Questions and Answers
Honda Code 20
Q. Hi Vince, I have a1989 Honda CRX Si, 1.6 liter, 5 speed, 160,000 fuel injected, A/C. After replacing the head gasket my check engine light went on. The ECU is giving me a code 20, which my book says is electric load. I don't know what that means. Please tell me what needs to be checked or fixed to solve this problem?
Thank you.
A. The code 20 indicates there is a problem in the Electric Load Detector Circuit. What this circuit does is monitor the loads placed on the engine by the alternator, A/C and headlights, among others. When an additional load is detected, the PCM raises the idle speed to compensate. The PCM has detected a fault in the system and turned the light on.
Here's how to test the system:
- Remove cover from main fuse panel located in engine compartment, then disconnect electrical connector from electric load detector unit.
- With ignition switch On, check for battery voltage between electrical connector positive (black/yellow wire) terminal and negative (black) terminal.
- If battery voltage is present, proceed to step 4. If no voltage is present, check for the following:
- Check for blown No. 14 fuse in instrument panel fuse box.
- Check for open circuit in black/yellow wire between instrument panel fuse box and main fuse panel in engine compartment.
- Check for improper ground (black wire) connection.
- With ignition switch On, check voltage between electric load detector electrical connector green/red terminal and ground. Voltage should be approximately 4.5 to 5 volts. If voltage is as specified, proceed to step 5. If voltage is not as specified, check green/red wire between electric load detector and PFI electronic control unit. If wiring is satisfactory, electronic control unit may be at fault.
- Connect electrical connector to electric load detector unit.
- With ignition switch in On position and headlamps on at low beam, check voltage at green/red wire terminal at electric load detector unit electrical connector. Check voltage with connector still installed on unit. Voltage should be approximately 2 volts. If voltage is as specified, electric load detector unit is satisfactory. If voltage is not as specified, engine compartment main fuse panel and electric load detector unit must be replaced as an assembly.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
