What could be wrong when the check engine light displays solid on a 2000 Honda CRV EX?

Answer 1

It means that the computer has detected a condition, has stored a "problem code" and wants you to use a code scanner to find out what's wrong. Code scanners are available at auto parts retailers. You can usually borrow, rent or buy them and retailers will often help you figure it all out in hopes that they can sell you the part. A Check Engine Light could mean hundreds of different things. The only way to know for sure is to use an OBD 2 code reader. Every car since 1996 has a port for this, usually on the driver's side under the dash. The reader can be had for around $100, but you'll also need the repair manual for your vehicle ($20-$30), so that you know what the codes mean. Both of these can be obtained at an auto parts store. Unfortunately, even having the code(s) may not tell you exactly what needs to be repaired or replaced. It may just tell you where the fault lies, narrowing the list of possibilities down to 5 or 10 (if you're lucky). Not trying to sound grim, but the fact is that a dealer or other repair shop will have a much easier time of finding the problem than you will. And for the money you'd spend on the reader and the manual, it'd probably be a wash anyway. But if it's an easy fix, then you may be able to handle the actual repair yourself. As an aside, if you plan on doing your own repair or maintenance work, you'd do well to buy the repair manual anyway. It'll show you how to do everything from oil changes and brake pad replacement to taking the entire car apart and putting it back together again. If you scan the code yourself you may find that it's something as simple as an oxygen sensor. If that's the case, the computer will specify which oxygen sensor has failed. Of course, it may indicate that something else has failed, but in either case, your auto parts retailer will help you figure out which part has failed. At least give it a try yourself first before you pay a dealer to fix something that could be easy and inexpensive to repair in your own garage.