CEL code HELP

[Doc308]

The check engine light just popped on on my '92. I stopped for fuel and upon driving after the fill -up, the light did not come back on ( for a 15-min drive back home). Upon shorting the dx connector, a code 44 appeared. At the same time, the Traction Control Light blinked out a code 34 , although the TCL did not come on on the road. If I read the manual right, the code 44 for the CEL is a rear O2 sensor(?). What gives with the traction control reading?

I'm reserved for the NSX corral at the ALMS race on Sat--please help!

PS--given that there are no discernable symptoms, would it be safe to drive the car with these codes showing ( 1.5 hr drive).

PPS-- I just pulled the clock fuse to reset things and now I'm on my way back out for a test drive.

 

[Daedalus]

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87705

It seems like it's not uncommon for them to light together. From previous posts the advice is to replace the O2 sensor--often both lights go away.

 

[Doc308]

After pulling the clock fuse, I took the car out for "spirited" 25 min drive . The check engine light did not come on again.

Am I correct in assuming that the CEL code 44 is the rear O2 sensor? The manual states that it could have something to do with the "rear fuel delivery system". How do I know what to look for? There are no symptoms whatsoever--ie the car runs/idles smoothly through the rpm rangeand, as I stated, the CEL hasn't come back on again--yet.

Assuming that this is the rear O2 sensor malfunction, where exactly is it located? I understand that these thigs are a bitch to get out.

 

[Daedalus]

The O2 sensors do have their own codes, but the code depends on the symptions. In the '91 manual troubleshooting for code 44 begins on 11-36 and focuses heavily on the rear O2 sensor as you suspected. Depending on age/mileage I would probably replace both sensors and expect there's a really good chance it'll fix the code 44 at least, if not both lights. Access isn't quite as big a problem as the sensors being just plain frozen. Normally I'd recommend a good dose of PB Blaster, but I'd also worry about contaminating the new sensor.

 

[NSXclear]

Just get a good breaker bar and that should give you enough leverage. I would use the PB Blaster as a last resort.

 

[Doc308]

Where is he rear O2 sensor located on the exhaust? Is it accessed from under the car?

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hi Doc,

It is located on the rear exhaust manifold. It is just above the rear beam. It is a bit of a pain, but with a good 02 sensor wrench and a breaker bar, you should be OK. I would wear gloves, to minimize the agony.

See you tomorrow at ALMS??

Regards,
LarryB

 

[Doc308]

Thanks, Larry. Yes, I do hope to see you at ALMS! In the event that I can't find an O2 sensor today, would it be safe to drive the car with that code ? As I mentioned, I'm getting no performance symptoms at all as yet.

Also, what do make of the 34 code blinking on the TCS light when I short the dx plug? The TCS light was not on while driving the car. Only the check engine light came on. In a previous post, it was imlied that one code might automatically trigger the other (?)

 

[Larry Bastanza]

I WILL see you tomorrow, regardless of your 02 sensor CEL. Safe to drive down for sure.

Regards,
LarryB