Is your Honda/Acura “Emissions Check System” light on?
Is the “Emissions Check System” light on in the dashboard of your Honda or Acura? Don’t worry about this relatively common message just yet. This warning could indicate a number of issues, from minor to more serious problems. We’ll explain the most common causes of the light, how to fix the problem, and whether you can keep driving until the problem is fixed.
What the “Check Emissions System” warning light means
Honda and sister company Acura both use a special display on the dashboard that, when illuminated, alerts the driver to a malfunction in the emissions system. Typically, this display will say “Check Emissions System” or something similar.
The display of the problem means that the affected vehicle’s engine control module has logged an active diagnostic trouble code with emissions-related implications.
Modern (1996 and later) cars may log error codes if irregular or suspicious operating conditions occur. However, most manufacturers design their vehicles so that in this case, the “Check Engine” indicator on the dashboard simply lights up.
There are many possible causes for the “Check Emissions System” light to come on. This type of light may be caused by something as simple as a loose or broken gas cap, or it may be a sign of something more complex, such as a clogged catalytic converter or a cylinder-specific misfire.
Most Common Causes The “Check Emissions System” light can be caused by a variety of underlying issues. Those who are familiar with these possible causes have a better chance of quickly identifying the root cause and resolving the problem.
1) Evap Error
One of the most common reasons for the “emissions check system” light to stay on is an underlying failure in the EVAP system. Such an error can be caused by damaged EVAP lines, a faulty purge valve, or even a damaged EVAP canister. However, the most common cause of an EVAP failure is a broken gas cap.
2) Misfire
Another very common cause of an emissions system light in Honda/Acura brand vehicles is a clear misfire. A misfire can be caused by one of a variety of issues, including a problem with the vehicle’s ignition system or a faulty fuel injector.
3) Exhaust System Problems
Many “Check Emissions” lights are due to issues limited to the vehicle’s exhaust system. The most common examples of these issues include a broken or clogged catalytic converter and failures related to the O2 sensor. This type of issue directly impacts the vehicle’s emissions regulations.
Other Possible Causes
There are several other possible causes of the “Check Emissions System” light that are worth mentioning. These issues are not as common as the issues listed above, but they may turn out to be the root cause of such an issue.
Damaged vacuum hose
– Defective or stuck EGR valve
– Poor connection contacts of various sensors
– Damaged wiring
– Faulty MAF sensor
– Clogged air filter
– Worn internal engine components
Can aftermarket modifications cause an emission testing system warning?
It is very common for aftermarket modifications to cause the “emissions check light” to come on in many popular Honda and Acura models, such as the Odyssey and RDX. This is due to fluctuations in feedback recorded by many important sensors, which can occur with the installation of non-OEM devices.
The most common modifications that can cause this light to come on include modifications that include the installation of aftermarket exhaust systems, cold air intakes, and EGR delete kits.
Why does the light come on and off? If your vehicle’s “Check Emissions” light comes on and off, you may have a problem that is at least intermittent. Simply put, the diagnostic error that causes this light to come on is only active at certain times or under certain conditions.
Intermittent problems are the hardest to diagnose, so it’s important to always pay attention to the circumstances that cause the light to come on and off. If you don’t want to spend a lot of time trying to determine the cause of the “intermittent illumination”, it’s often best to seek professional help in this case.
Is it safe to continue driving? Yes, in many cases it is safe to continue driving a vehicle with the “Check Emissions” light illuminated. However, the exact outcome depends heavily on the root cause of the warning light in question.
At relatively low levels, continuing to drive with a faulty O2 sensor can result in higher than normal fuel consumption, resulting in expensive expenses at the gas station.
On the other hand, continuing to drive despite a persistent misfire can lead to the spread of unburned fuel, which can lead to catalytic converter failure and exorbitant repair costs.