Hello all,
I did a search but I'm not really sure what I am looking for so it doesn't help. This is my GF's car fyi.
The Issue:
Under hard accel (any gear) I get to about 4k and the rpm's jump back down to 3k. I honestly do not think it is the clutch. The car has a major power loss feeling. I do not know the history of this car. I do intend to get a oil change, plugs, cables, belts done very soon. The car is throwing a CEL but I have not checked it out myself. She had mentioned something about getting it checked before and it having something to do with V-Tec. So I am assuming maybe a vtec solenoid or something. I am not sure what vtec feels like in this car either. Her friend has a Base RSX and she said her friends car feels stronger than hers.
Any idea's? (Yes pulling the codes should of been the first thing I did. I just read up on how to pull the with a paperclip. I should have more on that later.
Thanks all!

 

Did you check your oil level? I had that issue once and it was due to not enough oil...

 

Check codes, do tune-up, and check it out again.

 

sounds like limp mode

 

sounds liek your low on vtec fluid

 

thanks for the dumb response!

 

I would first check the oil level, Vtec is activated when the car has a certain oil pressure. I would def. change the oil if you think it's questionable, and check the CEL code (I thought ODBII codes needed a scanner?)
Vtec shouldn't engage until ~6200 rpm, and it should feel like a slight surge and pull stronger until ~8200 (redline). If you are having issues that low of an RPM, it might be an ignition/spark issue. (at least on my old civic it was a cracked distributor cap.)

 

Lol

 

I second that....Do a complete tune up, check your fluid levels, and run a diagnostics test.

These suggestions alone will limit many sources that will cause that same problem.

Just do your basics first, then let us know what you find.

HTH

 

I bet you have an oil burner here.

 

the first answer/response should have been go to autozone and have your check engine light checked. Its free. A lot of the codes that pop up will put the car in limp mode and vtec will not engage. So please go to the zone, get the CEL code P???? and let us know

 

I had the same problem when I first got mine. Turns out I had and intake leak, once I fixed that it worked like new again. Just as everyone else has said though, check your fluid levels and run a diagnostic to make sure..

 

I added oil finally but it did nothing. I am going to get the codes pulled later today. This car does burn oil alot. I will check out the V2 AEM that is on the car. Bought it that way. Thanks everyone for the help. I have been reading alot and it seems that the engagement point for vtec is around 3200'ish and that is when it falls on its face. So hopefully I have have my answer after the code is pulled.

 

Ok so it pulled 2 P1163's and 1 P0420.

 

P1163 - HO2S11 Slow Response (Bank 1 Sensor 1)
P0420 -Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)

You need to have her replace the primary o2 sensor and the catalytic converter...neither of which are cheap. GL

 

I have a dumb question though about the rpm drop. Would either of those 2 explain the rpm drop/hang?

 

Yes...the ECU needs to get accurate readings from the sensors, both primary and secondary...the car is running in "limp mode"...it's not going to let you just mash the gas and accelerate fully like normal in this state...

 

The car is going into limp mode to protect itself from well... you. If the conditions are not right then it will "limp" instead of hitting vtec. How many miles does it have on it? Im guessing primary o2 for sure.

 

So the o2 sensor would cause it to go into limp mode?

 

i have a catalytic converter for an rsx-s for sale if your interested.
text 9083312533

 

yes it will. Will run super rich to protect the engine

 

the vtec on "i-vtec" engines suck.

 

Update: Replaced front 02 and went with a cheaper High Flow Cat. Also about 2 weeks ago the clutch crapped out. About $1,500 for parts and labor for everything. The car runs great now. Thanks all!