Hi guys, ive been experiencing a strange problem intermittently when i start up my 2004 accord coupe 2.4 litre with an auto trans. When i startup it seems as if the engine is misfiring or only half the cylinders have ignited and the front of the car shakes and the idle is very low from usually in the 1500's to the low 500's. Now if hit the accelerator the engine returns to normal and is fine for the rest of the day. I just had the spark plugs replaced and the starter changed, which was going bad. Can anyone please tell me what might cause this issue.

 

Could be timing or a spark plug or wire not seated right?

 

Nah, it's cause you own an accord. LOLjk. Bump for ya.

 

thanx for the answer scottF, the issue was present before i changed the spark plugs so i know it might not have to do with the spark plugs, what can bad timing effect and does it even effect my car?

 

Will it continue to run like this until you hit your throttle? Say you start it up and let it do this for a full minute or two and it will continue to misfire or does it smooth out after a given amount of time? I'm assuming when you say the car is fine for the rest of the day that when you restart it when it's warm the problem isn't there. When you take this car to work/school does it sit for 7-8 hours; if it does, does it start fine? What's the climate like where you live?

 

hi KooK, ive never let it misfire for a long period of time, as soon as it does this i hit the accelerator and usually it evens out but sometimes even if i hit the accelerator it will not even out and i must turn the car off and try again. The only time this occurs is when it has been sitting for a long period of time usually over night. Like is said before the starter was giving me problems so i had it replaced and assumed that this was the problem. I live in Southern California and its been unusually cold lately so I am not sure if the cold(below 40 F in the morning) has anything to do with it. thanx for the replies

 

Bump please help Bump

 

How many miles are on the vehicle? Also how often do you change the oil? Have you ever had the computer program in your vehicle updated to the latest available program?

 

well the car is high mileage, 143000, and it has had its oil changed regularly. I never knew that you can update the ecm, how much does that usually cost and where can i get it done? thanx for the replies.

 

bump