Honda Car Forum

They both went off at the same time and I cant get either one off. Is this normal or should I be concerend??Serious answers only please

Check engine light is a way for car's computer (ECU) to signal "something" is wrong. You would think in modern day of cheap LCD they could do better.So instead of guessing, go to AutoZone and they'll scan the computer and look for a code (ODB II connection). The code are very specific (some times getting down to the exact engine cylinder for misfires) and it will give you very good information. But be warned that just because it mentions a specific engine part (like Oxygen sensor) that may not be the part at fault (but most of the time it is).Modern cars give off check engine light often. You can even get check engine light if you don't tighten gas caps, oil filler caps or dip sticks. So it would be a good idea to get a ODB II scanner ( they could be had as little as $50 on sale at sears or AutoZone, if you get lucky). Besides one scanner could be used for multiple cars (yours, brother's, sister's, mom's, etc.)

Nine times out of ten a check engine light just means a sensor is on the blink and that you have no actual mechanical problems. I'm not familiar with traction control systems but if it is actually the problem then it could be a safety issue when it comes to how the car handles.

with that combination of lights the car is telling you that there is a malfunction in the engine that is reducing engine power and consequently the reduction in engine power is 'tricking' the Traction Control System (TCS) into thinking that you are in traction control mode so it puts the TCS light on. there is one very common cause of that condition on the 2001 Accord--it is the EGR port clogging. Honda had a bulletin out that extended the warranty on that system to 8 years or 80,000 miles. If that is the condition, they will replace the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve at no charge as well as a pipe that gets clogged with carbon. That condition will set a code for 'insufficient EGR flow'.Another possible cause is that the transmission is starting to slip from internal restrictions in the fluid passages caused by debris from wear on the internal clutches in the automatic transmission. Again, the resulting loss of power would cause the TCS system to be fooled into thinking that the TCS is engaged and put the light on. The transmission warranty on that car has also been extended to 7 years or 100,000 miles.if you have more mileage than either of the above then ask the honda dealer to see what honda will do for you provided it is one of those conditions. Chances are that if you are within a reasonable amount of miles they'll pay for the repairs.lastly, any misfire in the engine can cause both of the lights to come on because the misfire will reduce engine power. Misfires can be caused by everything from "bad" gas to parts failures to lack of maintenance or wear. If its not the EGR or the trans, then you'll have to go through all of the possible causes of misfires in a diagnosis.If you haven't found out what the diagnostic codes are yet (the other post referred you to AutoZone or AAmco for free code retrieval) start with that. If they tell you its EGR or Transmission then definitely take the car to a dealer. If its something else, decide on who you want to do the diagnosis and take it to themhope that answers your question

I just had this happen to my car. Has anyone had further experience with this...detail of repair, cost?

Thanks for any info.