HONDA 1999 trouble codes *many*

1999 HONDA
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JACCOOPER
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Any help will be great. I went to Advance Auto and had a guy read my computer and I got several trouble codes. First I will explain the symptoms. A) when I drive I get a very accrid smelling odor after I park.
B) when I try and accellerate, the RPMS shoot up as if I wasnt in gear, but I am, and I slowly accellerate. Its a weird thing to explain. Its almost as if the gears dont catch. but I know they do, cause i can still go.
C) sometimes, while accellerating, the car will start to lurch, and bog down...If i turn it off and on again, the car usually runs with out doing that, however, problem B) is a constant. Both warm and cold weather.

Now, trouble codes.

P1491
P1259
P0171
P0420
P0401

Do all of these "symptom codes" lead anyone to a specific problem (that I can try and fix without buying a new car?)
Mar 5, 2007 at 1:30 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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What tranny do you have? I am guessing it is a manual tranny. If so, the clutch is slipping. Time for a replacement.

I am guessing this is a Civic and the 4 cylinder. Now it is my belief that you have 2 issues. The clutch. And the other is either a timing issue or an O2 sensor that is giving a bad reading.

I know you provided a description of the problems but not the car.
Mar 5, 2007 at 1:47 PM
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JACCOOPER
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yeah, i have 1999 honda accord lx 4 cyl. manual. does the ERG have much to do with the issues i explain?
Mar 5, 2007 at 1:49 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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It might with #3 but I would bet that #1 & #2 are related. I think the smell is the clutch slipping and they can smell pretty good and they get to this point. You can check the EGR and take off or put in a kit and clean it. Since you have the 4 clyinder you only have 1 bank as the codes reveal.
Mar 5, 2007 at 1:53 PM
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JACCOOPER
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so,

a) is it easy to replace a clutch or is this a professional job? and what does this usually run price wise. If I know how to get to things i can usually figure it out...IE: i replaced my vehicle speed sensor and other things

b)how can i be SURE its a slipping clutch? only option is to take it in?

c) there is an ERG cleaning kit? easy to use?

thanks for your help so far. i do appreciate it. which if any codes are related to the clutch?
Mar 5, 2007 at 2:39 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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None of them. They will be emissions codes.

The clutch. Here is my recommendation. Throw the car into first gear do this on good pavement. Try and take off quickly. Does the hesitation exist?

Another way is to sit with the car running in first gear and hold the brake. Then let out the clutch slowly and lightly touch the gas as well. The car should just flat die and not slip.

Repair. Ask yourself if you have the means to support the engine as you will be removing a motor mount in the process. Make a great investment in the car. Go to the library and see if they have maintenance manual for the car or buy one from the parts store.
Mar 5, 2007 at 2:48 PM
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JACCOOPER
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last question. IFFF none of those test comeback and after I get the emissions stuff repaired...is there a different possibility as to what can be causing this drive problem? i would like as many options open as possible before i go with the most expensive and hardest to repair myself. can you describe what it will feel like when it slips? it never completely comes out of gear. does that make sense? just really.... ... uhh, mushy? say im in 3rd or 4th gear....trying to go up hill....hit the gas....then whao, the RPMs shoot up but i havent really felt the response. know what i mean?
Mar 5, 2007 at 3:16 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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That is slipping. The clutch is supposed grab firmly and not let go. Yours has seen its days and is slipping. It will get worse. You have described it already. The car is being told to go faster, say up the hill, and the engine responds shown by the rpm spike but the car is slow in responding. Usually there will be a smell as the clutch gets hot from slipping. You don't seem to trust my diagnosis, but that is the problem.
Mar 5, 2007 at 3:44 PM
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JACCOOPER
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No, my friend. The problem is that I do trust it, but am hoping it isn't so. I am very new to auto problems, and I was just hoping to escape with as cheap a fix as possible (family of 4 only me able to work and not making a ton). Is replacing a clutch fairly pain free VIA a mechanic? I dont see me able to find the needed equipment and I was hoping it won't do me in. You have been very helpful. Please don't think that I am not hearing what you say!

please respond and have a great day!
Mar 5, 2007 at 4:46 PM
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BRUCE HUNT
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Just to post here that I responded to you by email on the clutch replacement. I hope we have been some help to you!
Mar 6, 2007 at 12:54 PM