Check Emissions System

PHILIG · 03-29-2011, 07:52 AM

Has anyone experienced issues with the "check emissions system" warning displaying on their dashboard? I've had this warning alert twice within the last two months and the dealer could not retrieve any codes when I took it into them. This did not make any sense to me and apparently they also checked the IMA system and there were no issues. Believe it or not, they recommended changing the air filter since it was dirty. My I2 now has 19K on it.

**Jayemtee** · 03-29-2011, 08:23 AM

I have not had it. It could be anything though. If the air filter was dirty, then yes, it should be replaced. If it was really dirty, then the throttle body could be dirty, as well as anything else in the air inlet path.

It could also be a vacuum leak, overfill of gas tank, a major component failure, or one of any of the hundreds of components involved.

Willie Williford · 03-29-2011, 01:16 PM

First check would be to make sure the gas cap is on tight. (At least 3 "clicks") Especially if the "check emissions systems" goes off after a while. "Slow" fill the tank till the gas pump shuts off. DON"T try to "pack" more gas in the tank.

Willie

sswartz · 03-29-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PHILIG

Has anyone experienced issues with the "check emissions system" warning displaying on their dashboard? I've had this warning alert twice within the last two months and the dealer could not retrieve any codes when I took it into them. This did not make any sense to me and apparently they also checked the IMA system and there were no issues. Believe it or not, they recommended changing the air filter since it was dirty. My I2 now has 19K on it.

Almost always a loose gas cap.

Krista · 03-29-2011, 03:18 PM

They guy selling me the car warned me about this. At Least 3 clicks of the gas cap (I go four for luck). I did the same with my old Hyundai. Seems to be a thing these days on a lot of cars.

PHILIG · 03-29-2011, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the info! I'll remember to click the fuel cap 3 times or more. Hopefully, it is this simple.

**Jayemtee** · 03-29-2011, 09:17 PM

So are you folks saying that the "check emissions system" light will come on for a loose gas cap, even though there is "tighten fuel cap" message available to be displayed on the Generation 2 Insight?

I left the fuel cap out of my suggested failure reply because the car can sense that defect and specify it, as opposed to a general "check emissions system" message.

Krista · 03-30-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayemtee

So are you folks saying that the "check emissions system" light will come on for a loose gas cap, even though there is "tighten fuel cap" message available to be displayed on the Generation 2 Insight?

I left the fuel cap out of my suggested failure reply because the car can sense that defect and specify it, as opposed to a general "check emissions system" message.

I think so, yes. I think it causes a pressure issue that could also be caused by a real emissions problem, so that light comes on too. I'd have to test it to know for sure... we'll see if his tightening the cap makes it go away for good.

**Jayemtee** · 03-30-2011, 11:23 AM

Respectfully, I disagree. How will we know if it was the dirty air filter? How will we know if he had overfilled at the pump? I hope his problem goes away for good and he now monitors the air filter, his filling practices, AND tightens 3 clicks.

But my question was on the I2 and not this person. Perhaps I am overconfident with Honda. I think the pressure differential (or lack thereof) and any other symptoms would set off a "tighten fuel cap" message if a loose fuel cap was the only defect in the system.

And I hope you know that the "tighten 3 clicks" is human factors cross check and has nothing to do with the cap sealing the tank.

Krista · 03-30-2011, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayemtee

Respectfully, I disagree. How will we know if it was the dirty air filter? How will we know if he had overfilled at the pump? I hope his problem goes away for good and he now monitors the air filter, his filling practices, AND tightens 3 clicks.

If he doesn't do anything but tighten the cap (when the light is on) and it goes off, we should know (if it's still happening since he replaced the air filter). And if it doesn't come on again so long as he tightens... I guess. Anyway, I am more of a cynic when it comes to cars/manufacturers... It's a computer, yeah, but it's just not that smart.