Hi all,

I am a first time Honda owner. I purchase a used 2001 civic lx in January. So far I've had the oil changed, the transmission and brake fluid flushed, repaired an oil leak, and the spark plugs changed. The car still doesn't feel right. When I accelerate after coming out of an idle, the car feels really heavy... Almost as if something is holding it back. The acceleration is very very sluggish, and sometimes when I'm going about 40mph it feels like the car is slowing down even though I've got my foot on the gas. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this? Are there any fluids that I should check? I know the power steering fluid is dirty, but will it cause the car to drive this way? I'm really afraid that I may be causing damage to the engine by driving it this way. I know nothing about cars, so I really appreciate any help that anyone can provide.

 

What kind of transmission fluid did you use?

How many miles are on the car?

Has the MIL (check engine light) ever come on, or started flashing?

Is it a manual or an automatic transmission? (I assume it's an automatic, but figured I'd ask)

Have you changed the air filter?

What kind of spark plugs did you use?

 

What kind of transmission fluid did you use?
I'm not too sure. I had the transmission flushed at the Honda dealership, so I really hope that they used Honda fluids.

How many miles are on the car?
It has 170299 miles

Has the MIL (check engine light) ever come on, or started flashing?
I haven't seen the check engine light come on, but other sensors keep flashing. First the srs light came on, and the mechanic hooked it up to the computer and it went off... then maintainence required light came on, and then it switched back to the srs light.

Is it a manual or an automatic transmission? (I assume it's an automatic, but figured I'd ask) it's an automatic

Have you changed the air filter?
I haven't changed the air filter myself. There was a new one in the trunk of the car when I bought it... I think..(it's a green and black thingy right? I'm sorry.. I'm so clueless when it comes to this stuff.)

What kind of spark plugs did you use?
I used NGK spark plugs

 

Maintenance required light is suppose to come on at set intervals. You can turn it off yourself and is nothing to worry about. The SRS light shouldn't affect engine performance but its something you should be checking into to confirm the SRS system is working properly for your safety.

Something might be plugging up your exhaust. That would cause power loss but the only thing that would cause that problem to be intermittent is something like the catalyst being loose. Its happened to me but the sound of the loose catalyst rattling was very apparent.

 

How can I check the exhaust to see if it's clogged? Or should I just give up and bring the car back to the dealership? I'm afraid to go back.. I don't know... Maybe it's because I'm a girl, but it seems that everytime I bring my car in to be serviced they act like it's going to implode if I don't buy all of the services that they reccommend. I just don't want to get taken... Again. Any suggestions?

 

First off, check the air filter. A new filter in your trunk doesn't do your motor any good. All it takes to check is unscrewing 5 or 6 screws and lifting the plastic cover off.

Do you have a warranty on the car? If so, just take it back to the dealer. Just say no to any of their crap.

 

Have you check to see if the tires are o.k.. Sometimes flat tires could stress on the engine..

 

You'd know if it was clogged. The engine would run rough or not at all, and you'd almost certainly throw a code.

Did they offer you any kind of warranty?

Have you checked the ATF level? Drive the car around until it's warmed up, park it on level ground, then release the hood and turn the car off. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off, put it back in the hole, then remove it again and check the level. It should be between the two marks on the dipstick.


You should have the line pressures checked to make sure the hydraulic system in the automatic transmission is performing as it should. At 170k miles, it's likely time for the transmission to be overhauled or replaced. (sorry to say)

Also, if you take the car to an auto parts store like Auto Zone or Pep Boys, they'll scan it for free. If they find any codes, write them down and post them here.