Stalling no check engine light?

Tiny
DEVONV08
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA CIVIC
  • 1.7L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 193,000 MILES
I have the car listed above EX and there are two issues. One randomly stalls at stops or red lights but no check engine. The second problem is when I'm driving it feels like the gear is slipping, I'll be at 3,000 RPMs and it will instantly drop to like 1.5 and go back. The engine light shows and goes away during the rpm fluctuation. The car jerks during this and all this happens at random times.
Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 1:19 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,444 POSTS
Hi,

When this happens, how fast is the vehicle moving? 3K RPMs is high for a cruising speed of approximately 60 MPH. Also, when it stalls, does it start right back up? Does it stall regardless of the engine is warm or cold?

Do me a favor and look through this link. It describes symptoms related to a failing crankshaft position sensor. When bad, they can certainly cause a stalling issue and drivability issue. See if anything mirrors what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

Next, since the check engine light turned on, there should be some pending codes related even if the light went back out. It would still be a good idea to have it scanned.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
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  • 9 POSTS
It usually happens on the freeway where I'm going around 65-75 MPH so in between 3 and 4,000 RPMs. It usually happens when the car has had time to warm up not when it's cold. The link sounds like what the issue is with similar symptoms. I have a obd reader so I'll check to see if any codes pop up.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
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The were no codes that popped up.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Now I went to the gas station and my car is a no crank no start.
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I was able to fix it. It was the clutch safety switch I just put a paperclip. Would that be the cause?
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Wednesday, September 11th, 2024 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,444 POSTS
Hi,

The clutch safety switch will prevent the starter from engaging if it is faulty. However, I'm not sure how that would tie into the other issue (stalling).

Also, I recommend replacing the clutch safety switch and removing the paper clip jumper.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 7:37 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
So today I drove around 200 miles and none of the previous things happened. Yea, I'm planning on changing it sometime this week. Other than that, what should my next steps be?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

When the check engine light turns on, is it flashing or is it solid before it turns back off?

If it flashes, that indicates a misfire. If it is solid, we need to check for a pending code.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 8:33 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
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If I remember correctly it's solid. I don't have the fancy code readers, so where could I go to check that?
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Thursday, September 12th, 2024 AT 10:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Oftentimes, parts stores such as AutoZone will do it free of charge. Have you tried somewhere like that?

Joe
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Friday, September 13th, 2024 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
DEVONV08
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I just went to autozone and there was no codes. And the vehicle shut off on me a couple days ago but other than that it's been fine.
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Monday, September 23rd, 2024 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,444 POSTS
When you come to a stop and this happens, have you ever noticed what RPMs the engine is idling at prior to the stalling? Does it have a smooth idle or is it rough?

Stalling it a tough call when there are no codes because most causes will set a check engine light. Since this is an intermittent issue, that makes it more difficult. Have you checked for engine vacuum leaks? Do me a favor and see if anything in this link help.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

Let me know.

joe
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Tuesday, September 24th, 2024 AT 6:53 PM

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