All about Honda Accord error codes

Table of Contents

• What are Honda Accord Error Codes
• What are Error Codes?
• Diagnosing Error Codes in your accord with a OBD2 reader
• Common Honda Accord error codes
  • Error Code P0171
  • Error Code P0420
  • Error Code P1399
  • Error Code U0155
• Conclusion: Understanding Honda Accord Error Codes

What are Honda Accord Error Codes

Honda Accords are a popular and reliable car, but that doesn’t mean they’re free of problems. We know as much as anyone how irritating it can be to get in your Accord and a random light pops up a second after you start driving.

We aren’t alone and if you own an Accord, you may run into error codes from time to time. To help diagnose and troubleshoot any issues your Honda Accord might have, it helps to know the common error codes associated with it. In this article, we explain what those errors codes are, how to interpret them, some of the common codes that you might encounter and a couple other pieces of info to help you deal with these issue.

What are Error Codes?

Error codes are the way that the car can tell you that there is an issue… as cars can’t talk….yet. So for right now they come in the form of a number or letter combination and indicate when something is wrong with the car’s performance. Knowing what these error codes mean can help provide insight into what is causing your Honda Accord to malfunction and how best to correct it.

Error codes can be triggered by any number of issues with the car’s systems, whether they are mechanical or electrical. These codes will often appear on the dashboard display or a diagnostic tool connected to the onboard computer system. Depending on the code and its severity, it may require professional assistance from a mechanic or technician to diagnose and repair it correctly. Understanding these error codes can ensure that minor problems don’t become major ones, saving you time and money in repairs in the long run.

Diagnosing Error Codes in your accord with a OBD2 reader

Diagnosing error codes in your Honda Accord with an OBD2 reader is probably the easiest way that you can figure out what your car is trying to tell you. All you have to do is connect the reader to your car through the port in your car and follow the instructions. This will in turn display the error that your car is throwing. That is all you really need to do to find out what the code is if you own a reader. If you don’t want to buy an error reader watch this video to see how to get the codes for free. It does require a bit more work, and a pen and pencil… but free is free:

And if you are looking for some reviews for OBD2 readers, make sure you check out Toms guide as they have some pretty solid staff that know what their talking about.

Common Honda Accord error codes

We have picked out a couple of the codes that can pop up for multiple reasons just because they can happen due to more than one cause. This means that although the code might appear in two different cars the causes are actually different, so the codes tell you the specific error… but they don’t always spell out the thing that is causing the error. But without any more delay here are some of the common error codes we found in Accords:

Error Code P0171

This is a common one that might pop up for a couple of different reasons, so let’s look at it first. The Honda error P0171 indicates a lean condition in the engine’s air-fuel ratio. This usually happens when too much air or not enough fuel enters the combustion chamber. Common causes of this include a faulty oxygen sensor, vacuum leaks, dirty fuel injectors, and an exhaust leak upstream of the oxygen sensor. So the good news for this code is that many of the causes are things you can check out at home and fix without special tools or knowledge.

Error Code P0420

Our article about Honda Accord error codes wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the P0420 code. This particular code can cause many problems for Honda owners and is often accompanied by signs like an illuminated check engine light, poor fuel economy, and trouble starting the vehicle. It’s important to understand what this code means and how to diagnose and fix it. The P0420 code stands for Catalytic Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1.

This indicates that a decrease in catalytic converter efficiency has been detected on one of the two banks of cylinders in the engine, which can lead to other issues with running or performance if left unchecked. To diagnose the issue, inspect all related components like spark plugs, oxygen sensors, vacuum lines, and exhaust system components for leaks or damage.

Sadly, this is one that we would probably suggest taking into the shop for, unless you know a decent amount about exhaust systems with access to lifts.

Error Code P1399

The Honda P1399 code means that there’s a random misfire in your vehicle’s engine cylinder(s). It could be an issue with the fuel injector or spark plug on one or more cylinders. The primary symptom associated with this code is decreased vehicle performance, such as jerky acceleration or rough idling. A diagnostic scan should be conducted to determine the specific cylinders affected by the misfire before attempting any repairs. Sadly again, this is one that we would probably suggest taking to your mechanic to get checked out.

Error Code U0155

Honda U0155 stands for “Lost Communication with Body Control Module” and refers to an issue with communication between different components in your vehicle. This error code occurs when there is a malfunction in the communication between your car’s main computer system and its body control module (BCM). The BCM plays an important role in controlling various functions such as starting the engine or unlocking doors. When this connection is interrupted, you may start experiencing issues with these features and other related functions within your car.

This is a pretty nasty code to try to troubleshoot so we suggest taking it to your mechanic if you can start your car. If you aren’t sure if it is going to make it we suggest towing it, because you don’t want to get stranded on the way there.

Conclusion: Understanding Honda Accord Error Codes

The Honda Accord is one of the most popular cars on the road today. With its reliable performance and long-lasting design, it’s easy to see why so many people choose the Honda Accord. As you guys know we love our accords, starting with our light blue 1996 EX Honda Accord and now our 2014 Touring Edition, we just can’t get enough of the smooth body lines coupled with the interior room. Add leather to this car, and the value just can’t be beat.

But that doesn’t mean they don’t come with issues, like all cars, but in our experience, we have been lucky that the work that needed to be done wasn’t going to break the bank. They have been super reliable, and even when codes did flash they were minimal investments needed to clear them.

We hope that you enjoyed our article, and send us a message if there are other error codes you want us to go over.