One cylinder stops firing on acceleration

Tiny
DLF38
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
One of the cylinders doesn’t fire if I give throttle to go up a hill or accelerate.
Saturday, January 26th, 2019 AT 1:40 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

It could be a few things. First, has the vehicle been tuned up recently? A worn spark plug can cause the problem. That's why I ask. Next, low fuel pressure can cause the problem as well. Next, based on the miles, it may have weak compression. And there are many other possible causes

With that being said, I would first determine which cylinder is missing. A misfire will be indicated with one of the following codes. 71, 72, 73, or 74. Based on the number, we will know which is the problem. I listed a link indicating how to retrieve the codes below.

Then, I would remove that plug and inspect it. If it appears worn, wet, or black, replace it. If it's been a long time since the last tune up, I would replace all of them. Also, inspect the spark plug wires to confirm they aren't shorting or damaged.

If that isn't an issue, I would next confirm that fuel pressure is within spec.

If fuel pressure is good, then you need to check engine compression.

If pressure is good, the plugs are good and getting spark, then I would confirm engine compression is good.

Here are links that explain how to do what I described and symptoms of each.

Here is how to get trouble codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/honda-car-1990-1995-obd1-code-retrieval-procedure-and-definition-table

Here are the tests and symptoms:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

_______________________________________________

Let me know if you have other questions or what you find.

Take care,
Joe
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Saturday, January 26th, 2019 AT 9:38 PM
Tiny
DLF38
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Joe, thanks for the diagnostic steps. I haven’t done a tune up recently but I did pull each plug to check it’s condition. They all four look dry and normal. I was expecting to see some carbon on the cylinder which was missing but that provided no insight. These plug wires have integral coils for each plug so I’m wondering if the low rpm missing could be due to one of them. I don’t have a check engine light illuminated so will the codes be stored? In the mean time I’m still searching for the OBD 1 connector. Compression is good and within the tolerant between cylinders.
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 1:19 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome back:

The data link connector is on the passenger side behind the glove box. I attached two pictures for you to help locate it.

Now, if you know which cylinder is presently having a misfire, then here is what I suggest. Switch that coil with another cylinder and see if the misfire changes cylinders. You will need to scan it to do this, but if it changes cylinders, replace the coil.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
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Saturday, February 2nd, 2019 AT 9:20 PM
Tiny
DLF38
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thanks for your help. That got it!
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Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,724 POSTS
Welcome back:

I'm happy to help and glad you got it fixed. Was it a weak coil? I'm curious. Also, your post may help others in the future. If you could, let me know.

Take care and come back anytime you have questions.

Joe
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Wednesday, February 27th, 2019 AT 7:56 PM

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