1997 Honda Civic Hesitation

Tiny
VITURI
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
Honda hesitates while cold. Runs fine after engine comes up to temperature. Starts fine. Flat spot at idle to 1200 RPM. Replaced coolant temp sensor, fuel pump, spark plugs, dist cap. No engine codes show up on code reader. Some sensor that is coolant related maybe? Runs fine at higher RPM, s when cold.
Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 AT 8:30 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light and when was the last tune-up?

Okay-check and test the airflow sensor, MAP and TPS sensors to include the fuel pressure and comeback with some results
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Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 AT 10:28 PM
Tiny
VITURI
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Tune up within the last 2 weeks. Are your rates as follows, $10.00 guesses, 20.00 opinions, 30.00 right answers. I should just take it to the shop and pay whatever they tell me. I just thought maybe one of you pro's have honda experience. First time trying your sight. Not really impressed. Thanks anyway.
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Thursday, September 2nd, 2010 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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What you need to do is perform the tests I've recommended and come back with results so I can provide you the directions to follow to get to the source of the problem am not into the guessing business its not my style my way is diagnostics-If you're dis-satisfied request for refund-
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Friday, September 3rd, 2010 AT 7:23 AM
Tiny
VITURI
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MAP 5.1 volts. Vacuum applied 2.84-.98
TPS 5.1 volts. Throttle movement.59-4.61
IAT 5.06 volts, 1.97 cold, 1.908 hot
No fuel pressure gauge at this time.
IAC Engine hot, remove electrical connector
engine idle increases and fluxuates a little.
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Sunday, September 5th, 2010 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
I have almost 30 years experience with Honda vehicles but information from your first post is not sufficient to make any conclusion. Rasmataz was correct in asking for more information. We are here to help and always give it our best shot and our site says that if you are not satisfied, you can always ask for your money back. Sacarsm would not get you anywhere.

What is the idling speed at cold start and after warming up?
Do the spark plugs have any indication of running rich?
Are the correct spark plug ratings used?
Have the valve clearances been checked?
Do you have any overheating or coolant losses issues?

The reading for the TPS is higher than standard. It should start at 0.5 v and you have 0.59. Readjust the reading to 0.49 - 0.5 and retest.
Does TPS voltage increases smoothly when throttle is opened?
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+1
Monday, September 6th, 2010 AT 11:14 AM
Tiny
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  • 7 POSTS
Idle speed 1150 cold, 650 hot in drive. Spark plugs white to light grey. NGK ZFR5F11 gap.042. Didn't check valve clearance. No overheating or coolant loss. No codes hard or soft. I start up cold drive 1/2 block low speed throttle loss 1100- 1750 no response. Slight miss at idle. Drive 3 blocks no more problem. Runs excellent after. Great throttle response, no miss, idles just fine. TPS checks out fine with smooth variance
.59- 4.61 volts. 5.1 volts with ign. On. You ever had problems with the IAC. Hate to start replacing sensors. They aren't inexpensive.
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Wednesday, September 8th, 2010 AT 9:23 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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IAC would not cause hesitation. Its main purpose is for idle control.

Hesitation at the speed concerned are either due to O2 sensors, TPS or spark plug related components.

No mention was made about chcking the spark plug wires, get them ohmed and see if they are within specs.

Once again, TPS is out of adjustment at 0.59 volts.

Your first post stated hesitation between idle to 1200 rpm. Latesdt indicates power loss between 1100 to 1750. Both are 2 different things. The latter could be due to a fault with the EGR system.
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-1
Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 7:43 AM
Tiny
VITURI
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  • 7 POSTS
Plug wires are ohms ok. Hesitation when throttling means loss of power to me. This vehicle doesn't have a EGR. If I throttle hard when cold it doesn't hesitate at all. Hard throttle is 1200- 1500 rpm's. If I idle till it warms up no problems. I've replaced the TPS and set it at.45 volts. Would a O2 sensor fail with out showing a code, hard or soft? Why just for a short period during warm up? This problem last only 30 seconds or less. Once the temp guage starts moving off cold it runs perfect. Thanks
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Thursday, September 16th, 2010 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Check and test the coolant temperature sensor and the oxygen sensors-these sensors controls the fuel looping
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Thursday, September 16th, 2010 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
VITURI
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I told you I replaced the coolant sensor. I've never heard of O2 sensors failing with out a code. So much for honda experts. You can keep my $10.00 sounds like you need it for school.
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Thursday, September 16th, 2010 AT 6:19 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
I've never heard of O2 sensors failing with out a code.

I've dealt with failed oxygen sensors without popping a code, it doesn't happen all the time been in this business too long to know better-here's my grocery list that will caused a severe hesistation. If you're unsatisfied request for refund as stated-

Oxygen sensor.
Catalytic converter.
Fuel injectors dirty/sticking.
Mass airflow sensor/Airflow meter.
Throttle position sensor.
Crankshaft position sensor
Knock sensor
Manifold absolute pressure sensor.
EGR Valve
Fuel pressure regulator leaking or defective fuel pump.
False air leakage.
Fuel contamination.
Foul/defective spark plugs.
Open spark plug wires.
Ignition coil/Coil packs defective.
Incorrect ignition timing.
Cap and rotor.

Note:If it doesn't apply disregard
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Thursday, September 16th, 2010 AT 6:30 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
O2 sensors can fail and not show on a scanner if the scanner is not compatible. It would not trigger the CEL too. I have encountered one such case personally and at least 2 other peraon I know of had the same problem. Tried retrieving for codes and got nothing, wasted 3 weeks trying to figure it out and finally a friend's scanner was able to show the O2 sensor was not working within range.

Your remarks are uncalled for and that shows your upbringing. I would not wish to continue either so I will request our admin to return your money. It is not worth keepng.

Have a nice day, if you are able to with your kind of attitude.
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Friday, September 17th, 2010 AT 7:46 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
It seems that you're trying to teach us something that we have already know-why don't you teach us something that we don't about oxygen sensors. An oxygen sensor is nothing but a snitcher on the air/fuel ratio. If you wish I can educate you on how a wireless oxygen/HO2 sensor operates with the computer

We probably been dealing with Hondas before you were born and Mr. KHLow is our top dog in this department, come see me over at the Toy dept that's where I hang around at and hit me a few as you wish-
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Friday, September 17th, 2010 AT 8:04 AM
Tiny
VITURI
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Professional Mechanics. 2 other perons what is that. Just trying to get answers on my honda. I didn't say I was an expert. Thats why I tried your site. If my problem can't be solved then just say so. You can send my $10.00 back if you want. I guess its stump the experts day. Anyone out there ever had a problem like mine? I'm willing to keep trying instead of giving up.
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Friday, September 17th, 2010 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
THIS IS MIKE
  • MECHANIC
  • 686 POSTS
We try our best to help everyone we can, especially our donors. We will be refunding your donation since we were not able to help you this time. Once you get it figured out post your solution here so everyone going forward has more information regarding your problem.
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Friday, September 17th, 2010 AT 7:11 PM

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