Rep Power: 0

98 civic lx

hi I have been having idle issues. Sometimes when the car is idle whether I’m in park or sitting at a stop light the car will start sputtering like it wants to die. Does that for maybe 30-60 seconds and then idle is fine again for a few minutes.

i noticed that if I turn my a/c off it will idle fine all day but if I turn a/c back on it starts idling weird again.

also not sure if it helps but my a/c also started not blowing cold anymore during day. Only cold at night.

Not sure if it’s supposed to but anytime I pull the throttle to rev engine the compressor clutch disengages and will spin again when I release throttle.

I have read on the forums here that people suggest cleaning or replace IAC and then relearn idle but i wanted to get some input on this.

thank you.

 
Rep Power: 366

what maintenance have you done? Car simply does not have enough power to keep running with the AC on loads

 
Rep Power: 0

nothing has been done recently other than some suspension work. Was working fine then one day just started happening.

I was thinking the same about not having enough power so I replaced the battery and alternator and the issue still happens. I guess it’s possible one of them were faulty from the store?

 
Rep Power: 366

they can check at the stores if you wish.

if sudden, some other factors, but for the peace of mind, how long since:

• air filters?
• oil changes?
• distributor OK? Rotor not corroded? Cap could be cracked, but that would cause a non-start, but just check to be sure.

Also check if timing is still correct (when timing belt
The other possibility is AC compressor bearing or starting to seize? That would increase resistance instead

 
Rep Power: 0

distributor is good. Cap / rotor no crack or corrosion.

I replaced my timing belt last year but I can still check the timing when I get a chance.

I have cold air intake. Doesn’t look that dirty but I can pull off and clean it.

I need an oil change but I have an oil pan leak so I have been postponing the oil change until the parts show up in the mail.

a quick check with a meter shows battery charge is 12.63v and then when started 13.88v. Seems like it’s working but I’ll have them run a test with their tool.

I was also thinking maybe loose drive belt on the alternator? I didn’t have anything all that great to leverage when I tightened the belt on but seemed tight enough at the time.