated