Can an alcohol breathalyzer monitoring device having been installed cause engine performance issues?

GEARHEAD63

MEMBER
2000 HONDA ODYSSEY
2.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

My customer had some legal issues and ended up with an alcohol monitoring system on his van. Okay, my question is, has anyone known those devices to cause a vehicle to run like it needed tuned up?
IE: (running bad, sluggish on takeoff, idling rough)
I replaced the fuel injectors last week and it ran great for about 20 minutes. And started running exactly like it was before. Note: the vehicle still had the original injectors in it. 200,000 miles, they needed replaced. Any ideas out there?

3 Replies

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The breathalyzer that gets installed in a vehicle is connected with the igniting system and it does not impact performance of the vehicle. If the breathalyzer detects a higher than set level of blood alcohol, then it will simply not allow the vehicle to start. When it does start due to getting the proper level of BAC then it will run normal.

So, if you are having issues with poor performance or running rough it is due to some other components like having a vacuum leak, worn spark plugs, dirty air or fuel filter etc.

One of the common causes of low power is a dirty throttle body and its components. So, it might be a good idea to service the throttle body.

Take a look at this helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-has-low-power-output

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 2:31 PM

GEARHEAD63

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you. I finished cleaning the throttle body about 30 minutes ago. And found no (air leaks) vacuum leaks. I did, however, go back, because of an uneasy feeling I had, to check the coils and found one of the new ones I put on last week was bad on number three. Anyway, it's hard to tell now if it was bad new or my fault when installed. It ran good last week, he said, (and sounded good and ran good before it went over the curb) for 20 minutes after he left. Anyway, long story short, I deducted the cost and dropped the invoice $55.00. Problem solved and still have a return customer. Oil change next week. Thank you all for your help. Also, I'll probably be back later this week. I am swapping engines in my personal pickup and overhauling a 5.2 Magnum to go back in. Thanks.

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Monday, February 7th, 2022 AT 3:14 PM

SQM