1996 Honda Civic Idle Drop and Stall

1996 HONDA CIVIC
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WSBEACH1
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  • 3 POSTS
I am having idle and stalling problems with a Honda Civic EX 5-speed. Sometimes it idles fine around 900 RPM and other times it drops down to around 200 RPM.When it does drop to 200 RPM it is running smoothly though. Another problem (don't know if they are related) is when I am shifting from 1-2-3 the car loses power as if the fuel is being cut or losing spark. I have changed the following parts to no avail. Plugs,wires,fuel filter,distributor cap,rotor. I have also added fuel additive thru several fill ups with no help. I have used a Scantron tool and there are no faults logged.
Mar 14, 2007 at 11:27 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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I would suggest that you have a fuel pressure check performed on the car. Your fuel pump could be failing.
Mar 15, 2007 at 6:11 AM
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WSBEACH1
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One thing I failed to mention is that this is a intermittant problem. It may run well for several days or weeks and then start acting up.
Mar 15, 2007 at 10:21 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
It can still be fuel related as the pumps are electric and not mechanical. It does make it tougher as the vehicle will probably go to the mechanic and be tested, passing with flying colors. But when it is bad, it will fail. Some of these are tough to catch.
Mar 17, 2007 at 1:32 AM

Suggested Repair

Have fuel pressure checked, preferably while the intermittent symptom is occurring. An electric fuel pump can fail intermittently and may test normally when the car is running well.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1996 Honda Civic EX reports intermittent idle dropping from about 900 to 200 RPM and power loss while shifting from first through third, as if fuel or spark is cut. Plugs, wires, fuel filter, distributor cap, rotor, and fuel additive did not help, and no fault codes were stored. The expert recommends a fuel pressure check because an electric fuel pump can fail intermittently and may pass testing when the problem is not present.

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