Hard Failures
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1992 Acura Legend. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Hard failures cause malfunction light to illuminate and remain on until problem is repaired. If light comes on and remains on (light may flash) during vehicle operation, cause of malfunction must be determined using TROUBLE CODES procedures. If a sensor fails, ECU will use a substitute value in its calculations to continue engine operation. In this condition, commonly known as limp-in mode, the vehicle runs but driveability will not be optimum.