Check Engine Light and SRS light ALWAYS on

jamesk · 11-23-2011, 12:26 AM

Hi,

Tomorrow I am checking out a cheap insight. 2001 MT with 300k miles for 3,000$ OBO. He states that the hybrid battery has been recently replaced by honda, also the brakes and rotors. He also claims it has been fully inspected, checks out fine and runs like a top.

One thing he told me was: "The check engine light is on, and the SRS light is on, but Honda says they come on after certain miles."

Sound like a lemon? I am going to see it tomorrow.

gilbertguy · 11-23-2011, 12:44 AM

I've been on this forum for over a year now and I've never heard of the Check Engine Light coming on for anything but a failure code of some kind. The Maintenance Required light does come on to remind you for oil changes.

Also if the SRS light is on there is a failure in the air bag system and they will not work. All of these could cost you a lot to get them fixed so need to be careful.

Eli · 11-23-2011, 12:48 AM

LOL, that's a bunch of BS right there.

However, that doesn't mean it's a lemon by any stretch of the imagination though. See if you can take it for a test drive... to Autozone. They'll pull the CEL code for free. Then whip out your smart phone, post the codes here, and we'll fill you in.

aisbell · 11-23-2011, 12:50 AM

Also, if he says that the IMA battery was recently replaced by Honda, then he paid for the replacement because his car is far out of warranty. The battery replacement would have cost as much as his asking price which is suspicious to me. Ask for receipts that show the replacement.

Also, if possible, find out what diagnostic trouble codes are causing the check engine and SRS warning lights to illuminate. If you have an OBCII reader, plug it into the OBDII socket which should be near the floor on the passenger side of the center console.

$3000 might be a fair price, but you need to know what problems need to be fixed.

jamesk · 11-23-2011, 01:19 AM

Thanks for the advice guys. I smelled fish too, but my hope is not completely lost.

I don't have a reader, so I'll drive it down the road to the auto store. I'll post the results tomorrow.

Thanks again!

Willie Williford · 11-23-2011, 01:51 AM

SRS light could also be (No air bag) possibly activated in a crash, but not replaced. Check the vehicle for any hidden crash damage.
Good luck
Willie

Balboa · 11-25-2011, 11:46 AM

Maybe what he meant to say was the maintenance light comes on. Mine came on flashing for a few seconds and I think that is the oil change which requires a simple reset, but hold the trip button down when the car is off, and holding it down when turning it on for about 20 seconds after the maint. light stops flashing.

SRS light, who knows? It's a used car, for $3000 it's going to need a few things.

jamesk · 11-25-2011, 06:18 PM

Still haven't had the chance to see the car. He rescheduled due to Thanksgiving. He said we could meet today, but he hasn't answered my call or text yet. The saga continues...

Willie Williford · 11-25-2011, 10:21 PM

Where is this vehicle located?
Maybe someone knows the complete story.
Willie

jamesk · 11-28-2011, 06:09 PM

Just got back from drive, its pretty beat up, minor front end damage when someone backed into it, frame is straight, looks like its just cosmetic. Front bumper has some scratches. That explains SRS light.

I got the code read, and it shows P0420.

It has 141000 miles. Hybrid battery still original, never replaced. Charges ok I think, but its my first time in an insight.

They went down to 2900. Good buy???