Code 61 01 found

Good morning,

The battery low voltage is most likely the cause of the ABS code as well.

I would start by having the battery load tested.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

I also would have the charging system checked to be sure the alternator is maintaining the battery charge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Roy

Thank you very much Roy.
I appreciate the quick reply. My concern is that Honda will clear the code and send me on my way to shut me up. I have a volt meter so I'm going to check the battery voltage. Can a battery load test completely drain the battery? We're going through a few days if frigid temperatures so I'm a little hesitant about that.
I read online that even though the this code came up as long the brakes work well and the fluid is topped up the ABS system shouldn't be the problem.

You need to have the battery charged to 12.6 volts. Then follow the instructions in the guide.

As far as the ABS, the anti-locking feature is disabled with the light. The normal brakes are not affected.

Roy

I just did a battery load test and the car surprisingly started up pretty good. But I did just drive to the store and back and sis the test after, should I do the test when the car has been sitting for a while ir does it matter?
Honda is going to have a look at it tomorrow (Thursday).

You can do it anytime.

Roy

I have another question about my other vehicle. Its a 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe. Bought it in 2015 at 143,000km (88,856 miles) I'm the 2nd owner. It now has 204,000km (126,760 miles). Since day 1 I've had problems every now and then of it turning over but not starting. Replaced the ignition column which they say is common with these SUVs.
Still been having the same issue. They checked the keys and those are fine.I had the car just completely die on me and thankfully that was just an alternator a few years ago.
No codes on it and no other explanations from anyone.
The mechanic says he needs to duplicate what is happening to see what the issue is.
Any advice?

Hello again.

By the sites rules, we can only include 1 vehicle in each question.

I would be glad to help but you will need to start a brand new question. Then we can chat.

Roy

Ok thanks. Sorry about that.

No worries. I am glad to help but need to follow the rules if you know what I mean.

Roy

Honda tested the accord and no code came up. What could be the reason for that? They gave me a rental and are keeping it over night.

Tell them to keep driving it until they can reproduce the issue.

Roy

They say said they're going to drive ut around and see what happens. I will keep you posted.

Sounds good

Roy

So update on my 2007 Accord.
I got it back Saturday and they said they replaced the alternator and that everything is good to go. I picked it up and it started up "slow as usual" but it ran fine no issues.
As I was driving today I felt the car shake for about a split second almost like a misfire but that was it. It caught my attention and I kept driving. About 5-10 minutes after that the engine light came on. I'm like ok here we go again.
I took it to Honda and the lady in Service said it wasn't serviced at Honda they sent it somewhere else to get it done. I thought thatcwas kinda weird, but ok. Regardless they said they couldn't do anything until Wednesday morning and could not even supply me with rental today because the "diagnostic specialist" (gotta love the title) isn't here to scan the car, but they'll give me a rental Wednesday and have the car fixed the same day.
So I'm not a "diagnostic specialist" but I have my dads code reader at hime and when I scanned it after I got home it gave me code P0420. I googled it and it said:
a bad O2 sensor can cause a P0420 code.
The used car manager was saying something about a possible sensor but he had a very thick accent so I did catch everything he said but it sounded like he was trying to give me the run around.
On the way home I felt 2 more small "stutters" from the car but nothing more. Needless to say I don't like driving with the engine light on not knowing if more damage is being done.

That really is weird. This place sounds shady.

420 is a catalytic converter code. It needs a catalytic converter. The precious metals inside the cat are worn out and the converter needs to be replaced. It is not a sensor at all.

Roy

I'm hoping the warranties they gave me will take care of all repairs needed before they can wash their hands of it.
They said all used cars come with 1yr roadside assistance, 90 day/5000k powertrain warranty, 30 day/2000k comprehensive coverage. Regardless I know I won't reach any of the mileage before the days.
Thanks again for the advice because I definitely just would have gone with a sensor. I really hate anything having to do with a cat code because I've had issues with a Mazda a few years ago and cant afford to go through that again, financially and mentally.
l definitely will tell them about the catalytic and bring the code reader with me so I can test it before I even leave the lot.
The used car manager was so sure that he was going to get fixed and back to me within the same day. I really hope that's the case because this is taking up way too much of my time especially having a 5 month old at home and dealing with the dumping of snow and cold we just got. Do you offer counseling services as well lol.
Obviously just joking there.
I'll keep you posted thanks again its very much appreciated.

You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy

So I dropped my car off this morning and picked up with a completely empty tank. But regardless no engine and they told me that they changed the catalytic converter. I scanned it before I left and got the 61 01 code again. I was in an odd position because the used car manager that I dealt with went back into his office to deal with other clients and the car rental place had just closed, that's where I came from because I dropped off the rental Honda provided. I felt a little stutter on highway and two separate stutters while accelerating after bring stopped at a red light. It felt almost like I went over a little bump.
I've got a lot of driving to do tomorrow so I'm hoping it'll be fine. One idea I've been mulling over is taking it to a mechanic have him take a look at the car and make a point of seeing if the alternator and cat were replaced but I've got to wait until Friday to see when they've got time.
Tomorrow morning I'm going to check the battery voltage and see if that's okay. Other than that and bringing it back to Honda I do not know what else to do.

Second opinions are always good.

Roy

No matter what I want Honda to fix the issue because it is principal and because it is free but I only have 30 days from the date of purchase to get any issues fixed but I think I explained all that.

Even if it does past 30 days. You have reported the issue and is still covered.

Roy

I didn't know that. Thank you very much, that gives me a little more hope on getting these issues resolved. It is upsetting because I know they're generally not bad cars.

Frustrating when you cannot get expert repairs.

Roy

That is exactly what's bothering me. I know any good mechanic would say these are the problems and it'll take x-amount of money to fix and the vehicle should be fine after that. Except for the obvious age wear and tear and regular maintenance. But Honda is keeping up the stereotype of a dealer not giving a crap as long as they get your money.

That is correct.

Roy

So my mechanic did his inspection and said the alternator looks like it has never been changed and if they changed it like they said then it is a used one.
He also said he thinks the ignition switch needs to be replaced, he noticed he's had a lot of that lately in older Honda's all models.
It would cost over $600.00 because the 2007 is an entire column that has to be changed which would then need a different key.
He did a 2006 last week and that was only $300.00 and he assumed the 2007 would be the same but he said for reason they changed it for that year.
So told to hold off for now I'm going to bring it back to Honda and hopefully they get it right this time.

Keep me updated.

Roy

Will do. on my way to Honda now.

Sounds good.

So I had a discussion with the used car manager again and his response to everything I said was "we did everything we were required to do to complete the safety test and certify it."
Every time he repeated himself it was because he didn't know what else to say. I told him what needed to be replaced and the cost of about $600.00. I also told him about the alternator not being touched.
He finally said that he would pay up to $400.00 to repair as a "good gesture". He kept saying that. He gave me the address and name where the vehicles got serviced which is about forty five minutes away from where I live. I agreed that I would pay anything past $400.00.
I talked to the wife and she said why don't you tell him that you can't trust his guy and that it is too far and that you will have your mechanic do the work and provide him with the receipt afterwards. I was so pissed that he was trying to get away without paying I never thought about that.
So I texted the sales guy and asked him to ask the manger for me if we could do that and get back to me to let me know. So that's where I stand now. It all makes sense why my car racked up a bunch of mileage while being "serviced".
I really don't like going to his guy because it all seems a bit shady.

Got it.

Roy

So I got my car looked at by Honda independent shop where all the repairs were apparently done. He said he changed the ignition switch on my 07 Accord but the same code is still showing on my code reader (61 01, Low voltage) no engine light on. I told the guy before I left he scanned it with his scanner in front of me and showed me "no codes" - "no stored codes" nothing. What's your take on that?

I would trust the shop. the code readers are not always correct. Drive it and see how it does.

Roy

It has been driving fine other than slight little stutters that I've felt maybe three or four times since I got it back. I'm thinking that it might be misfiring but again I'm not sure about that either.

Just drive it and see what happens. Give it a couple of weeks and see what happens.

Roy

Okay, I'll keep you posted.
Thanks

You are welcome.

Roy