Having an engine light come on can be worrisome, but when I got the P1157 code on my Honda Accord, I did some research to figure out what it meant and how to fix it.
Keep reading to learn what I discovered about P1157 Honda Accord issues, symptoms, causes, and repairs.
Related Topic: P2422 Honda Accord
What the P1157 Code Means
Table of Content
- 1 What the P1157 Code Means
- 2 Symptoms of P1157 in Honda Accord
- 3 What Causes the P1157 Code?
- 4 How to Diagnose P1157 Honda Accord
- 5 How to Fix P1157 Honda Accord
- 6 Resetting the Check Engine Light
- 7 Is It Safe to Drive with Code P1157?
- 8 How Much Does It Cost to Fix P1157 Honda Accord?
- 9 The Bottom Line on Honda Accord P1157
The P1157 Honda Accord code indicates an issue with the air/fuel ratio (A/F) sensor 1 heater circuit. This sensor measures the oxygen levels in the exhaust to determine if the air/fuel mixture is running rich or lean. The code is triggered when:
- The A/F sensor 1 heater circuit is open or shorted
- There is a poor electrical connection in the circuit
- The sensor is faulty
Symptoms of P1157 in Honda Accord
When the P1157 code Honda Accord appears, you may notice these symptoms:
- Check engine light illumination
- Poor fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
- Engine misfires
The symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen over time as the issue progresses.
What Causes the P1157 Code?
Here are some of the most common causes for the P1157 Honda Accord:
Faulty A/F Sensor
The oxygen sensor itself could be damaged or worn out. These components deteriorate over time due to prolonged exposure to high exhaust temperatures.
Bad Wiring
Problems with the wiring to the A/F sensor can cause P1157. This includes:
- Broken, shorted, or corroded wiring
- Loose connections
- Pinched or damaged wires
Engine Issues
Other engine issues that impact combustion can cause faulty readings from the A/F sensor, triggering code P1157. These include:
- Vacuum leaks
- Bad spark plugs
- Fouled fuel injectors
- Low fuel pressure
How to Diagnose P1157 Honda Accord
Diagnosing P1157 involves these steps:
- Read the trouble codes – This will reveal P1157 and any other codes present.
- Scan for sensor data – Look at the live data from the A/F sensor 1 for abnormal voltage readings.
- Do visual inspection – Check the wiring harness to the sensor, the connections, and the sensor itself for any sign of damage.
- Perform circuit tests – Use a multimeter to check for continuity and voltage through the heater circuit wiring and sensor.
- Test drive – Drive the vehicle and recreate the conditions that cause the code to reset.
How to Fix P1157 Honda Accord
Here are the common fixes when diagnosing P1157 on a Honda Accord:
Replace Oxygen Sensor
If the A/F sensor is faulty, replacing it will be required. Use only a new OEM Honda oxygen sensor for the repair. Avoid cheap aftermarket sensors.
Repair Wiring Harness
Any wiring issues found will need to be repaired. This may involve splicing damaged wires, reconnecting loose connectors, or replacing the entire harness if necessary.
Address Underlying Issues
Fix any engine issues that could be distorting the oxygen sensor readings. This could require tuning up the engine, adjusting fuel pressure, fixing vacuum leaks, etc.
Resetting the Check Engine Light
Once the problem is fixed, the check engine light can be reset by:
- Disconnecting the battery for 30 seconds
- Using an OBD2 scanner tool to clear trouble codes
- Taking it to a repair shop to have the ECU reset
The light will stay off if the underlying issue was properly addressed.
Is It Safe to Drive with Code P1157?
The car is safe to drive for short trips if this is the only code present. However, it’s best to get it diagnosed and repaired promptly to avoid potential engine damage or failure if left unaddressed. Avoid extended driving until the problem is fixed.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix P1157 Honda Accord?
You can expect to pay:
- $125-250 for oxygen sensor replacement
- $75-350 for wiring harness repairs
- $100+ for other engine repairs
- $75-150/hour labor at a shop
Shop around for the best deal if taking it to a repair shop. The specific fix will determine the total cost.
The Bottom Line on Honda Accord P1157
While an annoying check engine light, the P1157 Honda Accord is a fairly straightforward sensor issue to diagnose and repair. Pay attention to the related symptoms, thoroughly test the A/F sensor 1 circuit, and make any necessary wiring, sensor, or engine repairs. With the proper fix, the code can be cleared for smooth sailing once again!
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