After a turbo replacement and multiple ECU reflashes, various warning lights remain illuminated on the dashboard despite 200KM of driving. Typically, these lights disappear after a short drive cycle. The vehicle operates flawlessly, with boost, e-brake, and traction control functioning normally. No error codes are present using personal or Honda diagnostic tools. Could the persistent warning lights be related to the numerous reflashes and extended battery disconnections, requiring a longer drive cycle to clear? This article explores the potential causes and solutions.
Multiple factors can contribute to persistent warning lights after an ECU reflash. While a short drive cycle usually suffices to clear these lights, excessive reflashing and prolonged battery disconnections might necessitate a longer period for the systems to fully initialize. Each reflash essentially resets the vehicle’s computer, requiring it to relearn various parameters and self-tests. Disconnecting the battery further disrupts this process, potentially prolonging the initialization period.
In this specific case, the vehicle underwent numerous reflashes and extended battery disconnections while troubleshooting a blown turbo. Although the turbo issue is resolved and no error codes are present, the warning lights persist. It’s plausible that the sheer volume of reflashes, coupled with the battery disconnections, has extended the system’s initialization phase beyond the typical drive cycle. The vehicle’s flawless performance suggests a software-related issue rather than a mechanical fault.
Several potential solutions can be explored. Continuing to drive the vehicle for an extended period might eventually allow the systems to complete their initialization and clear the warning lights. However, if the lights persist after a significantly longer drive cycle (e.g., 500-1000KM), further diagnosis may be necessary. Consulting with a Honda specialist or utilizing a more advanced diagnostic tool might reveal underlying issues not detected by standard OBD-II scanners. Additionally, disconnecting the battery for an extended period (e.g., overnight) might force a more comprehensive system reset, potentially resolving the issue. However, this should be done cautiously, as it can reset various vehicle settings.
While persistent warning lights can be concerning, in this scenario, the absence of error codes and the vehicle’s normal operation suggest a prolonged initialization phase. Continued driving or a more thorough system reset might resolve the issue. However, consulting with a specialist is recommended if the problem persists.
