98 Odyssey with Check Engine On Computer / PCM failure code; desperately seeking advice!

Discussion in 'Odyssey' started by grassyhillatsymbolgmail, Jan 17, 2006.

  1. My 98 Odyssey with 105k miles needs to get a clean emissions bill in
    the next 30 days or my registration gets suspended. The problem is
    that the computer is throwing a P1607 code for a general PCM or
    computer failure. I would like to avoid buying a new (or used) PCM
    until I can be reasonably certain that that will fix the problem.
    Anyone know if either:
    1. I can swqap out my parents' PCM from their 97 Accord to see if it
    fixes my problem?, OR
    2. where on the web to buy an inexpensive PCM unit and how to know
    which part my particular vehicle needs?, OR
    3. have any other ideas?

    The background:

    About a month ago I first started seeing an inconsistent
    transmission-related problem:
    occasionally the car goes into "limp home" mode (4th gear?) and I
    either have to drive it in
    low gear till I get to highway speed and put it back to D4, or pull
    over and turn the car
    off and then on again and the problem goes away.
    I brought it to a transmission guy who read both a torque converter
    problem code as well as
    the PCM failure code (P1607) and he recommended I see the dealer before
    making any tranny investments. I went to the dealer and they sold me
    an expensive tranny flush saying they thought my dirty fluid might have
    fouled a sensor. Dealer said not to be concerned about the PCM code
    (!)

    So now I have to somehow clear the code and make sure it doesn't come
    back so I can at least have a registered vehicle in the good graces of
    the state DMV.

    Any advice here would be appreciated! Thanks for your time!
     
    grassyhillatsymbolgmail, Jan 17, 2006
    #1
  2. Wrecking yards are a good source of computers; I bought an ECU for my son's
    old Accord (flood damaged - water just barely touched the ECU and killed it)
    for $75 with a 30 day warranty. 30 days may not sound like much, but if it
    doesn't give you trouble in 30 days it probably never will.

    Mike
     
    Michael Pardee, Jan 18, 2006
    #2
  3. ---------------------------------

    Have you checked your invoice to see that the Honda dealer put Z! Honda
    ATF in your tranny when they were through? Honda trannies are NOT
    supposed to be 'power flushed' and only Honda Z1 should ever be put in
    them. I'd do a 4 quart drain-n-fill just to be sure.
    As for the PCM, I'd do like Michael said. Be sure to disconnect the
    battery :-(

    BTW: Have you tried just resetting the thing by pulling the backup fuse
    (15 seconds) with the keys out?

    'Curly'
     
    'Curly Q. Links', Jan 18, 2006
    #3
  4. Thanks Curly Q. Links for the advice on resetting the PCM with the
    backup fuse. That may work, though I need to know how long I need to
    drive before the car returns to a state of "Readiness". Does anyone
    know? If I reset it, I have to drive some number of miles/amt of time
    or else when I go back to emissions they will see too many "Not Ready"
    readings.

    I need to be sure that I clear it, drive it long enough to get it
    "ready", and go directly to emissions. My experience with this code
    being thrown is only when it's a completely cold engine.
     
    grassyhillatsymbolgmail, Jan 29, 2006
    #4
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