I hope that some of you experts can point me in the right direction....

I have a running condition that acts up like clock work. Here is what it does...

Starts up and drives fine. (actually real good)..

After about 5-10 minutes of driving, starts running very rough. Spitting sputtering, and will not maintain speed. Acts like not getting enough fuel pressure. (No Check Engine Light)

After a few minutes of this... All of the sudden, the Check Engine Light comes on and it takes off like a rocket. Pulling strong and smooth.

It runs fine and engine light remains on until I get where I am going with not as much as a hiccup no matter how far.

The next time I drive it, this happens again, and again. Like clockwork.

Please help...

 

CEL light means there is a problem and a code has been set.
If the CEL stays on it is a hard fault.
If the CEL does not come on when restarting the car the memory fuse may be blown for the ECU and will not save the code when you turn the car off/on again.

Year, model, engine, trans would be helpful.

 

1992 accord ex. 2.2 auto.

Another thing that may not be related but I noticed today... first time driving the car in a few weeks. When I stopped and put the car in park (engine warm), the idle speed increases and falls off repeatedly until I shut it off. I love driving this car but I cant see the putting it in a service shop when I have so little money in the car.

 

If the idle is fluctuating up and down it is a common problem. The FITV just needs to be readjusted. Go to the Accord FAQ at the top of the page and look up 'how to clean and adjust FITV/IACV'. At the moment all you need to do is readjust the FITV to fix that.

 

Thanks Mad Mike. Any ideas on the other issue? Im kinda puzzled by the issue going away when the CEL comes on.

 

start with replacing distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs

however...when the check engine light comes on safely pull over the car and without turning off the car, jumper the blue service connector and retrieve the check engine code ... i think it will be code 12 for the egr is my guess

 

I'll put a cup of coffee on a code 43

OP - as stated already, get the code and go from there.

 

sounds like an intermittent issue..May even be some wires or connector. anything is possible though without knowing the code like the guys stated