Hi everyone, First off I am no mechanic. Just a do it yourselfer. New to the forum. You can go over and check out my introduction if you like.


I am having some issues with my 2004 Honda Civic EX with 1.7L. It started after I replaced the head gasket. It was getting exhaust in cooling system is the reason I replaced it.


The head was taken to a machine shop to be resurfaced. The guy put it back together and said he replaced all the seals and checked all the clearances. So it is suppose to be fully restored ready to go.


After getting the car totally back together, oil changed, and new coolant put in I crank it up. Took about 4 seconds for it to fire up. Motor sounds great. Idles just fine. No fluid leaks thank goodness. After letting it idle for 15-20 minutes while keeping coolant topped off, I decided to take it for a short spin.


Went down the road about 5 miles taking it easy and everything was fine. On way back I decided to give it a little gas and this is when I had trouble.

It will not rev past 3200 RPM. Even when in park. I did some research last night and have seen that several things may cause this, but all of them are giving a check engine light. Mine is NOT.


On a 2004 Civic is the check engine light suppose to come on when key is turned forward? IF so I am not seeing it. I do see several other lights such as battery, oil, and "maint req" but no check engine.


The car used to fire right up. Now it takes about 4 seconds. Could the timing be off a notch? Is there a way to check the timing without going back into the timing belt?

 

I am no mechanic either but here is my 2¢ worth. It sounds like from your description that you are in limp mode and cannot go above a certain RPM (to protect the engine). Is this a new-to-you vehicle? I wonder if the CEL is on and the bulb is out? Do you see the CEL come on at any other time? Check for a code.

 

I have had the car for a year and I have never seen the CEL on. I am thinking the bulb is either out or someone disconnected it. On all the other vehicles that I own when you turn your key forward before cranking it, all of the lights on the dashboard will light up (including the CEL)


Is an 04 civic not suppose to do the same thing? Can someone who owns one let me know?

 

Get the code scanned ASAP in case the bulb is out for the CEL in the dash all along. I'm pretty certain you see the CEL when you turn the ignition switch to position II and starting. I will check on my 03 tonite.

 

Been working long hours so I haven't had time to look at it, but I will be off tomorrow. Come to find out my brother has a code reader so I will be getting it scanned tomorrow afternoon when he gets off work. I will probably go back over all the plugs while I am waiting on him. From what I have researched, a cam sensor, crank sensor, or vtec solenoid will make the car go into "limp mode" 3200rpm limit.
I am almost certain the CEL is not working. Guess I will be finding out tomorrow. Thanks for the replies.

 

Found it!! Turned out the crank sensor was not plugged in all the way. As soon as I pulled on the connector it came apart. Snapped it together and the car crank up and ran fine. Also the CEL is not working as we thought. Turns out both of my O2 sensors have bad heaters as well.