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Honda/Questions Answered by Expert Gary J. Meyer II

SubjectDate Asked
lights, honda accord ex 19943/16/2010
  Q: can you tell me where the ground straps are behind the front bumper. I have removed the bumper ...
  A: As I stated previously, that is the style connection you are looking for. I can't give you the ...
1999 HONDA ACCORD EX BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH3/16/2010
  Q: My problem is I tried replacing my brake light switch but the nut is on extremely tight. Is there ...
  A: Not to be cynical, but are you sure you are turning the lock-nut the right way? It's secured at an ...
00 civic speed sensor3/10/2010
  Q: i have a 2000 civic si and the check engine light came on due to a speed sensor malfunction.. i ...
  A: If you still have a check engine light code stored, clear it by removing the underhood 7.5amp ...
Low idle3/7/2010
  Q: Morning, my 2000 Civic DX starts and runs fine with the exception of a low idle. After driving at a ...
  A: Here's a start. Remove the battery cables for a few minutes, then start the car and let it idle with ...
my 98 civic feels like it whants to turn off3/4/2010
  Q: and when i stop it feels like it whants to turn off the RPM needle just moves up and down i have to ...
  A: I have several ideas but your description heads in different directions. 1000 rpms or 100 rpms. ...
2009 honda accord coupe battery keeps dying3/4/2010
  Q: I have a 2009 Honda accord coupe that i had to have the battery replaced twice because the car would ...
  A: If the car has a 50 milli amp draw it needs to be diagnosed. Removing one fuse at a time until the ...
Honda Fit Valve adjustment3/3/2010
  Q: The reason I wanted to check the valve adjustment is that I first heard a sound like loose valve ...
  A: Well, the MAP reading will be very helpful. I'm not sure which engine your Escort had. Was it a ...
Honda Fit valve adjustment parts3/1/2010
  Q: I have a 2008 Honda Fit. I have 30,000 on it. The valves are starting to click and I am going to ...
  A: There is not a mileage interval for valve adjustment on your car. The valve cover gasket can be ...
ground2/26/2010
  Q: Where are the grounds that bolt to the body be hind the front bumber.Should i take the grounds off ...
  A: Randy, you're killing me with the misspelled words. You can remove the grounds and sand the body ...
lights2/25/2010
  Q: in the mornings my parking lights do not work front or back.When i start shaking the car the lights ...
  A: I'd suggest pulling the front bumper off again and checking the grounds that bolt to the body. It ...
97 Accord2/22/2010
  Q: I own a 97 accord, this winter season there have been 3 maybe 4 occassions when the car would not ...
  A: I'd suggest inspecting for fuel pressure and spark while the car is failing. There is a high ...
Transmission Locking in park2/22/2010
  Q: Transmission will not consistently shift out of park. Not always and rocking the car has released ...
  A: If the brake lamp was the problem, the brake lamps would net be on during the failure. The most ...
Malfunction indicatot light became on(Honda Civic 2005)2/21/2010
  Q: I purchase a Honda civic 2005 having mileage 110000km.Last weak I got engine oil changed and also ...
  A: I need the code that was stored in your car's PCM. You wanted help with your malfunction indicator ...
Front lower control arm bushings2/21/2010
  Q: I have a 2001 Honda Civic and took my car in for a checkup to the dealer recently. They said I ...
  A: If you can have the technician show you the failed part, I replace them. If your technician can't ...
Front lower control arm bushings2/20/2010
  Q: I have a 2001 Honda Civic and took my car in for a checkup to the dealer recently. They said I ...
  A: It sounds like you're not comfortable with their diagnosis. All I can say is that this is a common ...
driver side door2/17/2010
  Q: My driver side door of my 2000 Honda accord wont open from the inside or the outside. how can i get ...
  A: This is usually a rather difficult repair a novice. The driver's seat will require removal and then ...
Wet Driver Side Carpet2/13/2010
  Q: I just bought a 1989 Honda Accord SEI, the car is in great condition the only problem I'm having is ...
  A: It is very likely that the leak is coming from the sunroof drain. Your car has four drains for the ...
2004 Honda Civic Hybrid Brake Failure2/9/2010
  Q: I experienced Total Break failure on 2/5/10 in LA Jolla CA 92037 resulting in a 4 car rear end ...
  A: Of coarse there are diagnostics that can be performed on the car, just not over the Internet. It's ...
1985 Honda Prelude Idle Problem2/5/2010
  Q: The car has automatic transmission, 1.8 engine twin carburators. When the car started it was hard to ...
  A: A gas analyzer is a smog machine. In an earlier question I described the thermovale inspection The ...
2009 Honda Civic: dead battery.2/2/2010
  Q: The other I went to start my 2009 Honda Civic and noticed that I couldn't unlock the door ...
  A: Jessica, First of all,the newest Civic is a great car. I'm sure you like it. Now, the battery ...
alignment camber kit2/2/2010
  Q: I recently purchased a 1992 honda civiv lx sedan that had been put in a ditch and had the right rear ...
  A: I am familiar with the camber kits for the front control arms. That angle needs to be corrected on ...
1985 Honda Prelude Idle Problem1/31/2010
  Q: The car has automatic transmission, 1.8 engine twin carburators. When the car started it was hard to ...
  A: Try carefully spraying the surrounding areas with a combustible type carb. spray. Maybe you have a ...
honda code 14561/31/2010
  Q: honda crv 2002 with 2002 miles. This code has been on for 1 year now. Fist I was told it is the gas ...
  A: Fuel pumps are a rare failure on most Hondas newer than the 1989 Accord and 1987 Prelude. With that ...
idle fluctuate1/30/2010
  Q: I have a 98 civic ex vtec that when accelerated from 1500 rpms to 2000 the idle fluctuates. This ...
  A: I think it is going to require a good scan tool with data list capabilities. You'll need to have a ...
93 Accord lower balljoints1/30/2010
  Q: This is my girlfriend's car with 366000 miles. It recently developed an obnoxiously loud ...
  A: It sounds like you have an understanding of what needs to be done. The only real support you'll ...
Odometer/Speedometer1/28/2010
  Q: I have a 1995 Honda Accord LX 4cyl. and my speedometer and mileage is not working. The instrument ...
  A: Do you have a check engine light coming on just as the speedometer stops working? If you do you ...
1985 Honda Prelude Idle Problem1/26/2010
  Q: The car has automatic transmission, 1.8 engine twin carburators. When the car started it was hard to ...
  A: Frank, I'd check the thermo-valve that is in the engine coolant passage. I'm fairly certain it is ...
Idle control valve1/23/2010
  Q: I have a 94 Honda Prelude Type S. I recently got the idle control valve replace because every time I ...
  A: Remove the cap on the fast idle valve. It is towards the driver's side in relation to the IAC ...
Steering Wheel controls1/19/2010
  Q: The steering controls for my '07 Accord, do not work anymore. Any ideas what could be wrong, and ...
  A: The alarm sounding when the battery was installed happens sometimes. If the key cycle in the ...
Honda Accord cuts off1/18/2010
  Q: I have a 1994 Honda Accord. It cuts off when I am driving it. I wait for about 10 to 15 minutes ...
  A: If it feels like it cuts off abruptly, as if the key was turned off, you probably have an ignition ...
1993 honda accord1/15/2010
  Q: I have a 1993 Honda Accord EX automatic, it starts hard each morning, turns over good but just does ...
  A: I'd start with pulling the code that is stored in the computers. Check the fuel pressure with a ...
My 94 Isuzu bighorn wont move1/10/2010
  Q: With my 94 isuzu bighorn auto when you put it into any gear the engine sound will change like it ...
  A: What you are describing is the transmission pump starves for fluid once the vehicle is warm. If you ...
loose steering/ wobbly cr-v1/8/2010
  Q: My 2005 cr-v is steering seems more loose lately. I took a corner at a reasonable speed and it ...
  A: If I understand you correctly, you say you are aware that the "rutted road wander" is more ...
Honda Automatic transmission fluid1/8/2010
  Q: I have a 2001 Honda accord EX,the owners manual states that only Honda transmission fluid should be ...
  A: The statement that the Valvoline fluid works on pre 1996 is most likely based on Honda's ...
Honda Automatic transmission fluid1/7/2010
  Q: I have a 2001 Honda accord EX,the owners manual states that only Honda transmission fluid should be ...
  A: All of the Honda automatics require ATF-Z1 fluid. Remember the cvt transmission uses a different ...
Honda oil leak?1/7/2010
  Q: 1995 Honda Accord EX. VTEC engine. AT, PS, AC. 165,000 plus miles. An fluid leak has developed ...
  A: Harry, The cover you are describing comes apart with just a few bolts. Behind that cover is a small ...
Steering Wheel controls1/6/2010
  Q: The steering controls for my '07 Accord, do not work anymore. Any ideas what could be wrong, and ...
  A: I'd recommend replacing the battery before you troubleshoot this concern. I have seen some silly ...
2001 prelude1/4/2010
  Q: Prelude will not start when 32 degrees or colder. It runs fine above 32. What repair is needed? ...
  A: If the car does not attempt to spin/turn over then the problem is either the starter contacts or the ...
2002 prelude1/3/2010
  Q: Prelude will not start when 32 degrees or colder. It runs fine above 32. What repair is needed? ...
  A: I'll need a lot more information to even begin to help you. Does the engine spin over? How many ...
honda 2002 crv code p14561/2/2010
  Q: for one year this code has come on in November I had honda test the car. They did replace the fuel ...
  A: The car will need to have the evap system tested for proper solenoid operation and for an evap leak ...
98 honda civic12/26/2009
  Q: I got new tires on my car,(which could very well be unrelated)and shortly there after i noticed a ...
  A: I think you are hearing the brake pad wear indicator. This is also known as the squealer tab. As the ...
my 97 honda knocking and loss of power12/24/2009
  Q: my 97 honda civic started knocking real loud flueids are all good never over heated the car jerked ...
  A: It sounds like you are describing a connecting rod knock. If the speed of the noise is more rapid ...
91 Honda Accord - Help with smog12/22/2009
  Q: 1991 Accord, A/T I failed my smog and only have a few days to fix it before my temp tags expires! I ...
  A: A few more basics items to check would be the PCV valve and valve adjustment (overnight cold is ...
steering on 96 dx hatch12/21/2009
  Q: I recently bought a 97 hatchback. When I test drove it i noticed a little wobble in the steering, ...
  A: I don't think this is a brake system issue. Swapping to the spare may be more of the direction I'd ...
86 Honda Civic Wagovan - choke problem?12/20/2009
  Q: My 86 Honda Civic Wagovan has always had to warm up to run well, but its getting harder and harder ...
  A: It is most likely that you have more than one problem. The most common problem on this style carb. ...
Steering problem with my Honda Civic LX 199512/18/2009
  Q: I have Honda Civic LX 1995. Today morning to get started for my office I found my steering to be ...
  A: I would not say that the fluid is frozen, but it's viscosity will be affected by freezing ...
fuel pump relay12/16/2009
  Q: I would like to know where the fuel pump relay is on the 91 model Integra my car had been not ...
  A: Honda calls it a PGMFI relay or main relay. It is a 7 pin relay with a grey case and a brown ...
Struts crv 200312/9/2009
  Q: ok...so May 09 I replace all the struts on my CRV 2003.. it was making no noise but they told me ...
  A: If the noise started after the strut replacement this could simply be how things were torqued. I'd ...
96 honda civic dx12/9/2009
  Q: MY HONDA CIVIC 96 DX IS RUNNING VERY SLUGGISH. WHEN I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC HE FOUND THE CATALYTIC ...
  A: If the car is running this poorly , I would expect to see a check engine light on and a code ...
97 Honda CRV Cold Problem12/6/2009
  Q: 000 miles on it. The vehicle runs well with no problems whatsoever until the temperature dips down ...
  A: The temperature needing to be below freezing is baffling. Is there any chance you are running a ...
2005 Accord Intermittent Brake Weakness12/3/2009
  Q: Intermittently, it feels like the brakes on my 2005 Accord (88,000 miles)lose power - they feel like ...
  A: This is a tough one. It seems like the same scenario as the aches and pains I have, but if I go to ...
honda battery12/3/2009
  Q: I have never ask questions online about my car before, so I'm a bit nervous. I found out I need a ...
  A: I am an Interstate battery dealer and the equivalent MT-51R is $74.95 at my cost. The battery has a ...
1995 HONDA ACCORD12/2/2009
  Q: RPM DROPS WHEN TURN ON AIR CONDITION AND SPECIALLY IN THE MORNING. ALSO HERE A FUNNY SOUND COMING ...
  A: I suggest you remove the IACV (idle air control valve) and clean it's screen. These tend to get ...
2002 CRV possible failed ECU11/26/2009
  Q: I have a manual 2002 CRV that has a couple of issues that have escalated. First when cold and only ...
  A: Mark, I can't diagnose your car with just a re-type of a data list or freeze data, and just a few ...
2002 CRV possible failed ECU11/25/2009
  Q: I have a manual 2002 CRV that has a couple of issues that have escalated. First when cold and only ...
  A: Yes we use the ECU/ECM/PCM to describe the car's engine control module. Powertrain control module ...
2002 CRV possible failed ECU11/25/2009
  Q: I have a manual 2002 CRV that has a couple of issues that have escalated. First when cold and only ...
  A: Let's break this down The SRS code for the driver's seat buckle would be covered under Honda's ...
parts and tune up info11/23/2009
  Q: I need to know what i need to change for my 1998 ex honda civic i have changed the timing belt ...
  A: I'd advise you to have a technician that has performed valve adjustment give you some help with this ...
Check Engine Light11/22/2009
  Q: I have a 2000 Honda Civic. On Sunday November 15, I was filling up my car with gas, and after I ...
  A: If a loose gas cap was the culprit, the car would have a P1456 evap system leak code stored in the ...
My Honda CR-V Failed An Aircare Test11/22/2009
  Q: I have a 1997 Honda CR-V, and the problem is when the CR-V drives over small potholes, it makes a ...
  A: I am truly trying to be helpful. Has your first question and problem been resolved? I would have ...
Front lower control arm bushings11/21/2009
  Q: I have a 2001 Honda Civic and took my car in for a checkup to the dealer recently. They said I ...
  A: The lower control arm compliance bushings have a fairly high failure rate on the 2001-2005 Civic. ...
My Honda CR-V is Making a Rattling Noise11/20/2009
  Q: I have a 1997 Honda CR-V, and the problem is when the CR-V drives over small potholes, it makes a ...
  A: It could be struts or something else but you have described a VERY common complaint that is ...
overheating11/14/2009
  Q: i have a 99 accord 3.0 v6. car seems to run great around town. once i get it on the freeway for ...
  A: Check the coolant reservoir while the car is revved and still at normal temperature. If it has ...
Honda Timing Belt11/5/2009
  Q: I recently got my 2002 Honda Accord timing belt replaced. I've noticed a minor "hissing" noise that ...
  A: If the car is a four cylinder engine the timing belt tensioner may be adjusted too tight. It's also ...
1985 Honda Prelude Carbs11/4/2009
  Q: Gary: You have already been too kind by putting up with my numerous emails to you. If I may prevail ...
  A: I think the vacuum lines intimidate many technicians. They are truly not that difficult to work on. ...
95 Honda Accord Check Oil Light11/4/2009
  Q: Recently my check oil light came on. I checked the oil and even added some but to no avail. What ...
  A: DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR. Have this checked before you drive the car. The oil light on this car comes on ...
96hondacivic10/30/2009
  Q: makes a howling noise when driving.think its coming from rear of vehicle
  A: Lift the car in the air, spin the tire while grabbing the strut spring with your hand, if the wheel ...
F22A1 engine leaking coolant10/29/2009
  Q: I have a coolant leak on the back side of the engine right above the back half of the drivers side ...
  A: I'm not sure what you are calling the water outlets. Is the coolant leaking at the water pipe that ...
96 Honda Accord won't crank10/29/2009
  Q: My 4 cylinder manual transmission 96 accord has intermittent times that it won't crank. Been ...
  A: Check the ground cable where it attaches to the transmission. If that ground is secure you'll need ...
2001 Honda Accord Squeels10/26/2009
  Q: I have a 2001 HOnda Accord and it squeels really loud in the monrnings when damp outside or wet. ...
  A: The alternator and a/c compressor use the same belt on the 4 cylinder model. I'd suggest tightening ...
replace my starter10/24/2009
  Q: I need to replace the starter on my 92 honda lx. How many screws do I need to remove? Where are ...
  A: Fairly simple procedure.. There are two bolts that hold the starter to the transmission case. The ...
96 Odyssey Automatic transmission10/23/2009
  Q: The check engine lite is on and the D4 shift indicator lite blinks. A read of the code says shift ...
  A: If you have a transmission code stored follow the troubleshooting flow chart for that code. You'll ...
1985 Honda10/21/2009
  Q: I asked you recently about my 1985 Honda Prelude that will not idle cold. We intend to check out the ...
  A: I did mention that old fuel would cause this complaint. Is the car a daily driver? Is the fuel in ...
Honda accord D4 light10/20/2009
  Q: Please help me? 92 Honda accord Lx - D4 light comes on solid car will not have any pep when first ...
  A: It sounds like you have the classic transmission control unit failure. Take the cover off of the ...
1985 Honda10/18/2009
  Q: I asked you recently about my 1985 Honda Prelude that will not idle cold. We intend to check out the ...
  A: If the carb. floats are sinking the fuel can come out of the throats of the side draft carburetors. ...
My 1996 honda accord is over heating10/13/2009
  Q: i have a 1996 honda accord 4cyl. Last week, i noticed that it started to overheat everytime i drive ...
  A: First,I'd check to see if the engine cooling fans are operating. It does sound like you have a ...
starter issues10/13/2009
  Q: Meyer i own a 1996 honda accord ex, and a couple of days ago it was driven into low lyeing water ...
  A: It sounds like the water that entered the intake manifold hydro static locked the engine. Water ...
1989 Accord LXI idle fluctuation10/11/2009
  Q: i have a 1989 accord lxi with 130000mi. the idle started fluctuating from 700-1600 rpm when the ...
  A: I'd recommend removing the throttle body and cleaning the soft carbon deposits with throttle ...
Honda Accord Lx 5 Speed10/7/2009
  Q: 91 Honda Accord Lx 5 Speed will intermittently not start, will turn over, just not catch. Let it sit ...
  A: Two things that are the most common on your car are the PGM-FI main relay and the electrical ...
honda accord10/5/2009
  Q: A general ?. Went to start car & it sounded as if coughing/grinding so shut it down. Tried to start ...
  A: Cars today still backfire if the conditions are present to cause a back fire. If the car had a ...
91 accord wont pass smog10/4/2009
  Q: there are no check engine lights on. ive replaced the catylitic converter it runs real good the guy ...
  A: The EGR valve's vacuum control line should only get vacuum applied to it when the car is warmed up ...
engine knocking 97 honda odyssey9/30/2009
  Q: when i accelerate in my 97 honda odyssey, i sometimes get a knocking noise that i can feel under my ...
  A: Several things are common on the Odyssey models that have the 4 cylinder engine. I'll describe ...
Honda Prelude 1985 Model9/25/2009
  Q: My 1985 Prelude will not idle when the engine is cold but after "pumping the gas"pedal for approx 4 ...
  A: This sounds like your are describing a "lean" condition. The base plate insulators that the side ...
crv doesnt run once cold9/25/2009
  Q: Im driving honda crv 98 automatic,petrol&lpg with78,000 miles.I start it morning and when its cold ...
  A: I'll do my best with some direction here but my answers will be based on the CR-V engine that runs ...
honda trans9/20/2009
  Q: I have an civic 2002 4 door lx the trans slips when shifting all gears I have changed the fluid with ...
  A: Has your dealer advised you that the car needs the transmission replaced? Honda dealers use the ...
Honda CRV 1997 Power Locks Issue9/20/2009
  Q: I could use your advice about an issue I am having with the power locks on our Honda CRV 1997. I've ...
  A: The fuse for the condenser fan needs to be replaced ASAP. The car is 12 years old , so I don't want ...
Honda CRV 1997 Power Locks Issue9/19/2009
  Q: I could use your advice about an issue I am having with the power locks on our Honda CRV 1997. I've ...
  A: The first thing to check is for voltage at the driver's door lock actuator. This part is near the ...
Honda Accord Battery9/14/2009
  Q: I just had my 2000 Honda Accord 75k servcing. I was told the battery needs replacing, as the CCA was ...
  A: Your car has a battery with cold cranking amperage rating of around 455cca to 550cca if it has the ...
Repair manual 1990 honda accord ex9/14/2009
  Q: I was surfing the web to get any kind of answer,cause my boyfriend is having trouble with his 1990 ...
  A: Sweede, I'll need you to answer a few things about this Accord. Before he gets the car running, ...
honda trans9/12/2009
  Q: I have an civic 2002 4 door lx the trans slips when shifting all gears I have changed the fluid with ...
  A: On the Honda cars as new as yours there can be a fault code stored in the car's PCM. If the car has ...
1991 honda accord lx9/11/2009
  Q: My daughter was driving down the road about 55 mph and her car just quit running. The electrical ...
  A: The PGM-FI relay (main relay) is located above the cruise control unit on the driver's side under ...
2000 Honda Civic ex9/9/2009
  Q: How do I clear the engine codes on a 2000 Honda Civic EX 5 speed?
  A: Jenny, There are a few methods for clearing the codes from your car's ECU (engine control ...
Honda Accord Parking Brake Question9/9/2009
  Q: I've got an '05 Accord V6 w/ 6 spd transmission. I noticed that the travel of the parking brake ...
  A: Mark, I must first thank you for how thorough you were in explaining your situation. Now I'll get ...
steering9/9/2009
  Q: i have a 1999 honda accord v6 2 door coupe and my steering is going bad on it. i went to a mechanic ...
  A: A squealing noise while turning the steering wheel could be caused by a failing power steering ...
Car's strange behaviour9/8/2009
  Q: I'd appreciate your input. I have a 1992 Honda Civic LX 5-speed hatchback. About 4 months ago, the ...
  A: Howard, You are correct, the starter is not your problem. The failing starter would not cause an ...
Temporary brake failure of 2002 Honda Accord EX9/6/2009
  Q: My son rear ended a saturn that was stopped at a stop sign. He was approaching the saturn at the ...
  A: I do not have any knowledge of this problem occurring with the braking system that is on your ...

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Gary J. Meyer II

Top Expert on this page

Expertise

The types of questions I can answer would be related to Honda automobile diagnosis and repair procedures. I can't diagnose every car via email because some tests just require a good old fashion road test.

Experience

I am a Honda automobile technician with twenty years of new car dealership experience. My first few years as a Honda tech date back to when Honda cars were still offered in carburated models. In the last few years, I've been exposed to the integration of hybrid powered cars, the Natural Gas powered GX Civic, and electronic features ranging from voice activated GPS navigation to power sliding doors. I have been certified as an ASE Master Technician and passed the L1 Advanced Engine Performance test in 2000. I opened my own independent import repair shop specializing in but not limited to Honda automobiles in 2008. Operating my own shop has re-energized my enthusiasm for automobiles.

Publications
a few articles www.articlesbase.com, advertisement in East Coast Ink Magazine Spring 2009 and Fall 2009

Education/Credentials
ASE Certification, attending American Honda's training center and web based training American Honda provided, New car dealership management training

Awards and Honors
3 time Honda Top Tech finalist, achieved Honda Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Level Training status,achieved a training level of 99 percent of all current American Honda Traning center Modules and self study proformance modules in 1999, Re-certified ASE Master technician, L1 Advanced engine performance ASE certification

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