When my 2002 Honda Civic EX gets below 1/4 tank of gas, it hesitates and "bucks" like it's going to stall. This generally happens only when pressing the accelerator from a stop (such as at a stop sign or traffic light). It doesn't hesitate when the car is going at a constant speed but just when you punch it from a stop. For example, when the light turns green pressing the accelerator to the floor will result in the car going forward then losing power like it's almost going to stall then it will rev back into power then almost stall again, and so forth for about 5 times. Once the car gets "going" at the desired speed and the accelerator isn't pressed down very far it ceases to do this. The hesitating seems to worsen the further below 1/4 tank of gas it is. I've had several mechanics look at it and no one seems to be able to figure it out. Injectors were recently cleaned and doesn't seem any better. If you're the genius that can figure it out I'd be very grateful. Thanks for any help/suggestions!

 

there was a thread posted a while back about this same issue. it has to do with our gas tanks and how theyre shaped. they were designed really crappy.

 

Thanks, G. Anybody remember where the thread is? Thanks.

-Rob

 

It happened to me once and I tore my whole car apart trying to find the problem. It turned out to be that the fuel pump wasn't working properly. It was working but when it was strained, it didn't function properly. Thats the reason I didn't find the problem for a while cause the electrical all read ok. That was on my 92 civic.
what kind of weather do you live in, is it allways cold? hot?

 

It seems to happen in all kinds of weather. So, you think a fuel pump problem would only manifest itself below 1/4 tank?

 

Yes it will, since the tank has less fuel that little amount of gas can be sloshing around not making it to the pump and the fuel has the most crap in it when its that low all the dirt and crap settles slightly blocking the pump. You really shouldnt drive with less than a 1/4 tank just for that reason it wont kill you car but you get the problem you are having. Maybe run some fuel system cleaner like that chevron stuff to help clean the lines next time you fill up

 

Replace the fuel filter..

although i'm not sure how easy it is to service on these cars.

Good Luck

 

Thanks for the help. Sounds like the easiest solution is to just keep it above 1/4 tank. I've put two containers of 44K in but it hasn;t helped much. We'll see.

 

THE FUEL TREATMENT WILL JUST HELP CLEAN THE SYSTEM UP AND MAKE IT RUN CLEANER , BUT FOR THE MOST PART KEEP IT ABOVE 1/4 TANK UNLESS YOUR CHECK BOOK SAYS OTHERWISE. I HATE SPENDING $35 TO FILL UP A HONDA