Honda Car Forum

It start to have the problem last few days, the "engine check" lights on while driving thus the car will lose power. Sometimes the light will dissapear after the engine is swithed off. Sometimes the problem occur even during the inital start up and the engine will only run for few seconds and then stalled. According to the manual it is due to emission problem. Any body has any idea what the problem is?

Did you have the engine swapped? 1991 Preludes had either the old B20 (S models)or B21 engines (Si, Si 4WS, and Si ALB). Usually the check engine light means emission problems (ie. EGR valve, O2 sensor, etc.). but sometimes it could be a bad distributor or you may need the valves adjusted. I would replace the air filter, plugs and wires first. If the light is still on, get a diagnostic done on it at your favorite mechanic. You wouldn't want to get a $100 distributor if you don't need it. The diagnostic will tell you exactly what the problem is. Regardless, the plugs and wires will cost you less than a diagnostic usually so do that first. I actually had the check engine light come on in my old 2000 CR-V and it went out after I replaced the air filter, plugs and wires. Regardless, it couldn't hurt and you'll probably want to change them anyway.

Go to a place like Pep Boys and have them do a free diagnostic check.

get a paper clip and jump the plug under the dash. this will cause the light to flash in a sequence and tell you the code since it is OBD1..... the haynes manual has the codes. most likely if it is emissions related then it is o2 sensor or egr valve/ports.......