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P1298

Electrical Load Detector Circuit High Voltage.

  • Acura
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Low severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
2
AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuit)
98
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Acura models, P1298 means the engine control unit has seen a high voltage on the electrical load detector (ELD) circuit. The ELD measures the electrical load on the charging system so the ECU can adjust alternator output and idle speed. The code sets when the signal voltage sits above the expected range, which may point to the sensor, its wiring or the unit it feeds.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Charging system or battery warning light may come on
  • Idle speed that hunts, drops or sits too high when electrical loads are switched on
  • Battery that runs flat or is undercharged
  • Headlights or dash lights dimming or flickering at idle
  • Occasional stalling or rough idle when loads such as headlights or the rear screen heater are switched on

Possible causes

  • Faulty electrical load detector unit or sensor, usually in the under-bonnet fuse box arealikely
  • Damaged wiring, short to voltage or poor connection in the ELD signal circuitlikely
  • Corroded or loose connector at the ELD or at the ECUpossible
  • Charging system fault, such as a failing alternator or regulator, giving abnormal readingspossible
  • Weak battery or poor battery terminal and earth connections affecting system voltagepossible
  • Fault inside the ECUrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read the stored codes and freeze frame data, and note any other charging or idle related codes
  2. Check the battery condition, terminal tightness and the main earth and charging cable connections
  3. Test the charging system voltage at idle and with loads on, and compare it with the specification for the model
  4. Inspect the ELD wiring and connectors for chafing, corrosion, water ingress or heat damage
  5. Check the ELD signal circuit for a short to voltage or an open circuit using the wiring diagram for the specific model and year
  6. Check the ELD supply and earth, then compare its output with the specification as loads are switched on and off
  7. Clear the code and road test, then check whether it returns and under what conditions

How to fix

  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace corroded connectors on the ELD circuit
  • Replace the electrical load detector if its output is out of specification
  • Repair the charging system if the alternator or regulator is faulty
  • Replace a weak battery and restore clean, tight terminals and earths
  • Replace or reprogram the ECU only after wiring and sensor faults have been ruled out

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car can usually be driven for a short time, but book it in soon. If the battery warning light is on or the battery is going flat, get it checked promptly to avoid being stranded.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

This code for other makes

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