09 Fit Engine Light On - Evaporator Leak
 

My 09 Fit 63K miles engine light is constant on lately. Went to Autozone and they read it as "evaporator leak". Is this a Honda Warranty item? I generally do not trust the service guys who tell stories every time I went it.

I think they told you wrong. Go back and get the code number if you can.

The only "evaporator" is part of the air-conditioning and wouldn't throw a code even if a leak could be detected. The A/C just wouldn't engage if it was low on refrigerant.

There are lots of codes for "leaks" but they have to do with fuel and emissions. Might have been evaporative emmissions leak (P0442) possibly caused by over-filling at the gas station. nudge nudge wink wink.

The drive train warranty is up at 60K but emissions are warranted longer, I think. Better check with your dealer.

Thank you all for helping up. The code was P0146. I think that it is in the overflow canister in the gas tank that is being part of the emission control system. Talking to a couple of friends, it seems to be a problem of overfilling the gas tank by topping up of which I did for getting ready for this snow storm in the North East. I disconnect the battery and reconnect. Will see if it comes back up.

Honda P0146 OBD/DLC Error Code - O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected

Generic OBD Error Code Details for P0146


O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected


What does this mean?

OBD Code P0146refers to
The catalytic converter is used to control emissions. The o2 sensor on Bank 1, position 3 is aft of the converter and monitors the catalyst efficiency. The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) does this by comparing the post-cat o2 sensor to the pre-cat o2 sensors. The o2 sensor is a four wire sensor. The PCM supplies a reference to the sensor of about half a volt and also supplies a sensor ground and 12 volts for the heater element. The fourth wire is a ground for the heater element (the heater in the sensor helps the sensor to warm up faster which allows the engine to reach closed loop sooner). The sensor varies the supplied reference voltage based on oxygen content of the exhaust. Oxygen sensors are capable of varying between 0.1 volts to 0.9 volts. Lean exhaust produces low voltage and causes the supplied 0.45 volts to drop. Rich exhaust produces high voltage and causes the supplied 0.45 voltage to increase. Pre-catalyst o2 sensors switch between low and high voltage rapidly. However a post-cat o2 sensor may switch much slower & not vary as much (this is normal). If the sensor doesn't respond as it should or there are too few switches in a given time period, P0146 may set.
Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0146
Symptoms of a P0146 DTC may include: MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) on May idle or drive poorly Fuel economy may decrease
Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0146
Potential causes of an P0146 code include: Bad Bank 1, position 3, o2 sensor Wiring problem, melted harness, broken connectors, etc. Bad PCM
Possible Solutions

1. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Using a scan tool, observe the Bank 1 position 3 o2 sensor. If it isn't moving between 0.1 and 0.9 volts, increase the engine RPM to a fast idle and then recheck the sensor voltage reading. If it starts switching now, the sensor may be sluggish and/or intermittently going "dormant". Replacing the sensor at this point would be a good idea. Visually check the o2 sensor for contaminates, etc. If you suspect it's contaminated with coolant or oil, replace it. a. But, if it still isn't responding after increasing engine RPM, turn off the engine and unplug the 1/3 o2 sensor. With KOEO (key on engine off) check that there is battery voltage and ground to the o2 sensor heater element. If the heater element has no battery voltage it can cause the o2 sensor to go "dormant" and not switch properly which can cause a P0146. So, diagnose that problem first(there will usually be other codes present). b. If there is power and ground to the heater element check that the sensor ground is present. If it is, connect a jumper wire between the sensor ground and signal wire. Now the 1/3 o2 sensor reading should be low. If so, replace the Bank 1 position 3 o2 sensor. c. If, after connecting the jumper wire, the o2 sensor reading still remains "stuck", check for wiring problems, harness contacting exhaust components, or broken connectors. Repair as necessary. Then recheck. d. If you can find no wiring problems and the o2 sensor reading on the scan tool doesn't change after installing the jumper wire, recheck at the PCM connector. If it still shows no change, the PCM may be at fault.