psubaron

Hi. My 2002 Honda Civic is at 138,000 miles and I am due for a tune-up. It seems to have lost some power in recent months. Other than changing out the spark plugs, what else do I need to have changed at this time? Is there a distributor and rotor on this car? As far as I can tell from my research there isn't because it is emcompassed in the ignition coil.

Do I need to replace the four ignition coil wires?
Do I need to replace the ignition coil or should I reuse the coils (I have seen posts that suggest they should work for the life of the vehicle)?
Do I need to replace the PCV valve?

Thanks for your help!

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

You shouldn't have to replace any of those.

psubaron

The engine putters very subtly when I accelerate or drive up hills and its 20,000 miles over the scheduled maintenance for a tune up (spark plug change out).

psubaron

Also, do you recommend I use iridium or platinum NGK spark plugs? Thanks.

CrewChief

iTrader: (1)

I am a life long follower of NGK Irid's. I use them now in my car and have always used them since I bought the car.

xRiCeBoYx

iTrader: (22)

I got nkg iridiums on my car as well.

psubaron

I replaced the spark plugs with NGK iridium model #ZFR6FIX-11, stock #6441.

It seems to be sputtering significantly less when driven warmed up already but I will know better in the morning. There is still a slight sputter when I initially accelerate from a stop or on a hill but it is much less than what it was.

Silver02EX

iTrader: (3)

I would replace them with NGK V-Power which i believe is the one that the manual calls for.

psubaron

I have been driving the car for awhile now after replacing the spark plugs with the NGK iridium ones listed above. It still makes a spitting noise when accelerating (initially when stepping on the gas), more so when the A/C is on. It's like the plugs are struggling to fire or something.

Does anyone know why this is and how to resolve it? Thanks.

mac25

have you checked the battery?

MindBomber

When you changed your spark plugs did you torque them down to the proper specs or just go hand tight?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

^and retorque them a second time after 100 miles. and be sure the engine is cold when replacing em.

psubaron

The battery works fine. Why would the battery contribute to a noise during acceleration?

psubaron

I went hand tight. I didnt know anyone with a torque wrench.

psubaron

I will try to retorque them and see if I notice a change, but I am starting to wonder if it's either the ignition coils or something.

BillH

I have a 2002 Honda Civic LX that needs its first tune-up. A dealer told me that all they do is replace the spark plugs. My question is does the engine need to be timed?, idle speed adjusted? Do you just replace spark plugs and that's it? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

MindBomber

I changed the spark plugs in my 2002 EX and noticed an immediate difference.

Gearbox has a great DIY of very simple and either cheap or free tune-up mods, which includes instructions on how to reset the idle speed. If you have a socket set you should be able to take care of them all yourself in a day and it will make a noticeable difference in performance. If you want to go the extra mile have the dealer adjust your valve clearance or follow Grey's DIY and do that yourself as well.