Engine low power?

Tiny
LOVEMYCIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 6,000 MILES
I have the EX-T model that just passed its first 6,000 miles. I got the first oil change and tire rotation at a Honda dealership ($70.00). Immediately after I drove off, I noticed that both the brake and accelerator pedals felt stiffer than normal. I do not expect to drive like a new car, but it should at least drive like an almost new car, considering I have only had it for a few months.

I have heard of places using "recycled" or "reprocessed" oil. If that is the case, would it make the driving mechanism feel heavy or stiffer? I feel like I literally have to floor it and rev the engine to get up to fifty mph, hitting about 4000 rpm. It is driving really really badly. I used to love driving the car, now it is just bad. Speeding up used to be so fun when I needed to pass a car. Now I feel like I am driving my old 2005 Accord that has a heavy weight and slow acceleration. I am going to change the oil again either way at home, using Mobil 1.

Also, are auto technician's able to change the stiffness of the pedals? It just seems like it was completely night and day when I drove away after the oil change. Before the oil change I was getting about 37.0 miles per gallon. Now with the stiffness of the gas pedal, I'm ranging about 34-35 miles.

Any help would be seriously seriously appreciated.
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Friday, August 4th, 2017 AT 2:37 PM

63 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,550 POSTS
Hello,

Yes that is very strange, It sounds like when they put the car up on the rack they might of crushed the exhaust system. Is the check engine light on. Lets start by checking for codes.

Here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

this guide can help as well

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

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Sunday, August 6th, 2017 AT 8:34 PM
Tiny
WELLMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2012 HONDA CIVIC
Hello car will not turn over 3500 rpms in any gear even neutral changed cap rotor plugs wires checked timing fuel but nothing seems to work idles at 900 smooth and revs up to 3500 than stops no matter what gear does not miss please help
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DBOY757
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
The reason why it wont rev over 3500 is because the pcm is in "safe mode" do you have any codes or you have a clogged catalytic converter. This guide will help us find the issue

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WELLMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No codes at all even tried to switch computer. What about knock sensor do I need that hooked up?
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Thanks for the addition and weighing in. Let us know if we can help you with any questions you have.

Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:04 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CJOHNSON11
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2009 HONDA CIVIC
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 113,000 MILES
My 2009 Honda Civic is running sluggish, transmission has already been flushed and it hasn't improved. What might be wrong and how much will it cost me, took it to the dealer and it was out of their hands (transmission work)
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,699 POSTS
Running problems are an engine problem, not a transmission problem. Even if there is a problem in the transmission, a flush isn't going to fix a mechanical problem. Transmission flushes rarely solve a problem. They are done for preventive maintenance on cars that have a history of developing transmission problems.

We don't get involved with costs here because there's way too many variables. You don't even know what is wrong yet or what is needed.

I've never heard of a new-car dealer that couldn't handle transmission repairs on the brand of cars they sell. They have specialists who receive regular factory-sponsored training and updates as a requirement for having the franchise. They have access to service bulletins and a hot line for help diagnosing elusive problems. The dealer is the top step when no one else can solve a problem, but their remedy could simply be to install a rebuilt transmission.

Independent specialty transmission shops eventually get the same service bulletins, and they are not bound by the limitations manufacturers put on their dealers' service departments. The aftermarket parts suppliers are real good at developing repair parts that are improved to solve recurring and common problems. The dealers are often not allowed to use those improved parts unless they're approved by the car manufacturer. The people at the dealership my elect to send you to a transmission shop when they know that shop has more to offer you when it comes to a lasting solution or a better value.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CAR4T2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2008 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 17,000 MILES
I have only 17k mileage on my 2008 Honda Civic (4cyl auto). I do maintenace of my vehicle every 5k mileage as per the dealer's instruction. I always find this vehicle to lose power on hills (not much steep). The rpm increase to 3500 at a decent speed also (40mph) w/ AC OFF and the engine starts making noises. Its is impossible to pass any other vehicle on hills. Could you please suggest whats the issue with my car?Or its a general trend for all Honda Civics?
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
This sounds like you have a clogged cat this guide will help confirm the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CP-ARCHIVES
  • MEMBER
  • 4,544 POSTS
  • 2006 HONDA CIVIC
  • 115,328 MILES
Just had a tune up this month but my car isrunning HARD. When putting it in reverse it makes a lid thumping sound. Then when it's in drive its back to a quiet easy running engine. It will not accelerate when pressing on the gas pedal. When In speeds of 45 or more it feels as if something under the hood is moving. One mechanic said it wasn't my motor mounts. HELP! This is my first car and I don't know a lot. Just the basics. Please point me in the right direction. What is going on with my Honda. Thanks HiPockets 56
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
What do you mean by running hard?
Wta is the idling speed?
Have you checked for trouble codes?
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THEMEHANIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
You need a check your engine or overhaul it and tune up for it.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BABY2016
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2006 HONDA CIVIC
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 213,000 MILES
Just got the ignition re-keyed and programmed as well as a new battery. The car cranks and runs but the security light flashes, hazards flash (no horn) and the car refuses to go over 35 mph. What can I do to reset this without having to go to dealer?
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

Since the security light is flashing, my first question is if the reprogramming of the key was done correctly. That light should be off if the car recognizes the key. Have you spoken to the person who did it for you?

Next, what really needs done is to have the computer scanned to identify diagnostic trouble codes specific to the anti theft. Here is a video that shows how it is done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will do it free of charge. Often times they will either rent or lend one to you if the vehicle isn't running or safe to drive.

I mention having it scanned because there could be many things causing this to happen. There really isn't a reset or anything like that other than if it is done with a scan tool capable of communicating with the vehicle's computers.

I mentioned if it was done correctly because there are many things that can be causing the problem. Not trying to be confusing, but if you look at the two pics I attached, you will see only a few things that control the anti theft. Without a diagnostic trouble code, it becomes a guessing game and I wouldn't want you to replace parts that are good. In all honesty, my first suspect is it needs reprogrammed.

Please feel free to ask questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BABY2016
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
There is not green key icon showing in the dash as to where the key doesn't match. That's what is confusing me. It also cranks and runs (but only up to 35 mph).
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
A green key is what you need. Did this just happen since the key was replaced?

Joe
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BABY2016
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, the car ran before it was parked and key was lost.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PAGEWINSTEAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2006 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
Hello, I have a code reader, and it is saying misfire on cylinders 3 and 4 as well and high voltage on etc sensors. I have replaced coils and spark plugs. Also, I can start the car and it will rev when I give gas but when I try to drive it will only get up to 10 miles an hour. Idle is a little rough as well. Car overheated previously, and I have also changed the thermostat.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JIS001
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,408 POSTS
Replace the engine coolant temperature sensor. If it is causing a faulty reading I have seen it cause random misfires. Let us know if that was the issue or if further assistance is needed after.
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,005 POSTS
Hi,

I hate to say it, but it needs reprogrammed to recognize the new key. Have you spoken to the person that did the work the first time?

Joe
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Saturday, August 8th, 2020 AT 11:06 AM (Merged)

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