Engine Performance problem
1999 Honda Civic 4 cyl Manual 185000 miles
I've got a 99 Honda Civic 5-speed 1.6 4 cylinder that's been running a bit rough for a few months now, particularly when idling.
Over the past month or so, the check engine light has also begun to flash while idling. It does not flash every time, but it does from time to time. This indicates a misfire. Upon checking the ODBII codes, there are misfires in cylinders 1,3, and 4, with 2 seemingly operating normally, at least according to the computer.
The engine runs much smoother and without the engine light flashing when either driving, or when giving the engine gasoline while in idle. If the light does begin to flash, it can be stopped by giving the engine enough gas to get it up to about 2K rpm. When the hood is open, I can actually see the effect of this as the engine shakes while the light is flashing, but stabilizes when its given gas. Also, when idling the idle speed is low - sometimes moderately low, but occassionally very low.
I've changed the spark plugs, given that it was a cheap thing to do. However, it seems to me because of the issues with giving it gas that this is more likely a problem with the fuel, be it valves, the injector, or something else as opposed to plug wires or whatnot.
My question is as to whether I am likely correct in this assumption, and of course any other advice that anyone can give me. I plan to take it to be looked at soon, but I would like any thoughts before doing so so that I may have a better idea of what is going on, or even so that I can avoid the expense altogether depending on the advice I'm given.
Thanks!
1999 Honda Civic 4 cyl Manual 185000 miles
I've got a 99 Honda Civic 5-speed 1.6 4 cylinder that's been running a bit rough for a few months now, particularly when idling.
Over the past month or so, the check engine light has also begun to flash while idling. It does not flash every time, but it does from time to time. This indicates a misfire. Upon checking the ODBII codes, there are misfires in cylinders 1,3, and 4, with 2 seemingly operating normally, at least according to the computer.
The engine runs much smoother and without the engine light flashing when either driving, or when giving the engine gasoline while in idle. If the light does begin to flash, it can be stopped by giving the engine enough gas to get it up to about 2K rpm. When the hood is open, I can actually see the effect of this as the engine shakes while the light is flashing, but stabilizes when its given gas. Also, when idling the idle speed is low - sometimes moderately low, but occassionally very low.
I've changed the spark plugs, given that it was a cheap thing to do. However, it seems to me because of the issues with giving it gas that this is more likely a problem with the fuel, be it valves, the injector, or something else as opposed to plug wires or whatnot.
My question is as to whether I am likely correct in this assumption, and of course any other advice that anyone can give me. I plan to take it to be looked at soon, but I would like any thoughts before doing so so that I may have a better idea of what is going on, or even so that I can avoid the expense altogether depending on the advice I'm given.
Thanks!
Aug 23, 2009 at 4:19 PM