okay, just purchased a 1999 civic LX automatic and it does not run hot, no water mixed with oil, just skips and the CEL light flashes and then stays illuminated. guy i got the car from said he had it scanned and came up with misfire cyl 1,2,3. since its late i did not have a chance to get it scanned myself or do any trouble shooting. he said he put new plugs in it and a dizzy cap. what else should i look for that will help me? i noticed that most of the time when trying to start the car it will instantly start up then die unless you keep your foot on the gas pedal a little.

 

Reset the ECU, run the engine and, when the CEL turns on again, pull the codes yourself (see Codes sticky).

Post all of the codes.

Also inspect the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor - or just replace them.