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.
Hey Sparky
I have Trouble Shooting P1298–> it saids ELD probable cause, Open or Short Circuit Condition, Failed ECM…
Next, P1457–> Evap emission control system leak detected ( control canister system), Loose Fuel cap ( fixed that), Vapor Canister Saturated, Failed vent Solenoid, Failed purge Soleniod…
This is for my 01′ Honda civic ex, I’m getting Frustrated with this Car, need Advise!!!!!
On the vehicle that I had worked on there was a cam sensor code. If you do not have a cam sensor code I would not recommend changing it just for the fun of it. I would test the ELD as outlined in the post. The inefficient catalyst code is likely just that, a worn out catalytic converter. As long as it is not restricted, it is just an emissions problem.
Hi Sparky, I’m getting the p1298 in conjunction with p0420 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold). I read the above posts with the p1298 code and the converter issues and feel in the same boat. In those posts you mention a faulty cam sensor. Do you think replacing this is the first step before checking out the convertor or replacing the ELD? Like the above posts, my civic is running good enough to get me where I want to go, but I don’t want to ignore the issue obviously. Thanks in advance for your help.
I believe you have answered your own question. Find the cause of the communication fault and you will likely find the cause of the other complaints. I would recommend looking at wiring diagrams to check the powers, grounds and communication circuits for the PCM.
Got a 02 civic 1.7 vtec auto. Surges at idle then dies but when its surging mil lamp comes on and goes off along with battery light hear relay clicking behind glove box by ecm the all gauges quit working and goes into limp mode with no power ..alt has been replaced twice and along with battery … and here’s the kicker when it goes into limp mode mil lamp is solid but my solus won’t communicate with ecm to pull codes
Did u ever find out the problem?