Jerky acceleration

2012 HONDA CIVIC
118,000 MILES • 1.8L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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GOLDENDAVE
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Under moderate to hard acceleration I experience jerking (almost like hesitation) while going up between 2,000 to 3,000 rpm's. It is more noticeable with AC or 'econ' mode on. The vehicle goes to the dealership for all maintenance and most recently had transmission fluid changed about 4,000 miles ago. Plugs were changed at 102,000. I do not believe ignition coils were changed during that time and I am wondering if those could be the culprit. Assuming they are, what brand is use as OE or what would be a good replacement?

Thanks in advance!
Aug 19, 2018 at 5:51 PM
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STRAILER
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This sounds like an engine misfire has the engine been tuned up including OEM spark plugs and throttle bore service? If not here are two guides that will help you get the job done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

and we should run the codes as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 21, 2018 at 2:36 PM
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GOLDENDAVE
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Hi Ken,

Yes, the engine had spark plugs replaced at 102,000 miles at a local Honda dealer. I assume they performed all tasks necessary/related for a spark plug replacement but do not see any line items for additional service on the invoice.

One item I know was not replaced are the ignition coils. I have not had an opportunity to inspect them but will do so in the near future and report back my findings. As far as the other tasks to perform during a tune up, I believe the fuel filter is in-tank and the engine air filter is clean (new as of 5,000 miles ago). That leaves cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle bore. Based on the symptoms described in my original post (jerking during acceleration while changing gear) can it be narrowed down further? I should clarify it is most noticeable with Econ mode off, in my original post I said it was while Econ mode was on.

Thanks in advance!
Aug 25, 2018 at 9:41 AM
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STRAILER
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Ignition coils go out all the time. Here is a guide to help you test and replace them. Again use OEM parts.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

and

https://youtu.be/1xjAY0Kwa_Q

Please run down these guides and report back.

Cheers, Ken
Aug 25, 2018 at 1:15 PM
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GOLDENDAVE
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Small update to this:
I found a tear in the intake hose after the MAP sensor but before intake manifold. Replacing this piece seems to have taken care of jerky acceleration.

Now that the initial problem has been resolved I have noticed another: vibrations while accelerating between 45-55 mph or maintaining speed at 55 mph. As soon as I take my foot off the gas during that speed range or maintain speed higher than 55 mph, the vibration goes away. I am not really sure where to start with this one. The CV boots are not torn (but the drivers side axle was replaced recently), I cannot find any other vacuum leaks. Could this be a symptom of the the passenger side axle failing?

Its worth mentioning the CEL has never come on in this vehicle. So correct me if I am wrong, but scanning for codes would yield zero results, correct?

Thanks again for any help.
Sep 7, 2018 at 5:16 PM
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STRAILER
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Nice work finding the issue, please start a new thread for the new problem.

Please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

Cheers, Ken
Sep 8, 2018 at 11:37 AM