The most common cause of emission system problems in the Honda Accord is a faulty mass airflow sensor. Cleaning or replacing this sensor typically resolves the issue and turns off the “check engine” light.
Emission systems are complex, with components working in unison to reduce harmful exhaust pollutants. When one piece falters, you may experience reduced fuel economy, performance issues, or warning lights on the dashboard. But with some troubleshooting, you can get your Accord’s emission system back in good working order.
What Exactly Is The Emission System In A Honda Accord?
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The primary function of your Honda Accord’s emission system is to reduce tailpipe emissions, filtering out harmful gases like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides (NOx), and hydrocarbons. This protects both the environment as well as the health of passengers inside the vehicle’s cabin.
There are several key components of the emission control system in a Honda Accord:
- Oxygen Sensors: Monitor oxygen content to ensure optimal combustion efficiency
- PCV Valve: Controls valve movement to recirculate vapors
- Catalytic Converter: Reduces toxic gasses into safer substances
- EGR Valve: Recycles exhaust gas to lower cylinder temperatures/emissions
When all components are working properly, they work together to make the Accord’s emissions cleaner. But failure of even one part can lead to a cascade of issues that causes emission system warning lights to activate on the dashboard.
Common Causes of Honda Accord Emission System Problems🧑‍🔧
In my repair experience, these 5 issues are the most prevalent causes of Honda Accord emission system malfunctioning:
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is one of the most crucial components. This small sensor measures the volume of air flowing into the engine to determine the optimal fuel mixture. Over time, normal dust and debris accumulation can clog the MAF sensor, causing imprecise readings. This tricks the engine computer into supplying too much or too little fuel, resulting in incomplete combustion and release of pollutants that exceed legal limits.
Symptoms of a bad mass airflow sensor include:
- Hard starting
- Stalling/hesitation
- Decreased fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Check Engine light
Failing Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors sample exhaust gasses leaving the engine to gauge how efficiently fuel was burned. The readings inform the engine computer how to adjust the air-to-fuel ratio for optimal efficiency. However, failing oxygen sensors provide false data, leading to emission issues. They are subjected to incredibly high temperatures, which takes a toll over 100k+ miles of driving. Look out for symptoms like:
- Poor acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
- Rough idling
Leaking EVAP System
The evaporative emissions or EVAP system seals fuel vapors inside the tank and routes them to the engine instead of releasing them into the atmosphere. But cracks in the vapor hoses, a loose gas cap, or tiny leaks in the fuel tank itself allow vapors to escape. The Check Engine light will illuminate if an EVAP leak is detected.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter plays a starring role in minimizing tailpipe emissions. But exhaust system corrosion and road debris can eventually damage the honeycomb structure inside this key emissions component. When efficiency drops below legal limits, you’ll get a Check Engine warning. In addition to the light, look for other symptoms like:
- A stinky smell from the tailpipe
- Failed emission test readings
Bad PCV Valve
A small emissions part called the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve helps recirculate oil vapor back into the intake to be burned rather than released into the air. The valve can seize up over time, leading to emission test failures. Along with the Check Engine light, you may notice:
- Oil leaks
- Higher short trip fuel consumption
- Oil contamination buildup
How To Troubleshoot Honda Accord Emission Problems?
Armed with expertise on what parts tend to go bad, I use a very specific troubleshooting process when an Accord comes into my shop with emission issues:
Scan Onboard Computer Codes
I begin the diagnosis by hooking up a scan tool to access the error codes stored in the Accord’s onboard computer network. This gives insight into exactly what sensor or component is causing the emission warning light to activate. From there, I can zero in on the most likely fixes.
Thorough Visual Inspection
With fault codes pointing me in the right direction, I thoroughly inspect the indicated components for any visible damage. This may include checking oxygen sensor wires for corrosion, ensuring vacuum hoses are securely fastened, or hunting for leaks in the EVAP system. I look closely for any discernible issues to inform the next steps.
Follow The Evidence
Like a detective, I may test components or gather additional clues to get sufficient proof to identify the true emission system culprit. For example, graphing live data from the oxygen sensors at various engine loads can reveal a bad sensor. Or using a smoke machine to detect tiny EVAP leaks invisible to the naked eye.
Complete Necessary Repairs
Once the problematic emission component is confirmed, I take care of replacing or repairing it to restore proper functioning. I always adhere strictly to Honda factory repair procedures, ensuring a job is done right the first time. This often has the Accord passing a state emissions test that it initially failed when indicating trouble codes.
đź› Repair And Maintenance Tips
Drawing from my years of hands-on experience, here are my top 5 pro tips for keeping your Accord’s emission system in peak shape:
Stick To the Factory Maintenance Schedule
The best way to avoid emission problems is by strict adherence to Honda’s maintenance timeline listed in your owner’s manual.
This includes emission-specific items like:
- Replace oxygen sensors every 80-100k miles
- Clean mass airflow sensor every 60k miles
- Check the condition of the PCV valve every 30k miles
Address Check Engine Light Immediately
Never ignore a check engine light or odd symptoms indicating emissions trouble. The longer you wait, the more likely it is for the issue to get exponentially worse and begin damaging other components. At the first sign of problems, bring your Accord in right away.
Use Only Genuine Honda Parts
Aftermarket parts don’t always live up to OEM standards for fit and performance. Splurge for factory components when emission repairs are needed to prevent premature failure or complications down the road.
Keep An Eye Out For Corrosion Damage
Road salt, humidity, and other environmental factors take a major toll on exhaust and emission hardware. Carefully inspect these systems for rust or deterioration issues during routine maintenance. Address wear early before permanent sensors or catalytic converter damage happens. Consider having a rust inhibitor treatment added to high risk areas.
Practice Defensive Driving
Aggressive acceleration, potholes and speed bumps at high speeds, and continuous stop-and-go traffic all heighten mechanical stress on emission components. By driving more conservatively, you’ll enable less wear and a longer lifespan of critical pieces like the O2 sensors and catalytic converter. Help your Accord outlive emission system problems.
When Should You Replace vs Attempt Repair?
Figuring out whether to repair or replace a broken emission component depends on the following:
Estimated Part Lifespan Remaining
If the faulty part is a basic maintenance item nearing the point for standard replacement per Honda’s guidelines, it makes more fiscal and practical sense to swap in an entirely new part rather than band-aid fix one on its last legs.
Extent of Mechanical Damage
For specialized components like the catalytic converter where damage can’t be readily fixed, installing a brand new unit is required to restore proper functioning if cracking or internal breakdown has occurred. Temporary repairs may work very short term before part failure recurs.
Cost of Repair vs Replacement
Simple repairs like cleaning MAF sensors or replacing a leaking gas cap come with reasonable labor costs compared to more intensive projects. But when facing a $1000+ expense to repair an old oxygen sensor versus $250 for installing a new one, replacement tends to be the most cost effective choice.
Availability of Quality Parts
I only source authentic Honda factory components when replacing emission parts rather than generic aftermarket ones. However, some sensors or high-tech valves are discontinued by manufacturers over time. If that’s the case, replacement becomes mandatory.
Using my expert judgment, I weigh all these factors to determine if we should attempt fixing the original part or swap it out entirely when addressing check engine lights related to Accord emission issues. I always aim for the optimal blend of performance and value for my loyal customers.
FAQs
Why Did My Accord Fail An Emissions Test When No Check Engine Light Is On?
It’s possible to have very minor emission component deterioration that, while not yet severe enough to activate a warning light, can still lead to failed test metrics. The Check Engine light only comes on once emissions cross predetermined thresholds. Have your Accord thoroughly inspected even without any dash indicators illuminated.
Does A Bad Oxygen Sensor Always Trigger A Check Engine Light?
Not necessarily – sometimes, an oxygen sensor can be reading badly out of normal range but not badly enough for the engine computer to flag it as an issue. Without seeing an actual warning, diagnosis can be tricky. Watch for fuel economy and performance changes as clues.
What Should You Do When The Check Engine Light Is Flashing?
A rapidly blinking check engine light indicates very serious emission control problems detected that are causing engine misfire issues. A flashing light means you should immediately pull over and call for a tow rather than trying to drive any further. This warning is not safe to ignore.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Emission Problems In A Honda Accord?
Cost varies widely based on what exact component failed and if repairs or complete replacement are required. Minor fixes like an air filter swap or a new gas cap may ring up under $150 in total. However, replacing specialized parts like the catalytic converter or PCM computer module can require $1000 or more to address.
How Can I Tell If My Catalytic Converter Is Having Issues?
Clues your catalytic converter has sustained internal damage include rotten egg sulfurous smells from the exhaust, louder than normal exhaust rumble, failed emission test results, reduced fuel economy, lack of acceleration responsiveness, and illumination of check engine light trouble codes P0420 or P0430.
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