1998 Honda Passport Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 1998 Honda Passport: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 1998 Honda Passport has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 1998 Honda Passport has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 1998 Honda Passport?

When faced with a check engine light on your 1998 Honda Passport, it's essential to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach to identify the underlying issue effectively. Start by checking the emissions system, as problems here are a common trigger for the light. Next, inspect the various sensors, particularly the oxygen sensor, which is known to fail and can lead to engine performance issues. If these initial checks do not reveal the problem, examine the catalytic converter, as it can also cause the check engine light to illuminate. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner to read the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) will provide specific insights into what might be wrong, guiding your next steps. If the check engine light is flashing, this indicates a serious issue that requires immediate attention to avoid further damage. Lastly, consider inspecting the ignition coils, as faulty coils can significantly impact engine performance. By following this structured approach, you can efficiently diagnose and address the cause of the check engine light, empowering you to take control of your vehicle's maintenance.

What causes the check engine light in a 1998 Honda Passport?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 1998 Honda Passport, it serves as a crucial alert that something may be amiss within the vehicle's systems. One of the primary culprits is often related to the emissions system, which can include issues such as a faulty oxygen sensor or a malfunctioning catalytic converter. These components play a vital role in controlling emissions and ensuring the vehicle runs efficiently. Additionally, sensor problems, particularly with the mass airflow or throttle position sensors, can also trigger the light, indicating that the engine control unit is receiving incorrect data. Ignition coils are another common issue; if they fail, they can lead to misfires and poor engine performance, prompting the check engine light to activate. It’s essential for DIYers to address these issues promptly, as neglecting the check engine light can lead to more severe engine problems and costly repairs down the line. By understanding these common problems, owners can take the first steps toward diagnosing and resolving the issues that may be affecting their Honda Passport.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light on a 1998 Honda Passport?

Addressing the check engine light on a 1998 Honda Passport is of utmost urgency, as it serves as a critical alert for underlying issues that could escalate into severe problems if left unattended. Ignoring this warning can lead to significant damage, including potential harm to the catalytic converter, which is costly to repair. A flashing check engine light is particularly alarming, indicating a serious malfunction that could compromise your vehicle's performance and safety. Common culprits such as a loose gas cap, faulty ignition coils, or malfunctioning oxygen sensors can trigger this warning, and while some may seem minor, they can quickly escalate into more complex issues. Therefore, it is essential for DIY enthusiasts to prioritize diagnosing and resolving the cause of the check engine light promptly, ensuring both the longevity of the vehicle and the safety of its occupants.

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