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.
I would try just disconnecting the second O2 sensor first and see if the speedometer problem goes away. Also inspect the wiring near the O2 sensors. The ELD code will have no effect on the speedometer. I think the ELD is only sold as part of the fuse box in that year model.
I have a 1998 Honda Civic DX and its throwing the codes P1298 & P0501. The speedometer will randomly work and stop working, along with the trip and the mileage. The speedometer does not jump at all and the car runs fine. I replaced fuse 15 under dash, replaced VSS, taped the wiring near the engine manifold bracket, replaced 1 of 2 o2 sensors. I’m not sure what else to do other than replace the other o2 sensor and the ELD. I’ve been looking online but can’t find where to buy a ELD for a 98 Civic. Please help me.
I do not think there is a correlation between a timing belt replacement and the code P1298. If the actual physical timing was off a tooth, the poor running condition would be more prevalent at low rpms and possible diminish at higher rpms. With that said, I think there are cam and crank sensors at the timing belt area.(I am at home and not near my information data base to confirm this). If so a weak sensor may have been weakened even more during the routine timing belt replacement. They may have to be disconnected and/or removed to do the job. I would definitely concentrate on the poor engine performance problem first.
I own a 2004 Civic LX that threw the P1298 ELD Voltage High code 3 weeks after the timing belt and water pump were replaced at a Honda dealership for routine maintenance. Any connection between P1298 and the timing belt change? The engine runs a bit rough at 60-65mph… maybe the timing is off a bit too?
Any Ideas? Much appreciated.
The ELD will not be the cause of the other issues as long as operating battery voltage is within specifications. Roughly between 12.5 and 14.5 volts at the battery. I would recommend tackling one issue at a time. There is a possibility that finding and fixing one problem will affect the others.