Non-Camaro: 97 Honda Accord Question

[Mark D]

Hello, I am a proud owner of a '98 V6 Camaro which is running smooth and trouble free at this time. It's my nights and weekends car which is driven on sunny days only.

I also own a '97 4 cyl Honda Accord as a commuter car. 57,000 miles. A few days ago, the engine started to stutter when running higher than 3500 RPM's. It's only when you give the engine full acceleration. Basically, it seems like the engine is being starved from fuel or it is being limited at a certain RPM. The stuttering in turn causes the car's movement to jerk violently. (It's not a tranny issue becuasr the engine exhibits the problem in neutral) This is a new problem, as it did not behave like this before.

The engine light came on and has remained on since.

Does anyone out there have any suggestions as to what may be wrong? I searched the archives and can't seem to find a similar posting.

Thanks for your non-Camaro help and Happy New Year!!

[ December 30, 2005, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: Mark D ]

[asdf1234]

I would take it to autozone and have the check engine light scanned to see what code you're throwing. There's a lot of things it could be. When was the last time you've tuned up/changed:

-Fuel filter
-Air filter
-Spark Plugs
-Plug wires
-Cat. Converter
-O2 Sensors

[HokieBird]

Sounds like a miss fire. Since the engine light is on go get the codes checked and see what that says.

[Mark D]

Air filter is new, plugs and wires were changed at a 30,000 mile tune up. Not sure about the catalytic convertor, oxygen sensors, or fuel filter. Fuel filter is in the gas tank, from what I could find out, so that's a definate professional replacement for me.

It's going to the dealer on Monday. I just don't want to be surprised with a $150 repair for something that costs $20. Or a loose wire or bad vacuum hose.

Car idles fine and exhibits no other problems. I threw in a few gallons of premium gas and also added a bottle of fuel injector cleaner yesterday, but it has made no difference.

[asdf1234]

You should really just take it to autozone and get the code scanned.

[Mark D]

I will try to do this in the next coupld of days. I went to Pep Boys last night and they were no help. They did not want to speculate on anything, and they wanted $85 to do a diagnistic code check (along with an analysis of the vehicle).

I heard that Autozone does that for free - or cheaply, so I will find one near me.

[asdf1234]

Yep, autozone is free.

[KBeezy]

AZ is free.


I'll put my money on distributor (or cap/rotor)... Also, who did your 30k maint? Honda says (atleast told us who worked at dealerships) do NOT change plugs at 30k... I forget if 98 4-cyl cars were platinum plugs or not....

[Mark D]

I just reviewed service reciepts for the Honda and it was taken to a ma and pa place at 31,000 miles. It's hard to tell if the plug wires and cap/rotor were replaced, but it did get new plugs. The car was passed to me when my father died, and amazingly has not had a single issue since I started driving it - for almost 27,000 miles now.

The Honda has been a reliable vehicle - actually more than my Camaro, which has left me stranded three times in 117,000 miles.

I'm going to Autozone tomorrow to see what code(s)come back. There are 4 in my town! (Aurora, IL)

Interesting to note that the service engine light seems to fluctuate between bright and dark - but not off. Not sure if the bulb is loose or if it's because the bulb has never seen power before and is afraid. Weird, since my battery and alt are fine.

I'll keep you all posted. Any other guesses? Here's YOUR chance to step up and put your technical skills to the test.
:)

[ December 30, 2005, 02:08 AM: Message edited by: Mark D ]

[Mark D]

Just got back from AutoZone. This place is great. Very friendly and helpful.

P1259 is the error code. The guy there stated that it's a fuel/air mixture problem. Could be the oxygen sensor or something with the fuel pump/filter. "Not a major issue or something catastrpohic.."

Time to start looking on the web. Initially, I am finding that this code means VTEC system malfunction. Hmm.

[L32Projekt]

Maybe your MAF sensor is on its way out?

[KBeezy]

NOW I REMEMBER!


VTEC oil pressure switch, your vtec is kicking on, or supposed to be, at those RPMs. ;)

check the pressure sensor on the solenoid, and check the oil level (most common)... low oil pressure while turning...

Investigate from there... ;)