Strange behavior issue with a civic!
 

Greetings,

I have an 01 Honda EX, and the issue I'm having seems to have mechanics stumped.

First off, I am the furthest thing from a mechanic you will find! I'm pretty desperate as this has become a battle.

The problem starts after I fire it and rev up the RPM' s. The car begins to roughly idle and act like it's going to kill. This has left me temporarily stranded on the side of the road, until it "catches", which takes 5 - 10 min or so.

It seems to only do this most frequently AFTER it has sat overnight, driven for a few miles, and when the engine is shut off (and after it sits for a few minutes the idle problem starts.)

This will trigger the check engine light to toggle off or on. (And remains on or off for some time).

I have been told it is not an 02 sensor, and after reading on the forum, seems highly unlikely it's a fuel filter problem either.

Of course, I've had this on and off for some time now. And when I leave it with a mechanic, or have someone look at it, it magically disappears.

Common sense seems like it is a fuel distribution issue, and I plan on trying fuel injector cleaner.

This has been an on and off again problem for 4 years, worse now and it is my only transportation I have. I have to travel across state a lot, and can't get stranded.

I did have a relative with an error code reader check it with no luck.

Highly appreciate any advice and feedback.

Thank you!

Re: Strange behavior issue with a civic!
 

Borrow said code reader, keep it plugged into the car and whenever the light comes on read the fault codes right then.

Re: Strange behavior issue with a civic!
 

Great idea, however I don't have access to a reader right now. Any other recommendations?
Thank you

Re: Strange behavior issue with a civic!
 

When the light comes on, get codes read ASAP and don't shut off the engine until codes are checked?

Buy a code reader of your own?

Re: Strange behavior issue with a civic!
 

check the ground wires, one is probably loose.