Delay/hesitation when pushing the gas pedal down fast

Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 42,700 MILES
Hi, I have a problem when I accelerate quickly. Example when passing a car and it the gas hard it has a momentary hesitation/delay in acceleration. Then it takes off vetec works etc. It can also happen when pulling out of my driveway. I wait for traffic to go and I don't see a car because of an obstruction. I go to hit the gas hard and you hope it accelerates. If I can work the gas slowly it's not as noticeable. It has a sputter at time when this is happening. It feels like a bad carburetor accelerator pump when you hit the gas and it hesitates. Or even a car that the motor has late timing and then it catches up. It's feels like there is a delay between the 2 sensors.
Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 12:32 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
This issue is considered a hesitation. I attached a few guides on what we need to do. First is to check fuel pressure when this issue is happening. I suspect this is the issue but we can find out when monitoring pressure. I would suggest hooking up the gauge and then just tape it to the windshield so you can watch it while driving.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know what the number is when this issue is happening.

If that checks out then we will need to move on the other things covered in this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-hesitates

Let us know what you find and we can go from there. Thanks
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 1:45 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
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Hi, fuel pressure is 45lbs. I have a question I worked on cars a long time. The idle is smooth it has a nice soft/responsive throttle when first hitting the gas and throttling up slowly it's fine. If I trounce on the gas quickly it's like the sensors have a delay in communication. I would clean the throttle body. But I read you need a scanner to reset the TPS % of the throttle opening at idle. I don't want or trust the dealer nor were they forth coming with giving an answers. Can I turn the key on engine off and have someone put the gas pedal to full throttle? Can I clean the plate and throttle bore with a rag with out having to do the relearn etc? Or am I wrong in my thinking? I'm not cheap but times are a bit hard places want $150.00 to $200.00. They speak of putting a chemical through the intake via a vacuum source. Just don't want to mess up the throttle body. I do know not to push it open the throttle plate it can be broken easily. Thanks for your time and stay healthy!
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Monday, May 4th, 2020 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
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To start the fuel pressure is just below the spec so that is a possible issue. It would show the issue at wide open throttle as you are describing. I would suggest monitoring the fuel pressure while doing WOT stabs and see if the pressure drops or jumps around.

It appears you have an electronic throttle body so you cannot open it by holding the pedal down.

Here is a guide on how to clean a throttle bore:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

I then included the process on how to remove the throttle body and relearn the idle. You will need a scan tool for this but all the info is there.

I would suggest getting the pressure when you are experiencing this issue and we can go from there because I doubt this is a sensor issue.
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Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 AT 5:25 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Wow, sorry I was told the wrong PSI. I will change the pump first if it's low at idle even without retesting it. I'm sure at WOT it's not going up. One of the reasons I was asking about being able to clean the throttle plate was to avoid the ECM via the HDS reset. Is this a dealer only option to me or do I find a local shop with a high end scanner? Do you have any idea of the cost? 1 other thing. Will I have to reset the ECM if I change the fuel pump assembly? Thanks for your time and stay healthy!
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 AT 4:22 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
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Last question first. You do not have to reset the ECM after you replace the fuel pump. Next, you will need a scan tool capable of performing the functions that are laid out. It does not need to be a high dollar one just one that says it can perform these functions. I would just research some of the scan tools and see what is out there.

If it were me, I would just perform the service and then pay someone to reset it for you that has one. Most repair shops have them and can do it cheaper then the dealer would do it. You would just have to ask around. Then you can even ask what tool they have to do it and I am sure they will show you.

Let me know what other questions you have. You stay healthy as well. Thanks
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Wednesday, May 6th, 2020 AT 6:08 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Thank you for your help. I appreciate the thoroughness of your answers. My friend has a scanner as well as myself. What program or system do I go into to reset the ECM and check the tips % value. If I'm not comfortable or sure I will pay someone. Can you recommend a scanner capable of filling my needs if the ones I have do not? One not to much money if that`s possible. I ask because I didn't want to deal with the up sell speech at the dealership. They work on commission and it` hard times for all If you know what I mean.
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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 10:41 AM
Tiny
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In order to reset the ECM your tool would need to have an option under the ECM that say Reset or some variation like this. If it doesn't have that then your tool is not capable.

I did a quick search and the cheapest one I found was $415. Clearly this is not the best route especially if you already have a scan tool that can read codes and maybe see some live data. This additional tool would only perform this function in addition to the other things that you already have. This is why I would suggest just calling some of the repair shops in your area (not dealerships) and they will be able to do it and may not even charge to just reset the ECU in times like this.
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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
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Thanks I'm sure my friends does. He works at a shop. I need a direction to go in. Thanks for your time and hopefully I can get this taken care of. Stay Healthy
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Thursday, May 7th, 2020 AT 9:09 PM
Tiny
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Sounds great. Then yes I agree. I am sure they have the ability to do it as it is a regular function needed when working on these cars.

Let us know what happens. Thanks
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Friday, May 8th, 2020 AT 4:20 PM

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