LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Chevrolet >> 2010 >> Cobalt LS, 4D Sedan, Automatic >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 19 (Fuel System & Emissions System) >> General Troubleshooting Information >> How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)

How to Use the HDS (Honda Diagnostic System)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If the MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) has come on 

  1. Start the engine, and check the MIL (A).
    NOTE: If the ignition switch is turned to ON (II), and the engine is not started, the MIL stays on for 15-20 seconds (see HOW TO SET READINESS CODES  ).
    Fig 1: Identifying Malfunction Indicator Lamp
    G06429144Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  2. If the MIL stays on, connect the HDS to the data link connector (DLC) (A) located under the driver's side of the dashboard.
    Fig 2: Identifying Data Link Connector
    G06429145Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  3. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
  4. Make sure the HDS communicates with the PCM and all other vehicle systems. If it doesn't, go to the DLC circuit troubleshooting (see DLC CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).
  5. Check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and note it. Also check the freeze data and/or on-board snapshot data, and download any data found. Then refer to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting, and begin the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
    NOTE:
    • Freeze data indicates the engine conditions when the first system malfunction, misfire, or fuel trim malfunction that activated the MIL was detected.
    • The HDS can read the DTC, freeze data, on-board snapshot, current data, and other powertrain control module (PCM) data.
    • For specific operations, refer to the user's manual that came with the HDS.
  6. If no DTCs are found, go to MIL troubleshooting (see MIL CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING ).

If the MIL did not stay on 

If the MIL did not stay on but there is a driveability problem, do the symptom troubleshooting.

If you can't duplicate the DTC 

Some of the troubleshooting requires you to reset the PCM and try to duplicate the DTC. If the problem is intermittent and you can't duplicate the DTC, do not continue through the procedure. To do so will only result in confusion and possibly, a needlessly replaced PCM.