Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, we will discuss the common issue of the “check emission system” message on the dashboard of a 2014 Acura MDX. Many owners have reported this problem, and in this video, we will focus on troubleshooting the check engine light and addressing the emission system issue. We will provide step-by-step instructions on how to diagnose and repair the problem. So let’s get started!
Step 1: Scanning for Error Codes
The first step is to connect a scanner to the MDX to read the error codes. In this case, the YouTuber uses the Autel MaxiSys MS906BT scanner. Upon scanning, three codes are detected: P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1), P0497 (Evap System Low Purge Flow), and P145C (Evap System Purge Flow Malfunction). While the catalyst efficiency code is not the focus of this article, we will concentrate on the purge flow issue.
Step 2: Locating the Purge Valve
The purge valve is a crucial component of the vehicle’s evaporative emission control system. It allows fuel vapors from the gas tank to flow into the engine intake manifold for efficient combustion. To locate the purge valve, one needs to remove the engine cover. In this case, the purge valve is easily accessible near the engine.
Step 3: Testing the Purge Valve
To test the purge valve, the YouTuber uses the scan tool to manually activate the valve. When the valve is activated, it should allow gases to flow through it. However, upon testing, the YouTuber notices that the valve is not functioning correctly. It opens slightly but gets stuck and restricts the flow of air. This indicates that the purge valve is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 4: Replacing the Purge Valve
After confirming that the purge valve is faulty, the next step is to replace it. The YouTuber orders a new purge control valve and installs it in place of the old one. After installation, the valve should allow a smooth flow of air when activated.
Step 5: Confirming the Repair
To ensure that the repair was successful, the YouTuber uses a long hose and blows air through the purge valve. This confirms that the new valve is functioning as intended, allowing a sufficient flow of air for proper emission control. By comparing the amount of air flow with the old valve, we can see that the repair has resolved the purge flow issue.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed the common problem of the “check emission system” message on the dashboard of a 2014 Acura MDX. We provided step-by-step instructions on how to diagnose and repair the issue related to the purge flow. By replacing the faulty purge control valve, the emission system problem can be resolved. It is important to note that this article focuses on one specific issue, and other related problems should be addressed separately. We hope this article has been helpful in understanding and resolving the emission system problem in your Acura MDX.