2001 Civic EX Coupe Manual 137k miles

So while I'm driving, if I put too much on the gas, the car just kinda chugs, lurches, if I don't lighten up on it. Mainly up hills I think too. I'm not racing or anything, just normal driving. I think I have some loss of power as well. It's kinda hard to explain

Timing Belt Replaced about a month ago by Monro Exhaust Systems
Replaced Spark Plugs myself yesterday
Ignition wire by the steering column was replaced recently (recall)
Side Air Bags were recently replaced (recall)

UPDATED:
Replaced the Spark Plugs at Advanced Auto Parts, they were very nice and let me use their tools, and I did it outside of their store with the aid of a Youtube video to make sure I didn't mess anything up.

Used the NGK Iridium IX ZFR6FIX-11, they will work just as well as the ones you posted It Wasn't Me, ones just platnium and ones iridium if I recall, and they're both meant for my vehicle.

The problem got a lot better, doesn't studder nearly as much as it did...but it still does if I'm approaching ~ 3k RPM sometimes. Weird that it helped the problem, but not completely?

Brought to an exhaust shop, they checked out the catalytic converter by doing a back air pressure test, it is NOT a plugged cat like I thought...now I'm stumped. Still may be an O2 sensor I guess?

SOLVED Was a crankshaft sensor. Replaced and car is running fine again

 

Who did the timing belt?

Was this happening before the timing belt was changed?

What spark plugs are you currently using? They should be NGK PZFR6F-11 or DENSO PKJ20CR-M11. Using the wrong plugs can cause misfires. (as can incorrect valve lash, bad fuel, low fuel pressure, etc) And, yes, you need four spark plugs.

 

No it was fine before the timing belt, but that was done a month ago so I doubt it was that. Timing belt done by Monro Exhaust place. It did however happen a day after Honda changed out my ignition switch? Kinda doubt it was that, it was just a wire in the steering console that was replaced under recall, a long with side air bags

 

Are you sure those are the right ones? Advance Auto Parts list the NGK Iridium Ix Spark Plug (ZFR6FIX-11) for my vehicle. What's the difference? They don't have the other ones

 

Does the MIL flicker, or is it on? Any codes present?

The TPS or throttle body are also worth looking into.


Yes. And don't let an auto part store convince you to buy something else. Go somewhere else. (I bought mine at O'Reilly)

 

Updated the OP, I've had a check engine light on for awhile, code P0420 a catalytic converter inefficiency code. It's been on for months, just kinda ignored it. Don't think that is the problem, going to plug in my scan tool again later today in case a new problem came on.

 

Your car is throwing codes but you don't think it has anything to do with how it's running? lulz

Anyhow! I've seen that code come up as the result a bad cat, bad sensor, or slipped timing belt.



Let us know how those spark plugs work out for you. When I went to an auto part store for plugs, they had numerous options in various price ranges. Anywhere from a few dollars each, to the $40 set of laser platinum plugs recommended in the Owner's Manual as well as the Helm service manual. Guess which ones I chose to use?

 

COULD BE.... alot of things, but i would start witht the check engine light for the bad cat. Or is a bad cat??? Maybe.. it is the O2 sensor?

Ive seen cars stop running completely because of a bad catyletic converter... i would start there IMO

 

I'm sure the Iridium counterpart I chose is better than whatever was in my car to begin with.
Bleh I was hoping to put off getting a new catalytic converter until next year.. Going to be a fortune to get a new one.. I just doubt it's an O2 sensor. The cat itself has a lot of discoloration, so I'm sure it's plugged or clogged or something.

Should I go OEM with the cat? Or something else?

 

OEM honda cat is going to cost a fortune... Walker exhaust systems make an oem Replacement cat, ive used them personally with no issues. Also Walker Usually offers some sort of rebate too.

 

?'s

1. Has or have you replaced the fuel filter lately?

2. Does the the tach jump around when stuttering? if so it could be a related ground issue

3. Did you make sure to inspect the coils when you had them out? Some crack from excessive heat

 

1. I don't believe so..maybe I'll try that first. Such a pain to get to tho, and messy

2. The tach does not jump around

3. I didn't really inspect them at all..so look for cracks? They were fairly easy to get out so I might inspect them a bit.

 

Brought to an exhaust shop, they checked out the catalytic converter by doing a back air pressure test, it is NOT a plugged cat like I thought...now I'm stumped. Still may be an O2 sensor I guess?