1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
04-23-2018, 12:02 AM
#1
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
The car starts and idles normally, but will stall if the gas pedal is pressed normally or quickly as if it's choking. If the gas pedal is pressed slowly, the engine will rev up normally. No check engine light. This just started two days ago after I changed the oil and trans fluid, but I think it's a coincidence. The car is stock with 155,000 miles. The fuel filter was changed about 20,000 miles ago, so I don't think that's it, but I'm going to start there. The throttle body was cleaned and the entire distributor was replaced professionally 3 years ago. The TPS was replaced professionally 2 years ago. I have been doing non-stop online research and I've found a few posts from people with the same problem, but they either didn't post a conclusion or different conclusions were reached leaving the best course of action unclear. Anyone know what I should try? Please let me know if you need more info. Thanks!
04-23-2018, 06:25 AM
#2
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: N.C
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
Sounds weird to me, maybe a vacuum leak. Doubt it's the injectors or fuel pump but can never rule those 2 out.
04-23-2018, 10:48 AM
#5
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: chicago burbs, Il, USA
Posts: 5,150
Likes: 0
Received 23 Likes
on
23 Posts
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
when you changed the oil and trans fluid did you accidentally unplug something? (it's a lot easier to do than you think)
Sounds like the TPS signal is not being used. Either via error in sensor itself, broken wire or misalignment. (the TPS is used so the ECU knows that the throttle is being opened, the ECU changes timing and fuel to compensate)
as mentioned check that your CEL is working. Does it turn on when you first turn on the ignition? (called a bulb check, pretty self explanatory why)
make sure that the trans to chassis ground and thermostat ground are in good shape.
Sounds like the TPS signal is not being used. Either via error in sensor itself, broken wire or misalignment. (the TPS is used so the ECU knows that the throttle is being opened, the ECU changes timing and fuel to compensate)
as mentioned check that your CEL is working. Does it turn on when you first turn on the ignition? (called a bulb check, pretty self explanatory why)
make sure that the trans to chassis ground and thermostat ground are in good shape.
04-23-2018, 02:41 PM
#6
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
Problem solved! It was corroded distributor cap and rotor terminals. I replaced them with generic ones from Advance Auto for $25 and the car is back to normal. I guess it was just a weird coincidence that the problem started after I changed the oil and trans fluid. I didn't think it was anything to do with my distributor because it was fairly new, but now I know it doesn't take that long for the cap and rotor to get corroded. A big take away for me is knowing that a car can idle normally with worn out distributor parts and sometimes only have problems running under load. Thank you for all the ideas and comments and I hope this thread helps others in the future.
Cabel
Cabel
04-25-2018, 09:30 AM
#7
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
I also have a '92 Civic VX, but with 240k miles. I'd like to clean the throttle body. Did you do yours on the car? How did you clean it?
PS what gas mileage do you see? I average about 40 around town, with considerable freeway driving, on summer blend.
-
PS what gas mileage do you see? I average about 40 around town, with considerable freeway driving, on summer blend.
-
Trending Topics
04-25-2018, 07:17 PM
#8
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
The throttle body was actually cleaned by a shop as part of a “major tune up” when I was out of town for a few months and my mom was driving my car for me, so I’m not sure how or what they did. The car stalled and wouldn’t start while she was driving it, so she had it towed there without telling me and they said it needed a new distributor and they convinced her to do plugs, wires, and the throttle body cleaning too. I was pissed because I could have done all that myself and they charged her $1,309, which I ended up paying. That friendly service was provided by the crooks at Auto-Pro-To-Call in Chapel Hill, NC. Anyway...
I usually get about 40 mpg in the city and the same on the highway, but I usually accelerate as quickly as possible and speed as much as I can get away with on the highway. I think the best mileage I ever got was about 50 mpg on highway only traveling about 55 mph the whole time.
I usually get about 40 mpg in the city and the same on the highway, but I usually accelerate as quickly as possible and speed as much as I can get away with on the highway. I think the best mileage I ever got was about 50 mpg on highway only traveling about 55 mph the whole time.
04-25-2018, 08:01 PM
#9
Honda-Tech Member
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
That’s insane! I can’t see how anybody could sleep at night doing people dirty like that... My dad and I run a garage, and I can’t see those prices as fair to anybody.
04-25-2018, 08:35 PM
#10
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: 1992 Honda Civic VX stalls when throttle is opened
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JMcDee1
Honda Civic (2006 - 2015)
4
10-20-2013 12:28 AM
wanderinglost
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
6
09-26-2008 05:57 AM
B serious
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
10
06-12-2008 11:06 PM