tbourner Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Got my car back from the bodyshop and I've got engine warning light on and a flashing glow plug light. They deny all knowledge of course. They said the code was to do with fuel heater temperature something or other, so glow plugs. What is there in that system that someone could have knocked or shorted whilst messing about with the front end of the car (replacing bumper, nearside wing and headlight)? Could it be as simple as a fuse? I have no idea where the glow plug fuse is and the manual seems to be no help at all in finding it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 (edited) It may not be the glowplugs although I would test them anyway. Could be the fuel filter that needs changing. see here: http://typeaccord.co.uk/forum/topic/874-diesel-glow-plug-light-flashing/ Try changing the filter and turning ignition on/off several times to clear the flashing light. I can't see how there's anything the garage could have done to have caused a fault on the fuel system, but then you really need to trace the fault properly as the penny may or may not drop at that point. Hope you get it sorted Edited August 30, 2013 by straightsix (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted August 30, 2013 Author Share Posted August 30, 2013 It's not the fuel filter as it's running fine, fuel filter issues make it stutter and misfire and all sorts they're really picky about fuelling. It starts as normal and runs well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Flashing glowplug lights usually indicate electrical faults where there is no specific light. It may be best to get another opinion on the fault code in that case. When was the fuel filter last changed though? If the pressure is only slightly down it may still run OK. There may be a firmware update. Does the horn work? I know of some that have popped the fuse (causing the glowplug light to flash) due to a chafed wire in the tailgate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted August 30, 2013 Author Share Posted August 30, 2013 I haven't tried the horn, I'll give that a go later. Fuel filter was changed for genuine Honda about 5k miles ago. Thing is it was fine when it went into the bodyshop, and they've obviously been doing lots of messing around under the bonnet and on the front end - I can't believe it's a coincidence that something failed in the last 2 weeks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Also - how much fuel was in it when you took it to the garage? Is it possible they ran it out of fuel? This would cause both lights to come on. You could try disconnecting the battery for five minutes to see if that will clear the fault. You could try the Honda procedure to turn off the lights - restart and turn off the engine at least three times at intervals of approximately 30 seconds. Other culprits for this fault are glow plug controller and turbo incorrectly boosting. Can't see why you would have developed a fault with the turbo but plug controller may need looking at. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 PMSL - Just seen 'but plug' in my last post! Sorry.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted August 30, 2013 Author Share Posted August 30, 2013 Funnily enough I did read it at first as: Can't see why you would have developed a fault with the "turbo but plug controller". Nice! Thanks for the info. I've heard the turn on and off 3 times thing but the manual makes it sound really confusing, is it supposed to be: Key out, key in, start engine, wait 30 seconds, key out then in again, start engine, wait 30 seconds etc.? Or is the 30 seconds supposed to be with the engine off? I'm kicking myself because I didn't check the odo before I took it in, so don't know how many miles they added - it looks to have a similar amount of fuel to when it went in (1/4 tank or just under) so doubtful they drove 100+ miles in it. The hole on top of the battery is nearly black instead of green as well suggesting it hasn't done much driving at all and has had the battery nearly drained by lights etc. In fact, maybe low battery could cause a gremlin? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 Your way of reading it was loads funnier! Battery is a possibility. It won't hurt to charge overnight. There's not a lot else I can think of but it may be wise to go to a Honda specialist with specific diagnostic equipment to get any fault codes, rather than rely on a 'one for all' generic code reader that can be quite vague at times. I hope you get it sorted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tbourner Posted August 30, 2013 Author Share Posted August 30, 2013 OK the actual description was "fuel heater temperature switch faulty" so probably nothing to do with glow plugs and actually more to do the with the heater near the fuel pump? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straightsix Posted August 30, 2013 Share Posted August 30, 2013 OK the actual description was "fuel heater temperature switch faulty" so probably nothing to do with glow plugs and actually more to do the with the heater near the fuel pump? Stands a chance. Or the relay I would imagine controls it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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