Honda/Acura Error Codes & Diagnostic Guide

TL;DR: Honda/Acura are reliable but get codes. VTEC system codes are common. Transmission issues on V6 models. SRS codes common on older models. Generally DIY-friendly. HDS scanner is dealer-level. Lower repair costs than European. Learn Honda/Acura-specific diagnostics.

Your Honda or Acura has a check engine light. But Honda codes can be different. VTEC? SRS? What do these mean?

Honda/Acura have reliable reputations, but they still get codes. Learn what's specific to Honda/Acura.

Honda/Acura-Specific Systems

VTEC System

What it is: Honda's variable valve timing system. Common problems:

• VTEC codes
• Oil pressure problems
• Solenoid failure
• System faults

Common codes:

• P2646: VTEC oil pressure switch
• P2647: VTEC oil pressure switch circuit
• VTEC-related codes

Fix cost: $200-$500 for solenoid | $100-$300 for switch DIY difficulty: Moderate

Transmission

What it is: Honda transmissions are generally reliable, but V6 models have issues. Common problems:

• Transmission codes (V6 models)
• Shifting problems
• Some years have issues

Common codes:

• P0700: Transmission control
• P0730: Gear ratio
• Transmission-specific codes

Fix cost: $1,500-$4,000 for transmission work DIY difficulty: Not recommended Note: V6 models (Accord, Odyssey, Pilot) have more transmission problems than 4-cylinder.

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System)

What it is: Airbag system. Common problems:

• SRS light on
• Common on older models
• Sensor problems
• Module issues

Common codes:

• SRS codes
• Airbag codes
• Sensor codes

Fix cost: $150-$500 for sensors | $500-$1,500 for module DIY difficulty: Not recommended (safety system)

Model-Specific Problems

Honda Civic

Common problems:

• VTEC codes - Oil pressure, solenoid
• P0420 - High-mileage converter
• SRS codes - Older models
• Generally reliable

Common codes:

• VTEC codes
• P0420
• SRS codes (older)

Fix costs:

• VTEC: $200-$500
• P0420: $150-$2,500
• SRS: $150-$500

Honda Accord

Common problems:

• Transmission - V6 models
• VTEC codes - V6 models
• P0420 - High-mileage
• SRS codes - Older models

Common codes:

• Transmission codes (V6)
• VTEC codes
• P0420
• SRS codes

Fix costs:

• Transmission: $1,500-$4,000
• VTEC: $200-$500
• P0420: $150-$2,500
• SRS: $150-$500

Honda CR-V

Common problems:

• VTEC codes - Some years
• P0420 - High-mileage
• Transmission - Rare
• Generally reliable

Common codes:

• VTEC codes
• P0420
• Basic engine codes

Fix costs:

• VTEC: $200-$500
• P0420: $150-$2,500
• Generally lower costs

Acura TL/TLX

Common problems:

• Transmission - Some years
• VTEC codes - V6 models
• SRS codes - Older models
• Generally reliable

Common codes:

• Transmission codes
• VTEC codes
• SRS codes

Fix costs:

• Transmission: $1,500-$4,000
• VTEC: $200-$500
• SRS: $150-$500

Acura MDX

Common problems:

• Transmission - Some years
• VTEC codes - V6 models
• SRS codes - Older models
• Generally reliable

Common codes:

• Transmission codes
• VTEC codes
• SRS codes

Fix costs:

• Transmission: $1,500-$4,000
• VTEC: $200-$500
• SRS: $150-$500

Common Honda/Acura Codes

P2646: VTEC Oil Pressure Switch

What it means: VTEC oil pressure switch circuit problem. Common causes:

• Switch failure
• Wiring problems
• Oil pressure issues
• Solenoid problems

Fix cost: $100-$300 for switch | $200-$500 for solenoid DIY difficulty: Moderate

P2647: VTEC Oil Pressure Switch Circuit

What it means: VTEC oil pressure switch circuit low. Common causes:

• Switch failure
• Wiring problems
• Oil pressure issues
• Solenoid problems

Fix cost: $100-$300 for switch | $200-$500 for solenoid DIY difficulty: Moderate

P0420: Catalyst Efficiency

What it means: Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold. Common on:

• High-mileage Hondas
• Older models
• After 100,000+ miles

Common causes:

• Aging catalytic converter
• Downstream O2 sensor
• Exhaust leaks

Fix cost: $150-$350 for O2 sensor | $400-$2,500 for converter DIY difficulty: Moderate

SRS Codes

What it means: Airbag system fault. Common on:

• Older Honda/Acura models
• Common problem
• Sensor issues

Common causes:

• Sensor failure
• Wiring problems
• Module issues
• Previous repairs

Fix cost: $150-$500 for sensors | $500-$1,500 for module DIY difficulty: Not recommended

Honda-Specific Diagnostic Tools

HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)

What it is: Honda's dealer-level diagnostic tool. Features:

• Full system access
• All Honda codes
• Professional diagnostics
• Comprehensive testing

Cost: $1,000-$3,000 Best for: Professional mechanics

Basic OBD2

What works:

• Basic codes
• Standard OBD2 codes
• Limited Honda-specific

Cost: $20-$500 Best for: Basic diagnostics

Third-Party Tools

Examples:

• Autel scanners
• Launch scanners
• Other professional tools

Features:

• Some Honda support
• Varies by tool
• Professional features

Cost: $500-$2,000

Maintenance Costs

Generally Lower Than European

Why:

• More reliable
• Less complex
• Better parts availability
• Lower labor rates
• DIY-friendly

Typical costs:

• Oil change: $40-$80
• Brake service: $200-$500
• Suspension: $400-$1,000
• Engine work: $500-$3,000

Cost-Saving Tips

• Independent shops - Save 30-40%
• Quality parts - Aftermarket available
• DIY when safe - Very DIY-friendly
• Preventive maintenance - Prevents problems

DIY-Friendly Brand

Why Honda/Acura Are DIY-Friendly

• Good documentation - Lots of info available
• Reasonable access - Parts accessible
• Standard tools - Don't need special tools
• Online support - Lots of forums and guides

What You Can DIY

• Oil changes - Easy
• Air filter - Very easy
• Spark plugs - Moderate
• Brake pads - Moderate
• VTEC solenoid - Moderate (if accessible)

FAQ

Q: Are Honda codes different from other cars? A: Some are. VTEC is Honda-specific. SRS codes are common. Basic OBD2 codes are standard. Q: What's VTEC? A: Honda's variable valve timing system. Common source of codes. Usually oil pressure or solenoid problems. Q: Do I need Honda-specific scanner? A: Helpful but not always required. Basic OBD2 works for many codes. HDS for full access. Q: Why are Honda repairs cheaper? A: More reliable, less complex, better parts availability, generally lower costs, DIY-friendly. Q: Can I use regular OBD2 scanner on Honda? A: Yes, for basic codes. Honda-specific codes may need HDS or professional tool. Q: What's most common Honda problem? A: VTEC codes (oil pressure, solenoid). Very common, usually $200-$500 fix.

The Bottom Line

Honda/Acura are reliable but get codes. VTEC system codes are common. Transmission issues on V6 models. SRS codes common on older models. Generally DIY-friendly. HDS scanner is dealer-level. Lower repair costs than European. Learn Honda/Acura-specific diagnostics.

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