This 2001 Honda Civic came in with a multitude of problems one of which was a code P1298 stored for an ELD fault (electric load detector circuit input high). I had never had to actually test one of these before although I knew that they existed. The ELD sends a signal to the engine control computer so that the computer can adjust the alternator output in relation to power consumption. The ELD is located in the underhood fuse box. I am pointing to it with my screw driver.
To test the ELD I had to lift the underhood fuse box and remove the bottom cover. Once removed I could access the wiring for the ELD. The wire on the far right of the connector is power supply (battery voltage).
The wire in the middle of the connector is battery ground.
The wire on the far left of the connector is a five volt signal sent from the computer. The ELD will pull the voltage lower with increased system load and should vary with a change in load. For example if the blower or headlights are turned on it should drop. This particular unit was stuck at 3.81 volts and would not change with no loads or full loads applied. If the voltage had been near zero I would have had to unplug the connector and see if the five volt reference signal was being sent by the computer and wiring.
After testing and finding a faulty ELD, it was very easy to change. I removed the four adjoining phillips headed screws that held the two PAL fuses in place.
I released the latch on the harness connector and unplugged the connector.
With the wiring removed I simply lifted the unit. Slid the bar out and installed the new unit.
Below are a couple of pictures of the actual ELD part from Honda.
You likely have two different problems. The ELD on these cars have a high failure rate. I strongly recommend testing as outlined in the article.
Hi sparky, i have that same code on my 2001 civic ex p0730 and p1298 failed transmission shift control system and failed ECM. Is it possible that I only really have one problem, and that it is causing the other, or do you think I actually have two separate problems here? How often do these ELDs actually fail (since they are electric components and not mechanical…)?
Hello sparky, I have a 98 Honda Civic 2 Dr automatic, when we drive it for a bit the gauges start going crazy and the car doesn’t want to shift in gears the check engine came on and our mechanic scanned it and read out P1298 and the o2 sensor my mechanic can’t figure if out …can you help us and tell us if might know what’s the problem is. Thanks
If you have the money that would be okay. I suggest replacing the spark plugs and boots. Possibly coil #4 or just move that coil to cylinder #2 and see if the misfire travels with the coil (poor man’s testing). Have the alternator checked for excessive ac ripple voltage.
Thanks for your response!. So just new coil packs and have the alternator checked? I appreciate it