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alright so im really sorry if this exact question/very similar problem is posted somewhere in here.. there were just way too many pages to skim through and it's already going on almost 2am here. Anyways... I'm very un-car oriented...sooo forgive me for lack of proper terms and such, im simply an 18 year old trying to find some simple answers to my car troubles.

Alright so I recently bought a 1996 Honda Civic Ex. Has a large amount of miles, I believe it's somewhere around 156,400. It appeared to be in phenominal condition. atleast on the INTERIOR. No one in my family knows anything about cars, and not having a father around doesn't help. So it was just me, my gullible mother, and a male cousin there to haggle the price down ...anywho, sorry for the long intro. To get down to business...
Im having some problems, or what I believe to be probelms, that is.
Acceleration. WHen I first got the car, it drove amazingly well for quite some time. that is, after we took it back to the dealer three seperate times to get the windshield wipers working.. (needed a new motor for it i guess...i got this car at a toyota dealer so the part had to be ordered from honda, hence the three visits)...so it drove fine for quite some time, and now lately, it seems that when i accelerate, it likes to hesitate. at one point today actually, the pedal was basically touching the floor and I wasn't accelerating at ALL...and barely going 30. I don't know if this is a signifigant problem or what the deal is with that...so if anyone has any knowledge as to what that could be, let me know. Basically just telling me what causes it, and how easy it is to get fixed (by a mechanic...) and possible prices?

Second problem. I also don't know if this is an "okay" thing for a car to do, but when the engine is running, it's squeeky. It seems more noticable when stopped, but that's probably because it's easier to hear when Im not going..
so also some sort of 'cause' or answer with that whole problem.

Third and final 'problem'. Also lately, ive been having a hard time starting my car. It seems to start very roughly, and struggles quite a bit when I turn the key. It's never failed to start with one key turn, but sometimes it really struggles and seems like it might not. I always make sure all accesories are turned off...a/c...even the radio. anything that would take power away from starting the car. And that does seem to help, it doesn't stress out the engine as much, but im still having this problem and it seems to be getting somewhat worse.

soooo if anyone out there took the time to read my long-*** rambling about my alleged problems, and has any idea what could be the cause/possible fix for them, PLEASEEEE help me out. Im a Noob in the car-world. And i just basically wanna know whats doing it, it interests me, and also what can fix it.
=]
thanks in advance

 
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The acceleration issue might be from your catalytic converter. I had a friend that was experiencing similar issues.

 
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get a regular tune up done, belts(probably squeak problem), spark plugs(might be acceleration problem, could be fuel pump or dirty injectors), wires, oh, and get a new battery and have them test the starter and alternator, it may solve ur slow starting problems(especially if it gets cold where u are, cuz thatll make it worse), oh and put some fuel injector cleaner through ur gas tank, it may help the acceleration problem

 
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Hmm, thanks.
Yeah I was guessing that it might have been something warn out or whatever the case, seeing as it IS a 96. Im guessing it's probably not anything too too big, because it's only had one other owner besides myself and they kept it in immaculate condition. Though it does have many many mannnnny miles on it. I will make sure they completely check it out when I go for an oil change in the next few weeks.

*more opinions/possible causes still welcome =]
also--do any of you reccomend that I get my oil changed more frequently seeing as it is a car with quite a few miles on it? will that make and difference in keeping it's performance and reliability up?

 
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do urself a favor, and just use 5w30 as per the manufacturer recommends, and use a bottle of lucas oil stabilizer with it, itll make it run better, for longer, i use it and love it, its great for higher mileage vehicles....

 
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I agree with Green

Just get a tune up...
Oil and filter change
Spark plugs, wires and distributor
Belts
Test/change battery
Test/change alternator
Might as well do the antifreeze and automatic tranny fluid also while you are at it.

 
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I also have a 1996 civic EX, awesome condition, when i bought it, it sputtered pretty bad so i bought new NGK plat spark plug wires, MSD Distributor cap and an aftermarker MSD Blaster coil and now it doesnt sputter at all, if anything the hotter spark from the blaster made me quicker off the line.

As for the squeaking noise, i also have it, i think its just a natural sound of the engine because i tightened all my belts and it still sounds the same. I'm presuming u have a 1.6L sohc vtec that is


Also do u plan on adding lots of aftermarket things into it? If so i can prolly help u decide on what to use, my combination on my engine has increased my HP from about 100-160, all engine wise, no super charger or turbo chargher haha

 
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Motors do not sqeak!!check the bearings in your peripherals. Alt, steering, ect. and belts. there can be up to 3 on it. Tune-up and general good going over will help alot. At 150K that motor is just broken in, but if not taken care of by first owner, who knows???...good luck

 
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Holy sh*t! Does this count as resurrecting the oldest thread? lol