I have been having a problem lately with my '12 Civic's acceleration and shifting (see bullet points below for full symptoms I've had) and was pinpointing a possible fuel filter as the culprit. When I called my local Honda dealer for a price quote to replace the filter I was told, "They did away with the replaceable filters a while back, it's now built into the fuel pump assembly" and that the fuel pump assembly had to be replaced entirely in order to replace the filter.. is this true? The quote given was roughly $500.00. I know it's the Honda dealer so it's higher than elsewhere but this was news to me about the filter.

Symptoms I've been having:

• Louder than usual idle.. not shaky really but just noticeably louder
• When I first start to accelerate the car feels VERY weak and has very little power. After a few seconds it "catches" and starts to accelerate, although it definitely doesn't feel healthy
• When overtaking a vehicle or accelerating on a highway I feel occasional surging
• Sometimes when pressing the gas pedal I feel no response, like the car is stalling, but then it picks up
• Shifting has been sporadic and I sometimes reach 3,500-4,000 RPMs before shifting
• I have had NO check engine light appear at any time. I scanned for codes regardless and got nothing
• There are NO problems starting the ignition, car starts up right away with no issue, so I wasn't thinking it was a plug

The fuel filter seemed to me like the problem because I have had no CEL, and from what I've read fuel filters won't typically light up the CEL unless it messes up some sensors and triggers some other problem...?

Not really car savvy by any means so I'm learning.. any suggestions? Was the Honda tech telling the truth, or is it possible to replace JUST the filter on a 9th gen?

I'd rather try replacing the filter for $150 before laying out $500 for an unnecessary fuel pump replacement.

Thanks

 

http://www.hondapartsnow.com/parts-list/2012-honda-civic-2dr_dx-ka-5at/fuel-tank.html

 

Simply connect a scan tool and let the data point you in the right direction. If the filter is faulty,the data will show it......

(and yes the filters on most cars are not replaceable. Been that way for well over 10 years now.)

 

Was there ever a solution found to the original problem? Hesitation during acceleration?
I am experiencing very similar symptoms on 2012 Honda Civic. I took it to the mechanic, and they had it for several hours. I watched to make sure they were working on it. The only thing the computer found was "P0171 System Too Lean."
I took it home and cleaned the MAS, Throttle Body, new air filter, but no change to symptoms.
Thanks.

 

By any chance, did you resolve your issues below? I plan to replace my fuel pump that I got from eBay and see if my similar issue goes away.

-Mike