Fail-safe Function
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Honda Pilot, 2007 Honda Pilot, and 2006 Honda Pilot. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
When an abnormality occurs in the signal from a sensor or from another control unit, the PCM ignores that signal and assumes. A pre-programmed value that allows the engine to continue to run. This causes a DTC to be stored and the MIL to come on.