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.
Hi Jme9281,
Please read the post at the following address. It should resolve your problem. You will have to copy and paste the address into your computer’s address bar.
http://www.sparkys-answers.com/2009/04/1996-honda-civic-15-fuse-blown.html
As far as I know it is a dealer only part and it is not very expensive.
These posts have been extremely helpful, especially the pictures regarding replacing the ELD. Can this part be bought anywhere online? I’m having trouble finding a wesite where I can purchase one. Thanks!
Number 15 fuse has always been fine. A little history: speedo hasnt worked in years. Tore open the c115 wiring harness and saw that needle be to jump again in Park. Checked every wire all the way from the alternator to the VSS. Changed VSS, changed under hood fuse box. Now, for the first time, fuse 15 blows. Still do not see a bad wire anywhere. Only thing that I have found is my voltimeter only shows 9.85V on the battery when under a full load. Could alternator be cause of bad speedo? If so, why did fuse 15 finally blow now after I changed fuse box?
The ignition power comes from fuse number 15 in the under dash fuse box. It is very common for this to blow and I did a post on 04/18/09. It was about a 1996 Honda with your same problem.