1998 Honda Accord Rough idle

NIXACODY

MEMBER
1998 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
189,000 MILES

My son has this car, has been well maintained. It runs like a sewing machine when cold, but when it reached normal running temperature, it begins to runs rough. I turned on the AM radio and listened for pops or ticks and didn't hear any. Listening under the hood I can hear ticks around the distributor. It does feel like a miss on occasion. I didn't push it much and don't drive it full time. Also the exhaust system light comes on. That has been checked out with no problem found. The light comes on and off occasionally. We've checked the gas cap too. Any clues? Gary

Monday, November 10th, 2008 AT 1:22 PM

1 Reply

IMPALASS

MECHANIC
3,112 POSTS

Hello Gary

On the vehicle, is this a Coupe EX, Sedan EX, Coupe LX or Sedan LX?

Okay, when you say exhaust system light, I am sorry, I don't see that in the tech manuals...I am not saying it isn't there, I just don't see it. What does it look like, symbol on it? Can you tell me a little more about it?

As for the roughness, let's check a couple of things. Please go to Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and for free they can pull the codes to the car. Most important. Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for free also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

When was the last time you did a tune up... Plugs, wires, etc?

Please take a spray bottle of water and when the car is running at operating temp, spray a mist all over the plug wires and tell me what happens.

Let's start with that - let me know and we can go from there.

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Monday, November 10th, 2008 AT 5:14 PM