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Hi:

I have a 2002 Honda Civic EX and I live in the city. I notice that when I get stuck in major traffic (when traffic stalls for about thirty minutes or an hour standstill) *sometimes* my engine stalls, it becomes hard to accelerate even though I'm pushing my gas pedal, my car only goes 10 - 20 mph, and the check engine light goes on.

I usually park somewhere safe at this point and let car cool off and things are usually ok again.

Can someone help me figure out what is going on?

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 518

This is where to begin: What codes does it have?

 
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What does "codes" mean? Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 518

The check engine light came on, that means the engine computer (also called ECU, ECM, PCM) detected a problem somewhere.

The problem is indicated by the use of fault codes (also called trouble codes, or DTCs).

There could be any of several hundred possible codes, depending on what the problem is.

The engine computer communicates to a human through a code reader or scantool, then the human looks up the definition of the fault code and decides what to do as the next step in the diagnostic process.

The diagnostic process can't really begin until someone finds out what the computer thinks it saw as wrong.

Anything else is just guessing.
Even with a fault code, there could still be a lot of guessing.....but at least it's a starting point.

Some auto parts stores will check codes for free here, but then they try to sell you a boatload of usually unneeded and crap quality parts.
Honestly, if you have to ask this question, you may want to consult a trusted local professional.


HTH