97 Honda sputters

I have a '97 Honda Civic EX with the 1.6 SOHC V-TEC
My problem is: At operating temp and around 1500 to 3000 RPM the motor sputters, like all power is lost.
If I either push or release the throttle it goes away.
There is no ryhme or reason to this, it is very erratic and doesn't happen all the time.
It makes no difference whether the C.C. is on or off or if the A.C. is on or off.
The little car has 140,000 miles on it. I bought it when it had 97,000 miles and did it the first time I drove it.
The first 6 months I had it, it spent 2 months in the shop and they couldn't figure it out.
Anyone else had this problem or know how to fix it????

The onboard computer shows no codes nor does it cause the Check Engine light come on.

It really is pain in the butt.

Thank you

 

In other words, at idle, the engine just about dies ?
What all did the shop check? 2 months is a long time.

 

Yes, occassionally. The RPM's really drop but it doesn't quit running.
The shop was where my brother was working at the time and they replaced the fuel filter and mostly rode it around town with the hand help computer attached.
Another shop, rewired the TPS and swapped a few parts with an employees car. An attempt to find the problem without the cost of replacing parts at my expense.
I've tried different gas grades, additves and lubs but no help.

I work 3-11 so my response will be slow.
Thank you for posting a reply.

 

Timing issue maybe? Timing varies with load changes.

 

I don't think so.
A couple years after I bought it, I contacted Honda reference to recalls. They advised me that I was in need of an OBD-2 replacement. Took it to the local Honda dealer and they replaced the OBD-2, changed oil, complete tune up, along with timing and wire replacement.
I installed an earth grounding system last summer and with all that I still have the problem.
Even put in a K-N filter, thinking maybe it was an air flow problem.
Didn't change anything.

I'm thinking this maybe one of those things that I either have to live with or sell the car. Don't want to sell it, it's paid for!!!

 

When they did the tune-up at the dealer, it included spark plugs and wires? I almost want to say your idle is set too low. However if you took it back to the dealer one would think they would look at that.

 

Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply.

 

To me sounds like your your IAC valve isn't workin properly, probably jus plugged up or something. Its an easy DIY, its located on the backside of your intake manifold parellel with your firewall. IAC stands for intake air control, it controls the air flowage to your motor when your throttle body is closed. An easy way and practically free way to check it is to remove it, like 2 bolts, unplug a few plugs and remove two coolant lines that run to it. After its been removed spray the inside of it with some carb or brake cleaner. Shake it up to help break loose the build up inside. Dump out the remaining cleaner and let dry before installing it again. Hope this helps solve your problem.

 

Backwoodz
I'll check the idiot book today, if I can't find the IAC.
Mobil_man
I had the shop set the idle up and the same thing happened.
I also took the slack out of the throttle cable but, that did nothing at all.
I'll try cleaning the IAC later today if I get a chance.
Lots of errands to do today.
I'll post a comment after doing that.

I have, in the past, removed the TPS from the throttle body and cleaned the throttle body out real good and that did nothing at all.

If the IAC is clogged wouldn't it cause the computer to show a code?


Thank you

 

Mobil The shop was where my brother worked and they would piddle with it in their spare time. Reason they had it 2 months.
Backwoodz I did as you told me to. Then took it for a short ride, after letting it idle for about 15 minutes. It did it once about 1 mile from home. I will take it to work tonight and give it another try. I notice a lot of carbon in the IAC and in the ports behind the throttle body, sprayed some carb cleaner in there also.
I checked at the auto parts store for a new IAC, the clerk looked it up and told me to buy another Honda. $165.00 for new one. I don't go to savalage yards in the summer, I got this healthy respect for creatures with no legs. If this didn't help, then I'll have to wait to fall or winter to look for a new one.
Thanks all for your help.

3 dogs

 

Well, I took to work. A 6 mile trek.
It sputtered twice, once in 1st gear and once in 2nd. A/C was on and the jerking wasn't near as violent as usual. I may take it apart again tomorrow and put some more carb. cleaner to it.