My civic just died on me the other day. very low mileage for a 97 model. no check engine light.

its been having these "hiccups" (missfire?) lately and I guess it just got worse and worse.

The other day, it just stopped in a slight up-hill. had to roll back down, and back up a block to build up some speed to get over this "hill". (you barely notice that its up-hill when you walk there)

Had to keep her at high rpms to get home, and let off on the gas when the "hiccups" came.

What can I do to diagnose this? (besides a complete engine overhaul/swap?)
Does a code reader come in handy even if theres no check engine light?

Im hoping for it to be spark plugs or something like that. Or condensation in the gasoline. The tank was nearly empty when this happened. But not entirely, fyi.

Any help is greatly appreciated! Complete noob here.

 

was the behavior up to this point a one time deal?

 

check your dizzy. take it to an autozone to check your ignitor.

 

Died? The engine still starts and runs, right?

Does the CEL work?

When were the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor last replaced?

 

The behavior has occurred multiple times on separate occasions. It feels like the whole car first drops in speed, then gets a VinDiesel-esque boost. All occurring in a millisecond.
This is referring to the aforementioned "hiccups".

Will do. Furthermore, I have actually taken a look inside it (the distributor) and it doesn´t look horribly wrong at first sight. Might need some electronical testing equipment. But shouldnt that warrant a check engine light?

Sorry, should have been more accurate.

To clarify, the "hiccups" got worse and worse and when I got to the uphill road, they resulted in engine stall.

Starting and powering trough only made it worse, and after stalling a couple more times I was lucky to even get it to start. At first it didnt. then I rolled back down the hill and it miraculously came to life.

How do I know if the CEL works? Do I need diagnostic code reader?
<<edit: I think it comes on when I start the engine, if thats what you mean>>

None of the parts you mentioned have been changed by me while owning the vehicle. But I have just had it since 2011. Seems like the spark plugs are old, but not original.


Thanks to all for your input!

 

So going uphill you start having bogging issues? Got a full tank of gas when this happens?

 

What's now needed is a clear description of the car's current status. For example, currently, are you able to start the engine at all?

When you turn the key from off to ON(II) (engine off), does the CEL turn on and stay on steady or turn off after 2 seconds?

Sounds like the engine is in desperate need of a tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter). Given the neglect, the coil and/or ICM may also be blown.

 

Yes. No. Very low on gas at the time.


As far as I know, I can still start the engine in the garage. That being said, since you mention it, lately it has started to take longer and longer to start the engine every day. (the starter turns the engine for a longer period of time before the engine starts)

I havent started it up since this happened, in fear of mucking something up or flooding a cylinder, etc.

I think the CEL lights up on startup, but I am positively sure it doesn´t stay on.

Im thinking I should do that nice little ignition test in your signature. To look for spark malfunctions. I just have to figure out how to disconnect the injectors.

 

do you know if the timing belt was ever changed? lack of power sounds like it might be off.

misfires can be so many things..

 

Just changed it. I believe it is fine. +Problem existed before the TB change.