2000 Honda Civic Sputters After Plug Change

HONDA CIVIC
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KGONEKEO
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  • 1 POST
I have a 2000 Honda Civic EX w/ 70k on it. I replaced my spark plugs, distributor cap, distributor rotor, and the spark plug wires. I gapped it as stated in the manual and inserted the spark plugs first by hand carefully. After I finished, my car been "sputtering" during acceleration since.... feels as if the car is not pushing air out the exhaust smoothly, almost like choking. I switched it back to my old plugs, distributors, etc and it does the same thing. I dont think its anything el[b]se because the problem started right after the replacements I've done. Please tell me whats wrong w/ my baby?! :cry:
May 30, 2006 at 7:00 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
Just a guess here but your car is a 4 cylinder and the plugs wires are probably not the issue. Two thoughts - the first is the least likely. A plug could be cracked or broken. The most likely though is that you have the wires on wrong. They could be out of order or they could be one position off. Check that out.
May 31, 2006 at 1:15 AM

Suggested Repair

Verify the spark plug wire firing order and that each wire is seated on the correct distributor terminal, not one position off. Also inspect the plugs for cracks or damage.

Conversation Summary

A 2000 Honda Civic EX began sputtering and feeling like it was choking during acceleration after the spark plugs, distributor cap, rotor, and plug wires were replaced and gapped to spec. Reinstalling the old parts did not restore normal running. The expert said a cracked plug is possible but less likely, and the most likely cause is plug wires installed in the wrong order or one position off.

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