Need help with my 2nd gen Prelude Si
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Tracy, CA, USA
Need help with my 2nd gen Prelude Si
MY CAR
1985 Honda Prelude Si
MODS
Engine(stock); ICE(Modern CD deck, Rockford Fosgate 360-watt BassPunch)
PROBLEMS
ENGINE
>>My car's idle fluctuates between 1000 and 2000 rpms
CLUTCH&GEAR
>>My car, about 95% of the time, grinds up whenever I try to gear in Reverse
BATTER/ALTERNATOR
>>My car's battery, on any random given day DESPITE its excellent running ability the days, weeks, and even months before, would just give out
BRIEFING
>>I am not a newb when it comes to manual-transmission vehicles, ESPECIALLY my car... I DO know how to handle my clutch and would not purposely let it grind up in Reverse.
>>I DO have the Amp powered DIRECTLY to the positive side of the battery BUT have no fuse-relay in between (despite being advised due to laziness).
>>My car starts the idle problem WHEN warmed up. When the car's fan starts up, the idle sits steady at 2000rpms. However, immediately upon termination of the fan, it starts its idle-fluctuating business, again.
These are my current dilemmas. If anyone could help, and I know someone (or more) will I'd be very thankful. Advanced TYs.
1985 Honda Prelude Si
MODS
Engine(stock); ICE(Modern CD deck, Rockford Fosgate 360-watt BassPunch)
PROBLEMS
ENGINE
>>My car's idle fluctuates between 1000 and 2000 rpms
CLUTCH&GEAR
>>My car, about 95% of the time, grinds up whenever I try to gear in Reverse
BATTER/ALTERNATOR
>>My car's battery, on any random given day DESPITE its excellent running ability the days, weeks, and even months before, would just give out
BRIEFING
>>I am not a newb when it comes to manual-transmission vehicles, ESPECIALLY my car... I DO know how to handle my clutch and would not purposely let it grind up in Reverse.
>>I DO have the Amp powered DIRECTLY to the positive side of the battery BUT have no fuse-relay in between (despite being advised due to laziness).
>>My car starts the idle problem WHEN warmed up. When the car's fan starts up, the idle sits steady at 2000rpms. However, immediately upon termination of the fan, it starts its idle-fluctuating business, again.
These are my current dilemmas. If anyone could help, and I know someone (or more) will I'd be very thankful. Advanced TYs.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 3,969
Likes: 6
From: northern DRUNKit, ma
Re: Need help with my 2nd gen Prelude Si (anj114)
do happen to be in the military by any chance?
but anyway on topic:
this only happens when the car is warm, and when did this start happening. did it just come out of the blue or did you change something and then it started with this?
but anyway on topic:
this only happens when the car is warm, and when did this start happening. did it just come out of the blue or did you change something and then it started with this?
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 0
From: Rochster, NY, Grubby Nettles
Re: Need help with my 2nd gen Prelude Si (prelittlelude)
Possible Solutions
Engine:
Maybe change thermostat so it gets the right cooling at the right temp so your car doesnt search for it.
Clutch/Gear:
Before i changed my tranny fluid to Pennzoil/GM Syncromesh, i had that problem. To get around it, i always double clutched (and still do out of habit) reverse gear. Apparently we dont have syncros for 1st or reverse.
Battery/Alternator:
Have your alternator checked..thats all i can think of
ICE: fuse your amp ..cause it's not that hard.
So..best of luck man! hope at least some of this helps you.
Engine:
Maybe change thermostat so it gets the right cooling at the right temp so your car doesnt search for it.
Clutch/Gear:
Before i changed my tranny fluid to Pennzoil/GM Syncromesh, i had that problem. To get around it, i always double clutched (and still do out of habit) reverse gear. Apparently we dont have syncros for 1st or reverse.
Battery/Alternator:
Have your alternator checked..thats all i can think of
ICE: fuse your amp ..cause it's not that hard.
So..best of luck man! hope at least some of this helps you.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 978
Likes: 0
From: nonvtec road, SoCali
Re: Need help with my 2nd gen Prelude Si (anj114)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by anj114 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
PROBLEMS
ENGINE
>>My car's idle fluctuates between 1000 and 2000 rpms
CLUTCH&GEAR
>>My car, about 95% of the time, grinds up whenever I try to gear in Reverse
</TD></TR></TABLE>
1. check for a vacuum leak. if you disconnected any hoses when you install the CAI, that might be the cause of the problem.
2. your reverse synchro is probably going out. try GM's synchro mesh tranny oil.
hope that helps
PROBLEMS
ENGINE
>>My car's idle fluctuates between 1000 and 2000 rpms
CLUTCH&GEAR
>>My car, about 95% of the time, grinds up whenever I try to gear in Reverse
</TD></TR></TABLE>
1. check for a vacuum leak. if you disconnected any hoses when you install the CAI, that might be the cause of the problem.
2. your reverse synchro is probably going out. try GM's synchro mesh tranny oil.
hope that helps
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Tracy, CA, USA
Re: Need help with my 2nd gen Prelude Si (SUB-0 H23)
Lets clear things up... I'm NOT a newb at DRIVING, but as far as vehicle technicality, THEN I properly fall under newb. CAI... I'm sorry, but in all honesty I do NOT know what that is. There is NO aftermarket in my engine at all, excluding oil changes, air filters, etc.
THINGS PERFORMED
>>Jump-started (third time, already)
The first time the car was jumped (Sunday), I let it sit and RECONNECTED the amp's power IMMEDIATELY after shutting the engine off. Next morning, the car was dead.
The second time (Monday), I repeated the same procedure BUT made sure to NOT REPLACE the amp's power supply. The car sat through the night without the amp connected. The following morning the car was STILL dead.
Today (Tuesday), we had it jumped before I took off to school. Still no amp connection. I am at school right now and am fearful of being abandoned (who isn't?) or stranded.
QUESTIONS
>>How do you check the alternator WITHOUT machinery? Other than common sense (if it was blown out, etc.), is there a way to tell if it's gone bad?
>>Could it be possible to blow something battery-related IF the car was redlined? Last time the car was redlined (Saturday night) the HUD's battery light flashed ONCE and immediately shut off. I have no problems with my gauges, so it can't be a weird glitch or circuit failure.
>>Tuesday morning, when I had my car jumped I noticed the car's stock clock was NOT reset. If i'm right, when the car's battery has NO power in it isn't the clock supposed to give out AND reset just the same (i.e. blinking at 100a)?
Replying to::: Prelittle
Happened out of no where, yes, somewhat. When we first bought it we never had this problem. It didn't just happen recently, if that's what you mean? It's been going on for about half a year, now? We had nothing replaced. Like I said, my car is still all stock. We HAVE had things replaced BUT they have nothing to do with the rpms and whatnot (wth did i just say.?). Oh yeah, and ONLY when the car is warm AND has been running for quite a while.
Replying to::: Nataku
Thermostat... that's a lot of work. I worked with a Civic's thermostat, once. I hated it... but, it's a start, right? However, the Civic's thermo was shot.
Anyway, I was told that my carborator (or something) had an air bubble where the coolant is supposed to flow AND it needs to be burped. Have any of you guys heard of this technique? So far, 2/3 somewhat reliable sources have given me these suggestions, and 1/3 is an actual certified Honda mechanic (so he says).
Double clutching? Never ever thought of it, but i'll be willing to give it a try. It's hella (excuse my language, but it DOES describe the severity of my mortification) emberassing to be in parking lots, trying to park with people checking my car out (because it doesn't look like an ordinary 2nd gen) when suddenly you get this SCRAAAAAATCH!!! noise. Then as loud as the noise, people's eyes widen and walk off. And, quite possibly, maybe I'm low on tranny fluid? I've been up and down my engine compartment and haven't found that tank. I'll give that tranny fluid some consideration, though?
How would I check the alternator? What would I be looking for? Without devices, that's what I mean?
Fusing my amp would just prevent shorts and surges, right? I'll get it done soon enough
Replying to::: Sub-O
Please keep in mind that i'm a newb Vacuum? CAI? I'm willing to check these things out... only if I knew what they were, exactly.
Again, with the GM synchro. We'll give it a try, since it's a popular suggestion. Funny thing, I wonder, is why no one I knew would suggest that... morons
THANKS, EVERYONE
I know how very easily I can just take my car to a Kragen's and have it looked at, but I'd rather much know if I can make this fix myself, ESPECIALLY if it's an easy fix. Also, I'd like to know as much about my car (and automotives in particular) as possible. As I said before, all your replies are very much appreciated
THINGS PERFORMED
>>Jump-started (third time, already)
The first time the car was jumped (Sunday), I let it sit and RECONNECTED the amp's power IMMEDIATELY after shutting the engine off. Next morning, the car was dead.
The second time (Monday), I repeated the same procedure BUT made sure to NOT REPLACE the amp's power supply. The car sat through the night without the amp connected. The following morning the car was STILL dead.
Today (Tuesday), we had it jumped before I took off to school. Still no amp connection. I am at school right now and am fearful of being abandoned (who isn't?) or stranded.
QUESTIONS
>>How do you check the alternator WITHOUT machinery? Other than common sense (if it was blown out, etc.), is there a way to tell if it's gone bad?
>>Could it be possible to blow something battery-related IF the car was redlined? Last time the car was redlined (Saturday night) the HUD's battery light flashed ONCE and immediately shut off. I have no problems with my gauges, so it can't be a weird glitch or circuit failure.
>>Tuesday morning, when I had my car jumped I noticed the car's stock clock was NOT reset. If i'm right, when the car's battery has NO power in it isn't the clock supposed to give out AND reset just the same (i.e. blinking at 100a)?
Replying to::: Prelittle
Happened out of no where, yes, somewhat. When we first bought it we never had this problem. It didn't just happen recently, if that's what you mean? It's been going on for about half a year, now? We had nothing replaced. Like I said, my car is still all stock. We HAVE had things replaced BUT they have nothing to do with the rpms and whatnot (wth did i just say.?). Oh yeah, and ONLY when the car is warm AND has been running for quite a while.
Replying to::: Nataku
Thermostat... that's a lot of work. I worked with a Civic's thermostat, once. I hated it... but, it's a start, right? However, the Civic's thermo was shot.
Anyway, I was told that my carborator (or something) had an air bubble where the coolant is supposed to flow AND it needs to be burped. Have any of you guys heard of this technique? So far, 2/3 somewhat reliable sources have given me these suggestions, and 1/3 is an actual certified Honda mechanic (so he says).
Double clutching? Never ever thought of it, but i'll be willing to give it a try. It's hella (excuse my language, but it DOES describe the severity of my mortification) emberassing to be in parking lots, trying to park with people checking my car out (because it doesn't look like an ordinary 2nd gen) when suddenly you get this SCRAAAAAATCH!!! noise. Then as loud as the noise, people's eyes widen and walk off. And, quite possibly, maybe I'm low on tranny fluid? I've been up and down my engine compartment and haven't found that tank. I'll give that tranny fluid some consideration, though?
How would I check the alternator? What would I be looking for? Without devices, that's what I mean?
Fusing my amp would just prevent shorts and surges, right? I'll get it done soon enough
Replying to::: Sub-O
Please keep in mind that i'm a newb
Vacuum? CAI? I'm willing to check these things out... only if I knew what they were, exactly.Again, with the GM synchro. We'll give it a try, since it's a popular suggestion. Funny thing, I wonder, is why no one I knew would suggest that... morons
THANKS, EVERYONE
I know how very easily I can just take my car to a Kragen's and have it looked at, but I'd rather much know if I can make this fix myself, ESPECIALLY if it's an easy fix. Also, I'd like to know as much about my car (and automotives in particular) as possible. As I said before, all your replies are very much appreciated
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ultimatecarfreak
Honda Prelude
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Oct 28, 2007 09:34 PM
