1999 Honda Accord Engine makes sound like accelerator is pr

IKONOS

MEMBER
1999 HONDA ACCORD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
106,000 MILES

Hi,

I have a 1999 Honda Accord 6cyl sedan with 106K miles on it. Next week I am going to get the 105K mile servicing done and replace the timing belt etc. Over the last three months I am only using the car once or twice a week. I am also going to replace the original battery that faithfully served the car for the last 10 years and recently needed a jump start.

The last couple of days when I start the car the engine goes up and down as if some one is pressing the accelerator and letting it go. And its not stopping even after a minute. And when I drive the engine seems jumpy and I had to apply breaks firmly at signal stops and as soon as I let go off the breaks the car races ahead. When I reduce the acceleration once it reaches 60mph or so then I can feel that the deceleration is not smooth and is some what choppy. Can any one tell me what is going on?

As part of the 105K servicing a local mechanic suggested I replace the entire Timing Belt Kit including the pulleys etc and not just the belt. For the parts I was quoted $40 for just the timing belt and $200 for the entire kit. This does not include the Water Pump for which I was quoted an additional $140. Do I need to get the entire kit replaced or just the belt would do fine along with water pump?

To get a second opinion I asked for a quote for the 105K servicing from another mechanic and he mentioned about replacing the timing belt and water pump but nothing about the pulleys or the entire kit. On the other hand this guy told me to replace the Ignition wire, distributor cap, p.C. Value and some rotor cap along with replacing the 6 spark plugs. He said they should be replaced all at once. The first mechanic only mentioned about replacing the spark plugs and nothing about the ignition wires etc.

With that background here are some questions I have.

1) Why was the engine going up and down? What do I need to do? I did not mention this to the mechanics yet.
2) Should I replace the entire timing belt kit instead of just the belt?
3) Should I replace the ignition wires as well along with the spark plugs?

Appreciate your feedback.

Thanks
Ik.

2 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi Ik,

1. The idling system is not functioning correctly and it is causing the engine to surge which would affect low speed braking. It could possibly be low coolant level, vacumn leakages or a faulty/stuck Intake Air Control valve or idling speed out of specs.

2. For timing belt replacement, I would recommend the complete kit, ( oil seals should be included) inclusive of the water pump as the next scheduled maintenance is going to be a long time away and oil seals, water pumps etc are aged and would not be reliable.

3. If the spark plugs are due for a replacement, then do so but the ignition switch is a separate issue and you can skip it. The work done would not be related to spark plug or timing belt replacement.