SuperNova18

My 2001 civic LX is fantastic, I love it, but lately it seems the car is dragging as if it doesn't have the power it used to have. I realize its not the fastest car but it just doesn't have the pep it used to. I've replaced the spark plugs so i know its not that. not sure what to look into to try and fix the problem. I also just bought some injector cleaner. any ideas guys? thanks for the help!!!!

lowlife9

when is the last time you changed the air filter ?

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

On a side note, what plugs did you put in it?

bsmiley

When you feel this dragging, are you running the Air Conditioning?

SuperNova18

I just changed the air filter today and it seems the same, im planning on putting in a short ram intake . and no, i prefer to have the windows down when i can, but it doesnt make a difference when its on or not. and a friend of mine gave me some performance plugs that go to my car. someone told me it may be one of the "coils"? not to sure what that is or how ill know if one of them is bad, thank you guys for all the suggestions!!

SuperNova18

nothing changes with the ac on or off

SuperNova18

my buddy bought me performance plugs the are bosch plugs.

SuperNova18

I just changed the air filter and it feels the same

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

Bosch plugs are no good. NGK iridium plugs are what you need.

Did it have this issue before changing them? What plugs came out and how old were they?

Is the CEL on or blinking?

SuperNova18

no the issue just started happening recently, thats why i dont think its the plugs. the plugs that were in before were old and dinghy. not sure what cel is.

bsmiley

Take it to your local auto parts store & have them read the codes. (Free)
This will point you in right direction and save you time.

drhawkinz

check engine light

ezone

Check money light.

$$$.¢¢

drhawkinz

hahaha very true!

lowlife9

you definitely need to check for codes. how many miles are on the car maybe you need a new primary o2 sensor.

SuperNova18

haha no my money light (check engine) light isnt on but i will go and have my car scanned and see what codes may pop up i appreciate all the ideas.

Strycker

iTrader: (1)

As for the Bosch plugs, I had a Bosch platinum fail completely in that the ceramic snapped. I was damn lucky it didn't end up dropping free into the cylinder. Car was down a cylinder and running like crap. Took it in and they pulled the plug and it was completely snapped in two for whatever reason at the ceramic tip. The L prong was the only thing keeping it from being a complete disaster. I DO NOT RECOMMEND BOSCH. They could care less when I sent them what happened.

lowlife9

yes never use bosh plugs in a honda or any japanese car only NGK or DENSO.

Strycker

iTrader: (1)

I'm going to say never use EVER. They were in a '98 Merc Tracer when it failed. That car was a money pit.

lowlife9

yes never drive a '98 Merc Tracer the only reliable domestic cars i have ever owned were slant six engine's.

mcnoople

It is kinda sad that you would mention a engine that hasn't been installed in a car since 1983(trucks 1987). Honda is what chrysler was during the 1960's. They made very good reliable engines even by todays standards. They had terrible tolerances during manufacturing and the engines just ran and ran for years on the very poor quality fuels that were available. I still have a slant valiant waiting on me to work on it and finish putting it back together.

Of course I wouldn't even consider anything from ma mopar since the early 90's

mac25

You need Air, fuel, spark and compression... and some sensor data, but with no CEL I wouldn't guess that in an issue of the bat.

First I would rent a compression tester


easy cheap things to check

-Check your ground wires
-get a good two part fuel injector cleaner... not the $9 bottle you put in the gas tank, lol.
-change engine oil
-plugs
-airfilter
-idle relearn

harder things
clean your throttle body

Shannon Hogle

I just purchased an 06 Civic EX with 144,000 that had rough idle at start. I replaced the NGK plugs with Bosch iridium plugs. The car ran great for about 200 miles. Then began a very intense misfire. We changed the plugs out again with another type od iridium plug. Car idles at start, but once its warm begins a random misfire. Can you advise?

Colin42

Put the proper NGK plugs in

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

This.

Also is the CEL on? How do you know it is mis firing?