Hi, My husband & I own an auto repair shop. We have a 1996 Honda Accord 2.2 L 2156 CC L4 VTEC with 102398 miles here that we cant seem to figure out. After numerous repairs made which I will list, cylinder 2 is still misfiring. All of the work that was done was not just to find this, the customer wanted to do everything to get it in great condition since he plans on keeping the car for a long time & to be able to get in inspected due to all the codes showing. So here is the list:
starter
distributor, rotor & cap
O2 sensors
replace ac/alternator, serpentine belts
timing belt
water pump
thermostat
EGR valve
plugs & wires

The timing has been checked, injecters cleaned & checked. After all this work done, our computer shows cyl 2 misfire. Inspection place shows cyl 2 & 4 misfire. Compression is great. Does anyone have any ideas? Thank you!!

 

Wow, guess I dont feel so bad now. Alot of views but no replies. Anyone if you even have a guess what it could be, please just reply. It could be something so simple just overlooked. Any input is greatly appreciated!!!! no matter how small

 

A few other things that might help. The check engine light starts flashing @ 2500rpm around 65 mph then stops flashing at 3000 rpm & runs great. Its an automatic, but while in first it shudders then runs perfect. I really am open to any suggestions!!!

 

Michelle,
I am going through the same issues and have been doing tons of research. Here's where I think we are at. Apparently, the intake manifolds are notorious for getting clogged up with carbon which causes the the EGR to malfunction. I took the vacuum line off of the EGR and this stopped the misfiring however now I have code P1401 (I think that's what it was) which is insufficient vacuum. This, of course, is because I disconnected the vacuum line. There is an instructional somewhere on this site that I am trying to find again that shows how to clean to manifolds. I guess it's a pretty involved job. I checked at my mechanic and they charge it as a 7 hour job.

 

Thank you topendlandscape! Is this what you were looking for? https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/how-clean-throttle-body-intake-manifold-2516282/

My husband said that makes perfect sense. When the light came back on he was thinking it could be that, but the code showed a misfire, so .....lol guess what we get for depending on computers so much! The labor for intake manifold R&I calls for 3.8 hrs labor, add a couple hrs give or take for cleaning just fyi.

Thank you so much for your input! I will be sure to post whether this solves the problem or not. Wont have the car again until first of next week.

 

hello michelle9491 and topendlandscape i have exact same syptoms and wonder how did you make out with the intake clean out?
could that realy be what is causing this?
please let me know.

 

UPDATE: First of all, Sorry I didn't update sooner. I fixed the problem!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, on top of the upper intake minfold is a plate with four port holes leading into the intake manifold. It's a super easy job. Release your fuel pressure and remove the fuel rail. The manual takes you through is step-by-step. You'll have to remove the fuel injectors as well, so if you haven't already, you might as well inspect and clean them while you're in there. The plate directly under the fuel rail has your EGR ports. Three bolts on top to undo and there you are. I had misfire codes 2,3 and 4. Sure enough, EGR ports 2, 3 and 4 were completely clogged with carbon. Have a shop vac handy so while you are cleaning you can prevent more crap getting into your intake. I soaked everything with seafoam, cleaned out the carbon with a small flat head screwdriver and a wire brush, cleaned the plate (that had carbon all over it), sprayed tons of seafoam into the intake via the EGR ports, put it back together, let it sit for a few hours and vroom!!! I was in business. It's been at least 3 weeks now, driving daily and no issues. Keep in mind, it will start hard at first, maybe want to stall and blow white smoke. That's normal and good. Take it around the block and watch it blow all the rest of the carbon out the exhaust!

 

Oh, just to be clear, this operation was a simple way to access the intake manifold in terms of getting cleaner down into it but the job itself was cleaning the EGR Ports. Removing and cleaning the manifold itself is a much more involved job and taking much more time. I would definately attack the EGR Ports before investing the time and money into taking apart the intake manifold. Michelle, I'm glad that I was able to be helpful and thanks for your help as well. Out of curiousity, let me know how it goes! To all others, keep in mind, no computer is going to tell you this is the problem. That was my problem. Tells you whats not working right but not why. I hope this helps many.

 

Finaly an answer i can have some faith in you would not believe the (tips)on the internet this sounds plausable and even probable.
I realy apretiate the help im very confident that could be it. you say there are separate ports for each cyl under this plate (interesting)?will investigate
will also let you know. danka shon, kittos,merci,tuck,thank you...

 

topendlandscape(whodaman????thats right youdaman)uhhuh youdaman
(finger point pistol gesture)you nailed it EGR PORTS you heard me E...G...R
PORTS. Good call (we're not worthy)and easy to fix oh yah piece of pie!
we got our super deadly awsome Accord back!!!
my son just got a sub for his birthday ill feel alot better helping him hook that up knowing the car is not just show but a whole lotta go!
thank you thank you thank you....