1996 Honda Accord LX 2.2 not vtec 170,000.

This vehicle has developed a problem I feel is in the fuel system. At low road speed it will suddenly just go flat like either the fuel or air is restricted.

Check engine light did come on, OBDII code was "P0171 system too lean bank 1".

This problem seems to be more apparent to the beginning of a trip with a cold engine, but does occur with the engine warm just not as often . Once the car is up to road speed there seems to be no lack of fuel. For instance if I'm traveling at 55mph and accelerate there is no hesitation. Although some times leaving a light or stop sign it will act like it cannot pull itself, other time you might travel a block and then it cuts out. When this occurs it does not matter how far the accelerator is pressed down it still runs flat, might get a bit of pop trough the intake if fully applied, but still runs. Other time we have tried to letup on the pedal then re apply then it will take off. It has a new fuel filter, timing belts just changed (problem was there prior to change). I will add that the engine has never died when this occurs. I'm looking for a few opinions before I start changing $200 parts from the fuel pump to the injectors.

Hope someone can help
Darrin

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dshook &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">1996 Honda Accord LX 2.2 not vtec 170,000.

This vehicle has developed a problem I feel is in the fuel system. At low road speed it will suddenly just go flat like either the fuel or air is restricted.

</TD></TR></TABLE>

More explanation please. Have you tried to use a fuel system cleaner (bg-44k or seafoam)? Have you cleaned your egr ports; this has been known to cause severe hesitation around 2500 rpms.

Other things to look at:
clean air filter
plugs and wires

 

I have used the Lucas fuel system and injector cleaner. A couple of tankfuls run through.
By running flat I mean it feels as though there is not enough fuel or air. Kind of like pulling the manual choke on something or just restricting the fuel supply. It does have new plugs and the air filter in not too old but I will check it.

But I will most certainly check the egr ports. I would say severe hesitation is an understatement!! Sounds like that is the right track.

Do the normally come back once past 2500rpm?

Thanks a bunch!!

 

There was no other code that came on at the same time? I ask because I've usually seen this code along with an EGR or Evap purge valve problem. Have you checked the fuel pressure regulator? Vacum leaks, over tight valve adjustment could cause this without another code present.You could also spray along the injector rail and the intake manifold gasket with some carb cleaner to see if you get an idle change. Have you tried unplugging the IAC valve to see if the idle changes?
LOL It's a simple problem of too much air or too little fuel. Ha Ha Ha Ha

 

No other codes. I did jump the self diagnosis plug and got a code 45 (Fuel system too rich or lean) which is of course the same as the P0171.

This is not a constant problem. It generally happens when the engine is cold. Once the engine is warm it rarely occurs. I'm really thinking it is the EGR Ports plugged with carbon. Unplugging the EGR Vacuum is supposed to improve this. What would happen if I were to unplug the vacuum line and plug it for a day??

 

If you just plug off the vacum line to the EGR valve you will probably get a 'lift sensor' code and a 'Egr low flow' code...no big deal..try it