Your check engine light comes on when your car s onboard computer or pcm powertrain control module records some kind of problem.
Check engine light on honda civic 2008.
This onboard computer runs your car so that it has optimum fuel economy and low emissions.
A check engine light can indicate a broad spectrum of problems with your 2008 honda civic.
If your honda check engine light stays on after you start the engine it means the on board diagnostic obd system has detected a problem with the engine transmission or the emission system.
Since the 1980s many vehicles have been built to be run by the engine computer unit ecu which controls vehicle s drivetrain and auxiliary systems based on input from the vehicle s sensors this computer will make adjustments to your vehicle s performance to keep your ride running smoothly.
Connect scan tool to the 16 pin data link connector dlc located underneath the glove compartment.
This light is the centerpiece of your vehicle s on board diagnostics system obd.
On the other hand a flashing light typically indicates a misfire in the ignition system.
Turn on the ignition and then check if the check engine light cel is steady or flashing.
Follow scan tool manufacturer s operating instructions to access the diagnostic.
Turn the ignition on.
The connector has a removable cover.
A steady check engine light means there is a present issue.
When retrieving honda check engine light codes with an obd ii scan tool proceed as follows.
In some cases you need to pull over immediately to prevent damage while in others you merely need to tighten you gas cap next time you stop in order to reset the service engine soon light.
The video above shows how to locate the on board diagnostics obd plug on your 2008 civic how to read the trouble codes and how to reset or clear the check engine light using a scanner on your civic.