Hello all, I just purchased a '97 Honda CRV auto.

Problem: When i turn the ignition I hear a "screaching" sound then it struggles to turn on. When it turns on, it has a small lumpy idle. Of course the CEL is on. The "screaching" sound, sounds like when you have the car on and you advance the key further and it makes a scratching/screaching sound. Now I had an acura integra and that happened, it turned out to be the starter, but with my crv i'm not sure because the idle is off and it sounds like its missing.

Things I did last night:
Cap/Rotor
Plugs/Wires
Fuel filter

I'm thinking it may be a IAVC or map sensor? But that wouldnt explain the screaching/scratching sound.

Any solid insight is appreciated.

 

you might wanna get that CEL first so it could direct you to what the problem
is, i know to read CEL in autozone..strauss..pep boys is free!

g/l!

 

You are right. That is what I'll do first thing when I'm out of work. Since it is a "new" vehicle to me, I like to start doing basic maintainence. Thanks for the input.

 

UPDATE: Turned out to be a blown headgasket. The previous owner purchased this CRV from a used car lot which had the head re-done. Well whoever did the work does not know about these honda spec motors such as torque specs and such. Well they didnt even change the headgasket, used the same one. Plus they didnt torque it down, it was loose. Long story short, new headgasket, timing, all belts to be done. Valve adjustment too. All this for $250, parts n labor including the head being cleaned and shaved a bit. Oh well.

 

250 is not bad

 

I know thank GOD. Hopefully when I get her up and purring I'll snap a few pics for the forum.