1997 Replacement ELD
 

Ok, I've searched the forums, maybe I'm missing something... please be patient with me but...

I have a 1997 LX that is pulling up all kinds of error codes (VSS, Oxygen sensors, and ELD).

The problem is, I'm having a hard time locating an ELD (Electronic Load Detector). When I call the dealer, they tell me that they don't sell just the ELD for that year of Civic, and I have to buy the whole fuse box ($200). I've found some online that have found the ELD separately, but haven't been able to determine what year their Civic is.

My question is this, aside from the junk yard, is there another place you guys know where I can get a replacement ELD for a '97 Civic LX?

Thanks

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Ok, just a quick follow-up, I found a part number for an ELD on a 2000 Civic (38255-S5A-003). Would that be the same part number for a '97 Civic as well?

Thanks.

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Don't bother chasing parts. You blew a fuse. You got a wire rubbed through.
I suggest you read and follow this bulletin: http://chowcman.com/krispycreme2010/...r%20Wiring.pdf


In the future, remember that a CODE does NOT tell you to throw parts at the car.


HTH

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Thank you for your reply ezone.

I think you're right, I also dug up these links that really clearly explain a step-by-step on how to try and fix this (I'm a novice at auto repair).
http://catjuggling.com/1996-honda-ci...here-is-a-fix/
http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2009/...use-blown.html

I'll give it a try on Monday and tell you how it goes.

Thanks again for your input,

- Chad

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Just to follow-up... the problem was what ezone linked to below... just a short on the wire harness against the bracket... no replacement parts needed (except a new #15 fuse and plastic wire shielding). Fixing this repair first, saved me around $800 +... the engine light is back off and all the error codes are cleared.

Interesting note, it seemed that this repair had been done once already to my vehicle. One of the bolts to the bracket was already stripped. Unfortunately, it was the horizontal bolt (the one that is most difficult to get to). I "fixed" it by just placing the plastic shielding around the wire, without removing the bracket. I admit this probably isn't a complete fix, but I don't see how I could get a drill in that tight of space to drill out the bolt... I'm a novice (at best) I wonder if there is a grinder or some other tool a "pro" would use?

Thanks again for the help.

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

http://www.taylorrentalbroadview.com...ngle_drill.jpg

Or pull the engine to reach it....


Or leave it alone if it isn't causing harm and isn't in danger of snapping something off.

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Yeah, I guess I'll just leave it as-is until I encounter further problems (it seems to be running ok for now).

If I have to get under there again, I guess I'll just take it into a mechanic that has a way to cutout and replace the bolt (not even sure how they would replace it after cutting it out - without taking the whole engine compartment apart).

Thanks again,

- Chad

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

So for weeks my 97 civic had dimming of the headlights and my radio was reset Everytime I drive it, it was also harder to crank each time. Finally one morning it didn't crank up. First thought was the alternator, so I replaced it and the battery. I was able to drive to and from work but as soon as I decided to take it further I was being towed home. Everything I read tells me its the ELD but I can't locate one for my year. Please help!!!

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

It's not the ELD. Put a voltmeter on the battery and see if the alternator is not charging......

Loose alternator belt?

Got a bunch of fault codes? Both O2 sensors, ELD, VSS maybe more?
See if it's blown fuse 15 in the dash fusebox. That will make the alternator quit charging. LMK if it's blown that fuse, I'll link a TSB about a wiring issue to fix

If the fuse is good and none of the fault codes but the alt is still not charging, probably a bad alternator.

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

I have a 97 civic in amazing condition and only 105k miles. Never had any srs trouble with it except lately it started having weak electrical power. It starts fine but when running loads just cause short brownouts.

Things like hitting the brakes, the brake lights alone would reset the radio or the spedometer would jump down and up. Throwing the AC on on the road would make the car hiccup but not die entirely. I decided to begin repairs when i realized if the threw the headlights on in the driveway.....the car turned off.

Replacing the alternator and the battery has improved things drastically but it still occasionally blips the spedometer or the radio when it gets a load. No check engine light and I am thinking its maybe the ELD? I think next weekend I might go through and check fuses or something. I did check #15 which has continuity and is involved with the alternator and that one engine wire harness bulletin.

I am probably going to get a new honda this year but....at some point i swear i am going to track this gremlin down for good.

BTW, changing an alternator on a 97 civic is a real you know what.

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Replied to your other post, your mechanic didn't use an OEM alternator, put in an OEM alternator and that will get rid of the light and probably fix the other issues

Re: 1997 Replacement ELD
 

Yeah unfortunately i went with a rebuild and i may just cut my losses and leave things as they are. It hasnt outright shut down on me which is more a safety thing and not just annoyance. The alternator is putting out 14.2 volts so it shouldn't leave me stranded anywhere and my work is only 6 miles from home. It just has to get me through the next 3 months or so which is about when I plan to start shopping for a used Accord or Civic.

The funny thing is, I am sometimes looking at much newer cars with close to or more miles than mine hehehe.