Engine Bogs on Cold Start; No CEL
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: PA
Rep Power: 0 
Engine Bogs on Cold Start; No CEL Hi - Lately I've been having some engine trouble with my 02 Civic. Though the problem happened once or twice earlier this year (around JAN/FEB), it's now becoming an everyday issue.
On a cold start, the engine will idle normally for about 60 seconds (give or take). During that time, I hear the RPMs drop to their usual level, and the intake (AEM V2) quiets down a bit. After a short amount of time has passed however (less than 2 minutes), the RPMs drastically fall. Though the car doesn't stall, it shakes violently, sounds very close to stalling, then picks right back up. About a second later, it will come close to stalling again (sputter and shake), and then return to normal RPMs for the rest of the trip.
Even if I shut the engine off and turn it back on, it will be fine....as long as it's not a cold start. The whole shake/sputter/almost-stall thing lasts for a short amount of time, and doesn't return while idling at stop signs, red lights, etc.
I initially noticed the problem while I was driving...which was particularly scary. There was a total loss of power - throttle was unresponsive; enormous engine bog. Every time it occurred, on cold start I would have to pull over and sit for a few seconds for the problem to work itself out before continuing. Similar to idling, it would bog - come back to life - bog again - then operate without any further issues when the engine had reached normal operating temp. Thought it was a fluke at first, and tried Sea-Foam and some other fuel additives...no real difference.
I've read through dozens of threads here, and the only one I found similar to mine had died a few years ago with no solution posted. I've already checked the sticky thread about idle issues as well, but I'm NOT getting a Check Engine Light for this problem. Before I start throwing money at the problem, I was hoping that someone might have some insight and point me in some direction.
Thanks for any help!!!
p.s. Done a few things on my own such as checking OBD2 for codes (got nothing), removed and cleaned IAVC extensively, and cleaned the throttle body as best I could...no difference with cold-start idle
On a cold start, the engine will idle normally for about 60 seconds (give or take). During that time, I hear the RPMs drop to their usual level, and the intake (AEM V2) quiets down a bit. After a short amount of time has passed however (less than 2 minutes), the RPMs drastically fall. Though the car doesn't stall, it shakes violently, sounds very close to stalling, then picks right back up. About a second later, it will come close to stalling again (sputter and shake), and then return to normal RPMs for the rest of the trip.
Even if I shut the engine off and turn it back on, it will be fine....as long as it's not a cold start. The whole shake/sputter/almost-stall thing lasts for a short amount of time, and doesn't return while idling at stop signs, red lights, etc.
I initially noticed the problem while I was driving...which was particularly scary. There was a total loss of power - throttle was unresponsive; enormous engine bog. Every time it occurred, on cold start I would have to pull over and sit for a few seconds for the problem to work itself out before continuing. Similar to idling, it would bog - come back to life - bog again - then operate without any further issues when the engine had reached normal operating temp. Thought it was a fluke at first, and tried Sea-Foam and some other fuel additives...no real difference.
I've read through dozens of threads here, and the only one I found similar to mine had died a few years ago with no solution posted. I've already checked the sticky thread about idle issues as well, but I'm NOT getting a Check Engine Light for this problem. Before I start throwing money at the problem, I was hoping that someone might have some insight and point me in some direction.
Thanks for any help!!!
p.s. Done a few things on my own such as checking OBD2 for codes (got nothing), removed and cleaned IAVC extensively, and cleaned the throttle body as best I could...no difference with cold-start idle
Thread Starter
Registered!!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: PA
Rep Power: 0 Re: Engine Bogs on Cold Start; No CEL
SOLVED! Turns out it was the primary 02 sensor. Although I never got a CEL, replacing the primary O2 sensor fixed the "crap idle on cold start" problem.
I used Bosch sensors for the replacement - no splicing required; it was a simple swap-out. I purchased the secondary O2 sensor as well, but have yet to install it. The sensors ran about $46 a piece...pricey, but far better than dealership quotes. Definitely a DIY project.
I used Bosch sensors for the replacement - no splicing required; it was a simple swap-out. I purchased the secondary O2 sensor as well, but have yet to install it. The sensors ran about $46 a piece...pricey, but far better than dealership quotes. Definitely a DIY project.
Registered!!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
Rep Power: 0 Re: Engine Bogs on Cold Start; No CEL
Registered!!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,662
Likes: 2
From: Funkytown, Tx
Rep Power: 235 
Re: Engine Bogs on Cold Start; No CEL
Thread
Thread Starter
Honda Civic Forum
Replies
Last Post
McD
1st - 5th Generation Civic 1973 - 1995
6
Apr 16, 2015 10:46 AM
black2k1vtec
General Automotive Discussion
8
Dec 6, 2001 09:49 PM
