I've searched the forum and I can't find what I'm looking for... please help!

I have a 97 Civic EX. After it warms up, generally when the RPMs are under 3000 and I give it some gas, it acts as though it is missing a cylinder.

I've replaced the ignition coil (TEC), cap and rotor (TEC), plugs and wires (NGK). I've had it in the shop and they can't figure it out.

When this started happening I noticed that one of the plugs was coming loose. I put it back in but the problem persists. It may help to know that I have another car that is acting similarly, and that is because (I hate telling people this), there are rats in my garage that damaged the fuel injector wires. I don't see evidence of this on the Honda, but there is other evidence that they have been hanging out on the intake manifold. Gross evidence. :-/

Could there be damage to the cat due to the issue with the spark plug coming out? as in too much fuel in the exhaust heating it up? Other wires I should check? It has been suggested that I check the fuel filter and have the injectors cleaned, but I don't have much hope for that as I think if the car runs fine at high RPMs, it should be getting enough fuel at low RPMS.

Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated!!

C

 

do you have a CEL?

 

Sorry... what's a CEL???

 

check engine light

 

d'oh! of course!

I did when the spark plug incident happened, but I disconnected the battery to reset it. I've since acquired an OBDII diag tool, but the light hasn't come back on, possibly because I haven't driven it long enough on the highway. When it did come on, it was after about 20 minutes of 70-80mph highway driving. It was nearly undrivable and I was just hoping I would get home. I haven't had it out for more than 15 minutes/50mph since.