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People, I have a confession to make: I haven't updated this site in a couple of years. No, more. I feel bad about this, but, as I've explained to submitters, I just no longer have the time. Many--very generous--people have submitted extremely interesting writeups that would make wonderful additions to this site: There's a guy who resurrected his failed ECU by replacing some components (with pics!); a man who fixed an engine seized due to oil-starvation--without removing it from the car (with pics!); there are my own substantial updates regarding brakes (I know SO much more now than I did years ago, and with pics!). Plus there are few instances of "fine writing" that need to be repaired. But...time. That I lack. I leave this site up for what it still has to offer readers. Read at your pleasure, but be aware that there is much that needs updating, so take it all with the proverbial grain of salt. Tegger-Feb04/11

Master Index (click item to jump to that section)
General information
Engines
Heating / Cooling
Starting/running problems
Driveline/ Axles
Transmissions and clutches
Brakes
Engine electrical and On-Board Diagnostics(OBD)
Body electrical
Funny noises
Funny smells
Performance, upgrades and add-ons
Not really FAQs, but interesting anyway...

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General Information back to Master Index

• What is an "Acura" anyway?
• What engine does my car have, and how much horsepower does it make? (external link)
  
• What kind of fuel mileage can I realistically expect from my Honda? (external link)
• Where can I buy OEM Honda/Acura parts "online"?
• Where can I find online Owner's Manuals, service manuals and other technical information?
• Where can I find some TSBs?
• How do I reset the "Maintenance Required" / "Service Required" light?
• What kind of oil filter should I buy?
• Are proprietary oil additives any good?
• How can I prevent my car from being stolen?
• What's the score on gas-line antifreeze?
• What glue do I use to replace my doors' weather plastic sheeting?
• How do I change my cabin air filter?

Engines back to Master Index

• What's an "interference" engine?
• Do I really have to replace my timing belt?
• How can I get the crankshaft bolt undone so I can change my timing belt?
• What's the best way to make sure I get my new timing belt on right?
• Is there a pictorial howto anywhere for timing belt change? (external link)
• What is VTEC and how does it work?
• Can I put a VTEC head on my plain vanilla Honda engine?
• Why do I need premium gas? Can't I use regular?
• Will premium gas make my car go faster?
• I hear a lot about something called "sludge". What is that?
• How do they get rid of "sludge"?
• How do I replace my PCV valve, and why would I want to?
• Do CR-V engines require special treatment other Hondas don't?
• Oil is leaking into my spark plug holes!
• My spark plugs have oil on them, but I'm not burning oil!
• Where can I learn lots about oil and lubrication in general?  (BobIsTheOilGuy site) (external link)
• Fixing EGR blockage leading to DTC P0401 and P1491
• Some information on the JDM F22B DOHC engine

Heating / Cooling back to Master Index

• What's making my car overheat?
• I'm overheating and I know for sure my engine fan is not coming on. What doI do?
• My temperature gauge shows cold all the time. It takes ages to get up to the half-way mark.
• My heater is putting out poor heat or no heat. How come?
• Can I mix different kinds (or colors) of antifreeze?

Starting/Running problems back to Master Index

• My car won't start, starts then stalls, stalls a lot while driving, or just runs badly
• The PGM-FI Main Relay
• The coil
• The igniter
• The ignition switch
• Fixing EGR blockage leading to DTC P0401 and P1491

Driveline / Axles / Suspension / Wheels/ Tires back to Master Index

• What's making a rucka-rucka noise when I'm turning at full lock?
• How do you disconnect ball joints so a half-shaft can be changed?
• Why are my lugnuts so hard to undo?
• Help! My wheels are stuck on the car and I can't get them off!
• What happens if a ball joint breaks?
• Why does my CR-V make weird rubbing noises when I go around tight turns?

Transmissions and clutches back to Master Index

• How do you double-clutch, and why?
• A worn out clutch, and symptoms with an unusual cause
  

Brakes back to Master Index

• Why are my brakes making a funny noise?
• Why do my brakes make a "click" sound when I step on the brake when backing up?
• I'm replacing my rear brake pads and the piston won't go in!
• I'm having to replace my brake pads far too often
• What brake pads should I use and how should I break them in?
• How do I tell if my brakes are dragging?
• How do I tell what's wrong with my brakes?
• How do I service my disc brakes if I live in a fairly warm, dry area? (external link)
• I live in an area that has lots of rain and/or snow. How do I service my brakes properly?
• Why do brake rotors warp? Is it caused by overtightening lugnuts?
• Do I have to turn the rotors of my disc brakes when I fit new pads?
• Does ABS help you stop sooner?
• Can you turn off ABS?
• How do I get those silly little screws out so I can remove my rotors?
• Why does my brake pedal go to the floor?
• How do I replace my Master Cylinder?
• Why do my brakes slowly lock on as I drive?
• How do I adjust my Master Cylinder pushrod? Do I really need to remove the booster?

Engine electrical and On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) back to Master Index

• How do I reset my Check Engine light?
• My Check Engine light has come on. How do I retrieve the ECU fault code?
• A very useful Index of all known Diagnostic Trouble codes (error codes), OBD-II and before.
• What is OBD-II?
• I'm trying to replace my distributor rotor. Why can't I get it off?
• How does the EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) Main Relay work?
• Should I ever replace my car's computer (ECU / ECM)?
• Some information about DTC P0420 "Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold"
• Bill Darden's excellent Battery FAQ (external link)
  

Body electrical back to Master Index

• My battery is flat! Again!
• I just got a jump-start. Will I damage my alternator if I use it to charge the flat battery?
• How to fix loose fuses
• Some electrical information on '92-'95 Civics, courtesy of Randolph (external link)
• How come my rear window defroster won't work, or is on ALL the time?
• My windshield wipers won't work on the "intermittent" setting any more. Why?
• Why does the car beep at me in a strange, apparently random manner?
• My car is exhibiting minor, but strange, electrical problems of all kinds
• How do I get the dash apart to install an aftermarket radio?
• Do I need to cut up my factory wiring to install an aftermarket radio?
• Can I stop my power antenna from raising when I'm just playing a tape or CD?
• My radio has stopped working
• My Navigation system (Navi) has stopped working
  
• I've lost my radio's anti-theft code
• Bill Darden's excellent Battery FAQ (external link)
• Why does my clock keep resetting itself?

Funny noises back to Master Index

• What's making a rucka-rucka noise when I'm turning at full lock?
• Why do my brakes make a "click" sound when I step on the brake when backing up?
• Why are my brakes making a funny noise?
• My car makes a buzzing noise at certain RPMs
• Why does my CR-V make weird rubbing noises when I go around tight turns?
• What's that brrrr-click I hear when the key is turned to ON but before I try to start?
• At about 10mph I hear a BzzzzzzzT noise from under the hood.

Funny smells back to Master Index

• Pee-yew! Why does my exhaust smell like rotten eggs?
• Why does my air conditioning stink when I first turn it on?

Performance, upgrades and add-ons back to Master Index

• How can I "chip" my car's computer to get more performance? (external link)
• What can an aftermarket cold air intake do for me?
• Will premium gas make my car go faster?
• Are K&N and other "performance" air filters a good idea? (external link)
• How can I remove decals/stickers/pinstripes without damaging the paint?
• How do I "roll" a fender to accept larger tires?
• Can you supercharge a VTEC engine?
• What's "Rice"?
• Are higher wattage aftermarket headlight bulbs any good? (external link)

Not really FAQs, but interesting anyway... back to Master Index

• Reader's rides (submissions wanted)
• TeGGeR's smog check history.
• TeGGeR's car gets appraised.
• TeGGeR's current mileage (updated every so often)
• Automotive furniture you can make from Honda camshafts
• A Miscellaneous directory containing odds and ends that don't really fit anywhere else
• Do CR-Vs require special treatment other Hondas don't?
• What's the worst thing TeGGeR's ever seen go bad on a car?
• How does a torque wrench work?

Last updated: February 4, 2011