DTC P2EA4 (2021)

DTC P2EA4:  Cold Start Ignition Timing Problem

General Description 

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

Courtesy of HONDA, U.S.A., INC.

The cold start emission reduction process controls the air fuel ratio to lean when the engine is cold to lower emissions as the catalyst is not warmed up. If the ignition timing has not been retarded to the specified value for a specified time, the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.

Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type 

Enable Conditions 

[ ]: HDS Parameter

Malfunction Threshold 

The ignition timing deviation is 2 deg. or more for at least 10.0 seconds.

Possible Cause 

NOTE:  The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.

• PCM internal circuit failure

Confirmation Procedure 

Operating Condition 

• Leave the vehicle until the engine coolant temperature [ECT Sensor 1] lowers to 122 deg.F (50 deg.C) or less.
• Enter the maintenance mode, then start the engine, and let it idle for at least 10 seconds.

Diagnosis Details 

Conditions for setting the DTC 

When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle with the engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature at engine start-up within the specified temperature range, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle with the engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature at engine start-up is within the specified temperature range, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC and the freeze data are stored.

Conditions for clearing the DTC 

The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool Clear command or by disconnecting the 12 volt battery.