'97 Accord Check Engine Light

Hi Folks,

I have a 1997 Accord LX with an automatic transmission and 118.5k on the
odo..

16 days ago, my check engine light unexpectedly came on, and has been on
ever since. I have not had the engine examined by a mechanic because the
engine sounds fine, and I have not experienced any loss of power or gas
mileage. Should I go to a mechanic immediately, or wait until my
scheduled 120k check-up? Thanks, in advance.

David

"1 Gr8 Fan" wrote in message

> Hi Folks,
>
> I have a 1997 Accord LX with an automatic transmission and 118.5k on the
> odo..
>
> 16 days ago, my check engine light unexpectedly came on, and has been on
> ever since. I have not had the engine examined by a mechanic because the
> engine sounds fine, and I have not experienced any loss of power or gas
> mileage. Should I go to a mechanic immediately, or wait until my
> scheduled 120k check-up? Thanks, in advance.
>
> David
>
This time I'll disagree with TeGGeR and vote for waiting. The crucial points
are the engine operation and fuel economy being okay. The light should
really be called "emissions system" light, but then nobody would ever have
it checked. In many models other fault codes are also piggy-backed onto the
mandatory emissions related codes, which complicates the decision.

As TeGGeR points out, some of the failures can cause the mixture to be way
too rich and can melt the catalyst. But even with those failures the car can
be driven around town without creating that much heat in the catalyst, and
can be driven gently at freeway speeds. Once you know the fuel economy is
normal the restrictions are unnecessary.

Mike