1997 Honda Accord Hesitation After Tune-Up

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DM1
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A couple weeks ago I performed a full tune-up on my fathers Accord Replacing Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter all oem parts. Recently the car has a hesitation after driving for one to two minutes, it happens during acceleration the car has no power and will back fire through the intake like it's lean, this happens for only about thirty seconds after that it runs beautiful. Even up till that point it runs perfect. I checked the data stream on my MT2500 and freeze framed while it happened, I found nothing out of range. However with KOEO or KOER the TPS reads 9% closed and 88% full throttle. MAP is 32 Kpa @ idle, long and short fuel trims are with in limit, and temp sensors are correct. This problems occurs any time engine cools down completly, and is like clock work every time and same duration. I have driven many Hondas with distributor problems and this does not seem like the case. This problem really has me stumped. I have another TPS to try, but if it was the TPS one would think it would do this all the time. Please help I don't have much hair left.
Dec 16, 2006 at 1:33 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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OK, was this problem there before you did the tuneup? I doubt it was as I trust you would have made note of that. So.... it is possible that you might have cracked a plug when putting them in or you might have a wire that is not seated all the way and is not making good contact. Start with that please.
Dec 16, 2006 at 4:11 PM
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DM1
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But, If it was a cracked plug or wire not seated properly why would'nt it have this problem during the duration of the drive?
Dec 17, 2006 at 4:28 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
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IF this problem did not exist before your work, think about it. Back track over what you did. Electronics can be finicky and it is a thoughtful place to start and a cheap place to start from. I bet someone could write a book on plugs and wires and the various wierd problems that happen. Stick on the old wires, but don't jump to conclusions on various other parts. Yes it could be a number of issues.
Dec 18, 2006 at 12:22 AM

Suggested Repair

Recheck the recent tune-up before replacing other parts. Inspect the spark plugs for cracks and confirm the plug wires are fully seated and making good contact. Try the old wires again and do not jump to other components until that work is ruled out.

Conversation Summary

A 1997 Honda Accord developed a brief hesitation and intake backfire during acceleration about one to two minutes after a cold start, then ran normally. The issue began after a tune-up that included plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter. Scan data, fuel trims, MAP, and temperature readings were within range, though TPS closed and full-throttle readings looked off. The expert advised backtracking the recent work, checking for a cracked plug or poorly seated wire, and trying the old wires before diagnosing other parts.

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