I have a 2007 Honda Civic LX, 7000 miles, while I'm driving I have the feeling that there is a compression loss (about 20-25% less than usual) the car is accelerating slower and it's hesitating. the engine sounds cranky and heavier. also sometimes I have problem starting the car when the engine is cold, it starts from the second time but it sounds like choking...
There are no trouble codes, no check engine light came out …
the gas mileage is getting worse. it used to be about 30mpg (city) now is about 22-25, which is far below normal...

I took the car to Honda dealer and after 1 day they told me that the car is OK and there is nothing unusual...which I don't believe...

I have no idea what's going on. I took the car for oil change after the first 3500 miles. I tried different types of gasoline (87, 89, 93) from different gas-stations but the car is behaving the same way so I don’t think it’s a gasoline issue.
I was suspecting blown head gasket but the engine is not overheating and there is now white smoke from the exhaust pipe.

Any ideas what may be wrong? Any suggestions ?

 

Cant the white smoke be just water built up in the exhaust on start up or is it even after driveing a while and warmed up

 

Could it be an issue with your oxygen sensor? Perhaps your air-fuel mixture is too lean.

 

do a compression test. Do a tune up. new sparks. oxygen sensor like some one started above.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bulli Kid &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">do a compression test. Do a tune up. new sparks. oxygen sensor like some one started above.</TD></TR></TABLE>'

brand new car. don't waste money. take it to a different dealer.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by exhaust_note &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">'

brand new car. don't waste money. take it to a different dealer.</TD></TR></TABLE>

thats what i would do its an 07 the plugs and o2 sensor are more then likely good and it could be something else and do you warm up your car? if you dont you will get some hesitation untell it warms up

 

1) I've been to 2 different Honda dealers - according to them - the car is OK. but I don't think they are taking it seriously because there is no trouble code came up

2) I have been always warming up my car for a few minutes since I bought it.
even warm there is hesitation and compression loss...

3) how can I or the dealer know if it's a Oxygen Sensor issue if there is no check engine light came on and no trouble codes showing up...

4) It's a brand new car - I bought it 5 months ago from Honda dealer. what do you mean by "get a brand new car" ???

Can I just go to the dealer and say "can a get another brand new car for this one ?". I don't know what are the procedures in such a case...

the car still has a lot of warranty time left....

5) the dealers are explaining me that because there is no 'check engine' light - they can't do anything at this time...How can I deal with them ? it's ridiculous !

 

i hate dealers. Ask them to do a compression check right in front of you. Tell them to Honor their freakin warranty.

 

does it happen all the time ? try asking if you can take a Tech out for a drive and show him what is going on or even do a diag your self go out and get a comprssion tester

 

you can rent a compression tester. Just have to put down a payment so they know you wont steal it. its easy , just to the compression test and you will know if your compression is good or bad.

 

I'll go and ask the dealer to do the compression test infront of me.

what if the compression is ok but something else is causing the problems ???
maybe I have to ask them to replace the spark plugs also ?

 

no one told you to get a brand new car. they stated "its a brand new car, dont waste your money". they meant, dont waste your money on the tune up, or spark plugs, etc. because they are most likely good. go to another dealer. if they tell you they cant do anything for you, go above them. call the american honda corporation and explain your problem. there is no reason a honda with 7k should be having any kinds of problems, even if you beat on it. (it seems like you dont beat it at all too). i think your car may just have a freak problem.

 

2008fijibluesi - Thank you for your detailed explanation. The problem is that I've already been to 2 different dealers and they just don't want to take it seriously. May be I have to call the American Honda Corporation and see what are they going to do. I didn't know about this option - sorry .
there is something weird with my car. All I'm hearing is that Honda is a really relyable car - and I believe it...

 

In my opinion, cars dont get more reliable than hondas, toyotas and nissans. This is why I think you are having some sort of a freak problem. One that no one else has had (at least not one I've heard of). I understand why your dealer won't do anything without seeing a cel. I am pretty sure they get reimburshed part of the warranty repair cost from Honda itself. If the dealer can't prove they had a reason to fix your car (no cel), then they can't justify to American Honda that there was a warranty issue. Thus, they would eat the entire cost of the warranty repair, and lose a lot of money. This is why I suggest going through American Honda, because if they can give you a dealer to go to, they will tell that dealer to look at your car, and do whatever it takes to make your car run like a Honda with 7k miles on it should run. I am very confident American Honda will come through for you. You can't blame the stealership for not wanting to lose money. If this all fails, take them to court. If a 700 lb man can sue McDonalds for making him fat, I'm sure you can get your car fixed (or a new one). Good Luck man.

 

thanks for the reply, man.

what's the deal with "you can get your car fixed (or a new one)"?
what are the circumstances you can get a new one? how is this possible?

i'm going to the dealer in a couple of days. I filled up the tank few days ago and I want to see if the mileage I'm getting is about 25mpg (it used to be over 30 in the city). if so probably this will be another proof for the dealer that there is something wrong...

 

I think he might be referring to lemoning your car.