Got the codes - 96 Accord EXR - now what?

Hi again!
Finally learned how to retrieve the codes but not exactly sure how to
decipher them. Quick questions:
Regarding the long/short blinking...does a single digit code (1-9)
appear as long or short blinking?
What if there is more than on problem?

So here's the situation:
ABS light has been on for almost a year - haven't paid it much
attention as I have returned to school and I don't drive much.
Usually, the ABS like comes on as soon as I have driven a few feet but
sometimes it doesn't come on at all. Most often when this happens, as
I approach a stop, the ABS will kick in JUST BEFORE reaching a
complete stop - even under light braking. A couple of weeks ago, the
ABS light didn't come on AT ALL on a two day trip and the ABS
functioned normally. Suspiciously, I had the car on jacks to change
oil etc. before we left. When I shorted SCC, the ABS light blinked 4
short then 8 short. Meaning?

Now for the engine.
A couple of weeks ago I posted regarding some surging with the car
after filling up the tank with fuel. I've since used different gas and
the problem persists. The symptoms were very much like a TPS problem -
but 'not beyond a reasonable doubt'. I am finding it very difficult to
get a multimeter in there to test it myself. I reset the ECU or
whatever and it took almost an hour of driving but the engine light
came on again - the car was surging at certain rpms long before the
engine light came on. When I shorted the SSC, the engine light blinked
7 long, 4 short. Meaning?
BTW, I should mention, the engine light has also been on for almost a
year. Again, I didn't address it as the car was functioning fine
throughout. Just concerned if whatever caused the light to come on
then might be retained in memory or also be what is tripping the ECU
now.

Thanks again for ALL the help!

>Hi again!
>Finally learned how to retrieve the codes but not exactly sure how to
>decipher them. Quick questions:
>Regarding the long/short blinking...does a single digit code (1-9)
>appear as long or short blinking?
>What if there is more than on problem?

Single digit codes will be a short blink, a two digit code will be long for the first digit and short for the second...example two long and four short is 24.
Also, the code(s) will be displayed in sequence then a pause and the codes will be repeated.


> So here's the situation:
> ABS light has been on for almost a year - haven't paid it much
> attention as I have returned to school and I don't drive much.
> Usually, the ABS like comes on as soon as I have driven a few feet but
> sometimes it doesn't come on at all. Most often when this happens, as
> I approach a stop, the ABS will kick in JUST BEFORE reaching a
> complete stop - even under light braking. A couple of weeks ago, the
> ABS light didn't come on AT ALL on a two day trip and the ABS
> functioned normally. Suspiciously, I had the car on jacks to change
> oil etc. before we left. When I shorted SCC, the ABS light blinked 4
> short then 8 short. Meaning?

That is considered code 4-8, that's the left (drivers side) REAR wheel sensor. A lot of times they're just dirty as they're magnetic and little metal pieces such as rust stick to them. You can probably get away with just removing it and cleaning it, then putting it back in. If that doesn't do it, or while your under there in the first place, take a fast look at the wiring and make sure it's not broken. On my car the wire broke to the right rear wheel, near the center of the car (where the orange connectors are) - I was able to fix it and that took care of the problem.

>
> Now for the engine.
> A couple of weeks ago I posted regarding some surging with the car
> after filling up the tank with fuel. I've since used different gas and
> the problem persists. The symptoms were very much like a TPS
> problem -
> but 'not beyond a reasonable doubt'. I am finding it very difficult to
> get a multimeter in there to test it myself. I reset the ECU or
> whatever and it took almost an hour of driving but the engine light
> came on again - the car was surging at certain rpms long before the
> engine light came on. When I shorted the SSC, the engine light blinked
> 7 long, 4 short. Meaning?

Code 74 is a cylinder misfire, and I'm about 95% sure it's the #4 cylinder.


> BTW, I should mention, the engine light has also been on for almost a
> year. Again, I didn't address it as the car was functioning fine
> throughout. Just concerned if whatever caused the light to come on
> then might be retained in memory or also be what is tripping the ECU
> now.

Try resetting the computer (pull the fuse in panel under dash labeled BACKUP (7.5A) or just disconnect neg. battery cable for 60 seconds) then drive it until the light comes on, then read the codes again. You'll know exactly what the recent code is that way.
Also, you can have the codes read for free at AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts (since it doesn't sound like you have the tool) instead of jumping diagnostic terminal and it'll give you a more accurate code.
Let me know what you find and I'll help you further if you'd like.

>Thanks again for ALL the help!

No problem.