Hey all,

Seems like I'm not the first one to post a problem with their SO's CR-V- so here I go: It's a '98 AT 4wd with 120k miles. Hasn't been maintained to the manual's spec, but has had regular oil changes. I'd appreciate any advice, since both I and the dealer have about given up finding the cause of this problem.

Symptoms

1/2 second loss of power. RPMs don't drop, just a hesitation, a bit of a jerk/decel and then keep on trucking. Happens once every 75 or so miles of driving.

- Recreated only when completely warmed-up and steady state freeway cruising. (20-30 mins)
- Shifting is normal
- No codes
- No leaks
- Engine sounds good, no loss in power.

Most recently,and different from the usual problem, she experienced a rapid series of these "hesitations" or "jerks" and it stalled the car. Started right back up and it's been fine since.

Possibly related

Two years ago, this car was getting a misfire code, but it was due to a bad ignitor. I replaced cap, rotor, ignitor and coil. Plugs and wires had been done a year previous to this.

It also used to moan a bit when turning tight circles. I replaced the rear diff fluid and it's fine now.

After this problem first started, I did change the ATF (yes, I used Honda), but they old stuff didn't look that bad (still somewhat red- I've seen worse). Had no affect on this problem, but did seem to make shifts a bit more "solid".


---

I realize this is a difficult one, hence my post- which I realize isn't very quantitative, but that's why I need help!

Here's my thought:

- Random crud in the AT causing the torque converter to briefly unlock/lock or other weird AT problem.

I don't have much AT experience, damn things!

Thanks for any advice,

R

 

I'd like to know as well.

is it possible that it could be the TPS? not sure though.

 

is the check engine light on now?

 

No, never has thrown a code related to this problem. Only code it ever had was a misfire related to the dead ignitor, which was r&r'ed and cleared right up- 2 years ago.

The s/o did complain about a decrease in gas mileage, but this might be related to the onset of winter.

 

TPS, interesting. I thought they usually failed completely, but I've only seen one fail personally. Since the problem is so sporadic, I suppose I'd have to just replace it to test this theory.

Is it interchangeable with an Integra '01 tps sensor?

Thanks again everyone!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by s800 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">TPS, interesting. I thought they usually failed completely, but I've only seen one fail personally. Since the problem is so sporadic, I suppose I'd have to just replace it to test this theory.

Is it interchangeable with an Integra '01 tps sensor?

Thanks again everyone!</TD></TR></TABLE>

not exactly sure. it was just a thought. I would suggest to check if it is positioned correctly at close and WOT

 

Okay, thanks- will do.

 

Well, the TPS looks good.

Gotta say that I'm wondering about fuel now. The jerkiness seems less trans related to me now; a little more subtle than that.

Been driving it though and can duplicate the problem after 30-40 mins at 50-60mph. Any higher speeds (like cruising 65+), no problem (or lower speeds for that matter). Weird weird weird.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

although it may feel like transmission issues, it is neither that nor tps. there is a tsb for 98 and 99 crv's. They are natorious for burning valves. Fix: New head.

 

Could you point me to the TSB? I can't seem to find it.

Would a burnt valve really be this intermittent?

Thanks for your reply!

 

when i was still working at a shop, we had replaced 3. master tech at honda informed me of the tsb.

 

Okay. I'll check compression.

I did find the TSB #, it's 03038. But I can't find the TSB itself.

 

ya, according to the techs at honda, and from what i've seen, its a pretty common problem. good luck

 

Following up on this... Still a problem.

The compression test was: 170-165-167-170.

Someone locally recommended the swapping the fuel pump, which I did, but the problem persists.

This is driving me nuts!

 

The saga continues. Valve clearances seem fine- a couple of the exhaust valves were at .005", everything else was within range.

Found this article:

http://www.samscars.com/mage4.htm

So I'm replacing the upstream O2 sensor- running out of ideas. Of course, I stripped the bung when I got the sensor out, so now I have to fix that first .

 

Well, the valve adjustment improved mileage, but the O2 sensor made no difference. The more I drive this car, the more I'm back to my original guess that it's the trans. So I guess it's goodbye to the CR-V :-(

 

I work for honda and you were close those years of CR-V's do have problems with tight valves. But only in the 99-2000 models. mostly in the exhaust valves. The head materials was to soft causing the seats to pound in, causing tight valves and maybe burnt valves. There was an warranty extion t0 I believe 80,000 miles. But some shops can get more. The only real fix is to replace the head. ask your dealer for advise. The bulletin you are looking for is for 99-2000 models. I would try the ignition suggestion first (below) you sould adjust your valve every 30,000 on 2001 and older cars ( my opion).

You also might want to look at the instrment panal when it stalls. You might have a bad Ignition switch. If the dash lights are off when it stalls the ignition has disconected causing power lose to the coiland ignitor. If the dash lights stay on probly no the problem. you can try to giggle the key when the car is running to see if the car stalls. There is a safety recall on the ignition switch so it would be free if not already done. honda warranty.