RPMs instantly drop and shut engine off

Tiny
CARLOSCUCOAYALA
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA ELEMENT
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,200 MILES
I recently had catalytic converter stolen. I had a friend drive it (with out catalytic converter. Engine light was on) less than a mile away for storage. He mentio ed the car kept shutting off. I managed to tow it back and replace all the parts (new oem cat, o2 sensors gaskets and heat sheild). Battery was disconnected for about 3 days and reconnected once all parts were installed.

Now when I started the car the rpm was normal for like a second and then the rpms dropped amd engine shut off. The check engine light hasnt turned on yet. I was told dri e it around to let the computer reread everything but the rpms drop everytime I release the accelerator so it doesnt feel safe(does the car have to be inmotion for computer to reread everything?)

This happened once way before catalytic converter was stolen but there was no engine light and it fixed itself.
I changed oil and oil filter too because I had a engine code once that said to repla e vtec oil preassure switch(i think it was phrased that way) and the symptoms with the rpms were exactly the same.
I noticed it worked for like 20 seconds then the rpms dropped and shut off.

Please help
Friday, June 27th, 2014 AT 4:39 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
For the computer to relearn everything, it has to be driven. However, it is odd that it shuts off as described. Check around to make sure there are no vacuum hoses that got disconnected or if the idle air control valve (IAC) is disconnected. The IAC is responsible for maintaining the engine idle speed. Furthermore, make sure none of the wiring to the O2 sensor was damaged. It could be sending false readings to the PCM and dumping fuel or something similar.

Let me know what you find.
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Friday, June 27th, 2014 AT 8:36 PM

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