03 Accord, obd not ready

[George.Galo]

I've got an 03 Accord 4 cyl. A couple of weeks back the CEL came on.
OBD code indicated that the secondary O2 sensor was bad. Had it replaced
at a honda dealer. The CEL is off. I've driven the car over 1000 miles. When I
go to inspection, I'm told the emissions monitors are not ready and cannot pass
NJ Inspection. Here's the twist. If I drive it a while and scan the obd Before I turn
the car off, it says 8 monitors ready, 0 incomplete. If I turn off the key and restart
I get 4 monitors ready, 4 incomplete. I checked a bunch of fuses and replaced the "backup"
fuses even tho they tested good. I went back to the dealer and they reflashed the computer.
It's still loosing the "readiness" when I turn off the key. Any ideas on why it won't maintain
the reainess? Any info is appreciated.
Thanks,
George

[TexasHonda]

I would suspect that somehow the ECM is being reset frequently. Some codes reset quickly, but others can take some time to complete w/ normal driving patterns. Bad battery connection seems most likely. Check battery and alternator connections carefully.

good luck

[George.Galo]

Thanks TexasHonda,

I'll have a look at the connections. I have already changed the negative
battery cable and cleaned the positive.(battery's less than a year old as well).
I'll have a look at the alternator connections.

Thanks again,
George

[Crazystars]

Hi again,

As far as I can tell the reflash did not help.
I checked the monitors again this morning after driving the
50 miles to work, monitors were ready. Shut off the
car, restart, wait a min, rescan, 4 monitors incomplete.

I rechecked all the fuses and battery connectionshint from another post.
Im wondering what to do next.. Guess its back to the dealer,
but now that I got an inspection sticker, Im in no rush and "taking a breather"
from it. fyi, I got a private garage to inspect it without turning off the car.

Its Ca emissions, 03 accord with 140k miles, so its probably over the mile limit.

[TexasHonda]

Are you sure your code reader is not the problem? If not, I would suggest borrowing another code reader or get codes read at Autozone, et al to confirm it's the ECU resetting itself.

If ECU is resetting itself, then a new ECU is probably necessary. I looked an they are available for <$100 using car-part.com to search. I've ordered used parts long distance and also found them near me and picked up.

good luck

[George.Galo]

Hey TexasHonda,

No, I am not sure my ODB scanner is not bad. I did check as per the manual,
turn the key to on, don't start, the check engine light will come on for 20 seconds,
if it goes out the computer is ready. If it blinks 5 times it is not ready, mine's blinking
5 times. Thanks again for taking the time to give me pointers.

George