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My engine has a misfire?

Tiny
JBONE6789
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
  • 203,000 MILES
When cold no problem when car heats up; car jerks at 40 mph. Take foot off pedal or speed up it does it briefly at 60. Replaced idle air control valve ran okay for 2 weeks.
Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 11:09 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

Is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? If it is, that is where we need to start. You need to scan the computer for diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize not everyone has a scanner, but often times a parts store will do it free of charge. If you find codes, let me know what they are.

Now, the next thing is it could be related to fuel pump pressure. I would suggest moving on to that next if there are no trouble codes. Here is a link showing in general how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached picture correlates with the directions. The manufacturer's specs are included in the directions as well.

________________________________________

1997 Honda Civic DX Sedan L4-1590cc 1.6L SOHC MFI
Component Tests and General Diagnostics
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics
COMPONENT TESTS AND GENERAL DIAGNOSTICS
Inspection
1. Relieve fuel pressure.

pic 1

2. Remove the 12 mm banjo bolt from the fuel filter while holding the fuel filter with another wrench. Attach the special tools.
3. Start the engine. Measure the fuel pressure with the engine idling and the vacuum hose of the fuel pressure regulator disconnected from the fuel pressure regulator and pinched. If the engine will not start, turn the ignition switch ON (II), wait for two seconds, turn it off, then back on again and read the fuel pressure.

Pressure should be: except B16A2 engine:
260 - 310 kPa (2.7 - 3.2 kg/Sq.cm, 38 - 46 psi)

B16A2 engine: 270 - 320 kPa (2.8 - 3.3 kg/Sq.cm, 40 - 47 psi)

4. Reconnect vacuum hose to the fuel pressure regulator.

Pressure should be: except B16A2 engine:
200-250 kPa (2.0 - 2.5 kg/Sq.cm, 28 - 36 psi)

B16A2 engine: 210 - 260 kPa (2.1 - 2.6 kg/Sq.cm, 30 - 37 psi)

If the fuel pressure is not as specified, first check the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is OK, check the following:
- If the fuel pressure is higher than specified, inspect for:
- Pinched or clogged fuel return hose or line.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
- If the fuel pressure is lower than specified, inspect for:
- Clogged fuel filter.
- Faulty fuel pressure regulator.
- Fuel line leakage.

_______________________

There are other things that could be an issue as well, but lets start with these two things. Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, April 28th, 2020 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
LEHNERD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
Engine Performance problem
1997 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 138k miles

Im getting CEL P0303 - Misfire Cylinder 3
New Plugs, plug wire, Dist cap, Rotor, replaced injector in cylinder 3.

Timing is fine, does not sounds like any misfire in the engine. Steady crusing from 2K - 3K CEL would flash. Poor gas mileage.

What could be the reason of misfire?

Please help. I'd appreciate any info.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
Check/change o2 sensor and check your knock sensor maybe faulty this guide can ehlp us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEHNERD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Both O2' s are new. So I did a tune up with spark plugs the engine runs great thanks for you help and the guide.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Glad you could get it fixed, that kind of problem can be tough. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
O_PETE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
My Girlfriend.S 1997 honda has developed a skip or is bucking. She noticed about a month ago and it has been getting worse gradually.

When you start off in 1st gear and each gear up to 4th the skip does not seem to noticeable. If you are in 4th 3rd or 2nd and even 1st and do not have the upper end on the toque curve and give it the gas it will seem to miss or skip or buck. Down shifting and increasing the rpms makes it minimal. Any ideas?

Thanks

Pete
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOCALPALMS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Souds like plug wires. Pull them off the spark plugs and look for arc marks. The wires have a long plastic tube on them and they can get holes in them and the spark will arc to the engine. Making a missfire good luck.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
AJBRYANT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Recently purchased car for wife to use for work (home healthcare travel). The car ran great for about 2 weeks, now it is only running on 3 and I have changed plugs and cap&button. It is getting fire but engine does not change when wire is off and running. Remove any other wire and engine changes. What is going on?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

You will have to check the compression. Do a wet & dry test, to do this do a conventional dry test then add a small amount of oil and re test, if the compression increases you have ring problems, if the cop remains low, you will have a valve problem.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
90DX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1992 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 155,000 MILES
Hi, Sometimes when my car is idling, usually in drive, theres a slight misfire, or what I think is a misfire. Also when accelerating it heisitates, usually not to bad, but theres been a few times where it's either felt like it's going to die or it actually does die. Usually under heavy acceleration. On top of this, it also heisitates around 45-50. Any input as to what needs to be done to correct these problems? Thanks.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
When was the last tune-up? Recommend you check the fuel pressure to rule out a failing fuel pump/pressure regulator/fuel filter. Also check the exhaust system for restriction
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ACRYLIC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1991 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 119,000 MILES
The first cylinder in my car is not firing. The spark plug is getting spark and the three other cylinders are working fine and it even runs and drives (not well, but it does). What else could be wrong and what would be the cost of parts + labor to fix it?
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

First thing to do is check engine compression on this cylinder, if that is ok, check for injector pulse signal at injector, if you have compression, spark and pulse signal the injector is faulty. When you know which item is faulty, we will have a better idea as to costs involved.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ACRYLIC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have the 1.5L I4, DPFI.
As I understand it(or so I was told), I have a single injector(?), So the fact that the other 3 cylinders are fine means the injector must be working fine. If this is wrong, I apologize.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,937 POSTS
Hi there,

Sorry, I did not realize that it was the throttle body injection engine. So then, do the compression test and replace the spark plug & lead, if comp is ok. Report if you still have a concern.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ACRYLIC
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Ok, I brought it to a mechanic.
He says three cylinders have low compression. The one not firing reads at 60, 2nd at 95 and the 3rd at 120 and tells me the engine is junk and needs to be replaced.
He quoted me at 600 for the engine and 500 for the labor. I, however can pick up an engine for $250, is his assessment correct and is $500 for to put the engine in fair. It's the exact same engine using the transmission and ECU of the old engine as my car is an auto and the other engine is out of a manual.
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SWAYERING
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1991 HONDA CIVIC
Engine Mechanical problem
1991 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 25-35k miles

So.I just recently puchased a 1.6L zc engine and transmission from a company. And have installed it into my car.I have goten every thing installed onto the engine and tranny. Their is how ever 1 vaccume line that does not hook up. I cannot hook up. Due to the fact on the back of the throttle body the port is not their.I had a zc 1.6l engine in the car before and it did have this port. My main issue is once I got every thing together I turned the car over and it wouldent start so I put the gas pedal down and it fired up. But was chuggin really bad it has disapated a small amout but still very shuggy.I have checked my wires and the distributer cap and took some sand paper to the cap. And pluged the vacumme line. Yet its still really bad. It wants to idel at 400-500rpm for a couple on seconds then dies unless I keep feeding it fuel. Any suggestions? And if it helps I do have headers on the car.1-2-4 are really hot 3 is cold
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
In what order do you have the ignition wires installed?


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/276698_firing_order_honda_6.jpg



It should look like that.

If that's fine, check your mechanical timing (timing belt marks)
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Monday, January 4th, 2021 AT 12:56 PM (Merged)

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