Total power loss on freeway - 2003 Civic EX
#1
Total power loss on freeway - 2003 Civic EX
I tried searching but couldn't find a thread describing my problem.
Every few months at freeway speed (5th gear, 3000rpm+), I'll experience a total loss in engine power. Usually only happens during long trips. It'll feel like either the fuel has been cut off, or there's no spark. This will last maybe 2-4 seconds and all power will return on its own.
Anyone have any ideas on the cause?
My civic has 130,000 miles. CEL is on but it's throwing the code relating to pressure in the fuel tank (the one that can be solved by changing the fuel filler cap).
I also had a code a few months ago mentioning a malfunction in the VTEC solenoid; something about a possible clogged oil passage. That code disappeared after an oil change - thinking a low oil level is responsible. Been keeping up on my oil ever since.
Thanks in advance.
Every few months at freeway speed (5th gear, 3000rpm+), I'll experience a total loss in engine power. Usually only happens during long trips. It'll feel like either the fuel has been cut off, or there's no spark. This will last maybe 2-4 seconds and all power will return on its own.
Anyone have any ideas on the cause?
My civic has 130,000 miles. CEL is on but it's throwing the code relating to pressure in the fuel tank (the one that can be solved by changing the fuel filler cap).
I also had a code a few months ago mentioning a malfunction in the VTEC solenoid; something about a possible clogged oil passage. That code disappeared after an oil change - thinking a low oil level is responsible. Been keeping up on my oil ever since.
Thanks in advance.
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Louisville
Posts: 552
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Total power loss on freeway - 2003 Civic EX
have you ever gotten a code for TDC censor? People will commonly state that turning the car on and off will get rid of the code for some amount of time, but ultimately, the problem is still there.
The nice thing about the sensor is its fairly cheap...the bad thing is its about a 3-4 hour job to get to it
The nice thing about the sensor is its fairly cheap...the bad thing is its about a 3-4 hour job to get to it
#3
Re: Total power loss on freeway - 2003 Civic EX
Never had a code for the TDC sensor. I did a little reading on what a bad TDC sensor will do (hesitation or dead spots at a certain rpm range) and it doesn't sound like my problem.
I'm thinking that code I had involving the malfunctioning VTEC solenoid could be related. The code disappeared after the oil was filled back up to the right level. I also don't remember experiencing my power loss problem since I've been keeping up on my oil level. Not sure if it's just coincidence though - I don't know much about the VTEC system either.
I'm thinking that code I had involving the malfunctioning VTEC solenoid could be related. The code disappeared after the oil was filled back up to the right level. I also don't remember experiencing my power loss problem since I've been keeping up on my oil level. Not sure if it's just coincidence though - I don't know much about the VTEC system either.
#4
Re: Total power loss on freeway - 2003 Civic EX
Wait .. you're seeking advice for something that happened a few months ago? Or am I misunderstanding what you've said?
Have you replaced the gas cap?
A faulty sensor doesn't always throw a code, by the way.
Have you replaced the gas cap?
A faulty sensor doesn't always throw a code, by the way.
#7
Re: Total power loss on freeway - 2003 Civic EX
I never definitively figured out what was making my Civic do that at highway speed. From what I read about Honda's VTEC system, is that among other things, it checks to make sure your oil pressure is high enough to engage VTEC. My best guess is that since I unknowingly was low on oil, VTEC probably had enough oil pressure to activate, but then after a while deactivated itself when the oil level dropped enough - resulting in a big loss of power. Since I've been keeping up on my oil level, I never experienced that problem again. I still have a feeling VTEC isn't to blame though, but I'm stumped.
As far as my CEL, I didn't bother changing my gas cap since the fuel tank is still pressurized when I go to fill up. I did change my evap canister though, since I read that topping off your fuel tank enough times will ruin the canister - throwing code P1457. After changing the canister and clearing the code, it returned 2 days later anyway.
As far as my CEL, I didn't bother changing my gas cap since the fuel tank is still pressurized when I go to fill up. I did change my evap canister though, since I read that topping off your fuel tank enough times will ruin the canister - throwing code P1457. After changing the canister and clearing the code, it returned 2 days later anyway.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post