Wednesday, May 19th, 2010 AT 8:15 PM
I've had the car since 120k. I was getting about 25mpg on average but over the last couple years it has slipped to 21mpg. I had trouble starting (it cranked OK) the car a few times in hotter weather directly/immediately after it had been running. I've replaced the wires, plugs, and cap/rotor assembly and not had any trouble starting since last summer. My fuel economy continues to sink nonetheless. I was able to average 30.5 mpg with 95% highway driving and I'm certain the car won't do that anymore. I am suspicious about the ignition coil but hate replacing parts that don't contribute to the solution of the problem. I think the ignition coil (high resistance) is indicated as a problem for re-starting but not sure about fuel economy. I measured the resistance on the A-B terminals of the coil and found about 1.1 ohm using a junky meter. The Honda manual says to replace the coil if it is not 0.45-0.55 ohm I believe. Once I confirm with the quality meter I get soon I will know the reading for certain. If the resistance (higher than specification) on the coil is confirmed, may this be an accurate assessment of both starting and fuel economy issues? I've had no luck when I mentioned the symptoms alone to three different auto mechanics - one told me it could only be diagnosed if the car didn't start. Trying to make the right repair here. Thanks.
