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I recently bought a 2001 lx sedan. About a week ago my check engine light came on. I took it to my mechanic whom I've been going to for years and has had my cars running excellent. He told me that he couldn't find the problem and tells me that the check engine light may be faulty and if it comes on again to continue to drive it, and if the Check engine light flashes bring the car in. Does this occur often? I've read a lot of posts regarding the check engine light on Civic. And btw the car runs excellent.

 
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Yes, the ECU can throw a false CEL code. What was/is the code?
Some cars have an o2 sensor check code that appears every 30k miles (IIRC)...not sure if this generation does or not? You could opt to do an ECU reset (idle learn) and if you have a factory radio you'll need to know the radio code to use the radio again.
For now it's probably best to take your mechanic's advice and see if a CEL comes up again.

 
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Thanks, another question. I have to take the civic in for a smog check, will the car pass if the check engine light is malfunctioning?

 
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Was the engine light still on when you took it to the mechanic?





Probably not. That thing must work correctly, have NO codes, and have ran and passed most of the OBD monitors. Read your local rules and regs for more info.

 
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Yes it was on. My mechanic kept it overnight. He called the next day and stated he could not find the problem.