heyfunny

I have a 1998 Honda Accord Ex Coupe 4 cyl

Previously this was the problem,...
Almost every morning I start it up and head to work sometimes it starts to hesitate and stumble at higher RPM's like its running out of gas (tapping the gas does nothing) and it finally stalls.
Before it would only do this at higher speeds like with cruise control set on 55 or 60. Back then I was also getting a Vtec Malfunction error which was a clogged Oil Pressure Sensor Screen thing in the Vtec.
After that was replaced it was running great for a while then it started cutting out again but only at higher speeds especially going flat out.
The other day after filling up on my way home it stalled and wouldn't restart for a while then when it did and I was able to get it up to like 25 it back fired and then back fired again pulling into my driveway as well as stalling.
I decided to take it back to the shop to get the fuel pressure tested.
Unfortunately it only made it halfway to the shop before it stalled and would not restart no matter what I did. I ended up having to pay $76 to get it towed about a half a mile to the shop lol. So they checked the fuel pressure and it was fine. Then he did another test with some expensive diagnostic mini computer thing while it was driving and found out that the ICM was acting up. Turns out the hesitating stalling performance issue was all caused by a bad ICM so they installed a new Distributor (ICM is built into that) and It ran perfect.

Now I am still getting CEL code P0420

I am also noticing I am averaging about 15 mpg per tank
as a delivery driver this sucks horribly.

Any ideas?

I have tested driving a whole tank under 4000 rpm to see if I was just gunning it too much with no change at all.

I have also tested driving a tank using sport mode (above 4000 rpm) frequently and still no change in mpg 15-16

The only way I get the mfg stated economy is if I drive a whole tank of highway miles
and I get 30-31 mpg.

So far..... Since I got the car this has been done...

New Timing Chain / Water Pump
New right rear wheel Bearing
New Coolant hoses
New Radiator Cap
New Battery
New Belts
New Vtec Gasket & Screen (All other Vtec Parts Checked out fine)
Oil Change, Air Filter, Oil Filter (Full Synthetic High Mileage) every 3000 mi.
New Plugs (NGK) and Wires
New Cap & Rotor (OEM)
New Front HO2 Sensor (OEM)
New Cat Conv. (OEM)
New Transmission (Not Used, 100% Rebuilt w/2 yr warranty) ($3250) yikes!
New Distributor (Needed new ICM)

It has 181000 mi on it

CEL code P0420

Also would the Service Engine Soon light flash if a belt was slipping when the car is started cold or would that be caused by something else?

(It will sometimes flash and then stay on or sometimes just come on and stay on)
(This just started happening in the last few weeks)

Help ?!?

heyfunny

Bump

AccordVT

Being a 1998 Model, your Accord is OBDII compliant. It uses (2) 02 Sensors. The first one in line from the engine is the one used for fuel trim calculation and helps the computer understand how rich or lean the engine is running. The second 02 sensor is placed after the catalytic converter and is cross-referenced by the ECU with the first 02 sensor. If the oxygen levels in the exhaust (after the cat) are the same as before it (determined by first 02) OR there is more oxygen after than before...code P0420 is set.

This could be caused by a clogged or burnt up catalytic converter but you have already installed a new one. The other causes I can think of right now are: An exhaust leak between the engine and the second 02, a faulty "downstream" 02 sensor or large vacuum leak.

The service engine soon light is mileage based and is a "reminder" The check engine light is the indicator of codes and emissions related faults. A slipping belt would not cause either.

nebraskaimport

when the car is in park does the tach jump up and down if you had a vacuum leak your rpm's would go up and down. there could be a good possibilty you could have a bad e.c.u. lets hope thats not the case

heyfunny

Ok So I got a new EGR,....
and Tadaaaaa didn't do much,...
****ty still Averaging 250-290 per tank about 15 mpg
Still getting the CEL though,...
Still hearing the sqeeking belt when I start it and sometimes when I turn the Fan on full blast,... I doubt a loose belt would kill economy though lol

What is my next step?

(Just changed my oil and filters again btw, Valvoline Full Synth, High Mileage formula Filters, etc.)