'96 Civic 1.6 151000kms, bone stock, engine light?

[ericthejet]

My engine light is on again.  It was off for about 4 days prior to yesterday.  This is the second time it has come on and turned off on its own. We have had mild weather(+6 days and cool nights -3).

While on the only difference is a slightly lower idle.  -250rpm aprox.  When off idle is normal aprox. 850rpm.  Any ideas?  I don't drive like a sissy but don't hammer just for the hell of it either.  No leaks, nothing out of the ordinary and I have checked the obvious. Have not had the car put on the "scope" yet.
I would welcome any thoughts and advice.  

Thanks in advance.

[jeeper]

very new civic to have this kind of problem...
scan it to see which error code u get!

[ericthejet]

Going for a scan on Friday.  Will keep u posted on the progress of this issue.\

No Hemi4me

[sirAQUAMAN64]

HAHA @ No Hemi4Me!

Me neither as I couldn't afford the fuel, and wouldn't want to. But WOULD like to feel that power, even if just for a few hours ;)

Best of luck with the Civic. If it's driving relatively normally, might be something small. I don't know what might cause it, but could O2 sensors and the like be at fault? I'm not sure. But hope it's nothin' major for you.

[maritime_storm]

Actually Siraquaman the 300 Hemi C gets the same mileage as a Passat VR6. Not miserly as a TDI but not bad for 340hp.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Maritime, the Passat engine isn't the VR6, but a different 2.8L borrow from Audi. And though most V6 engines are comparable, there are small differences.

I can't find the 300C's rating, but Magnum vs. Passat in automatics:
Magnum SXT (250hp): 12.2L/100kms / 8.1L/100kms
Magnum R/T (340hp): 13.8L/100kms (21mpg) / 8.8L/100kms (32mpg)
Passat TDI (134hp): 8.7 (32) / 5.7 (50)
Passat V6 (190hp) : 12.2L/100kms (23mpg) /8.0L/100kms (35mpg)
Passat V6 4MOTION (190hp): 12.7 (22) / 8.3 (34)
Passat W8 4MOTION (270hp): 13.4 (21) / 8.8 (32)  

So while yes, the Passat V6's power isn't anywhere near the HEMI's it does get a 2 city and 3 highway mpg better, which isn't the same. The difference should be larger, and I think in real life, the difference may be. I couldn't say. I think more interesting is that the soon-to-be discontinued W8 in the Passat is dead-on comparable to the HEMI's efficiency with MDS. Again the HEMI has more power and would be more satisfying from that standpoint, but the weight of the two is pretty close despite the VW being smaller because the base car and AWD compensate so it's an interesting comparo.  

I wasn't saying the HEMI is the biggest hog on gas comparatively, just saying that I don't like spending much on gas, no matter what I'm driving.

Anyhow, back to the Civic. Any updates?

[ericthejet]

update on my lowish milage civic.  Had the code checked and it turns out it's the upper O2 sensor which may help explain the low idle at a stoplight.  I picked up a new "NGK" oxy. sensor and will install this weekend.  The "honda only" garage that checked the code explained that often the upper one will fail, but it's not too common.  After I install the new sensor I will perform a mild tune up.  Plugs are about due, PCV and a new cap and rotor.
Is it a pain to remove the O2 sensor, and should I pull it hot or cold?

[barrie1]

Change all the parts when the engine is cold as your hands won't like being burnt otherwise. Check the gap on the new plugs and use the proper lubricants on them when installing. Anti-seize on the threads and Dielectric grease on the wire tips.  

[jeeper]

my 05 GC is registering 20MPH  on the highway and 14MPH in the suburbs...not bad for someone who is having some Hemi-stomp moments...

[mrthompson]

20 MPH highway, 14 MPH suburbs...

Wanna race?

[ericthejet]

Hey Barrie1

My tube of dielectric grease dates back to my days as a snowmobiler(15years ago) and have always used the stuff on plugs and HT leads.  Antiseize on the new plugs going in?  Have not used in the past but I'm not ruling it out.  The new sensor has antiseize already on it.  Should I change it hot or cold, the O2 sensor that is?

[jeeper]

hum sorry MrT but it would be unfair

[mrthompson]

What? Does your lawn tractor have a Hemi as well?  

That's pretty good fuel economy for a 5.7L V8...that's about what I get in my worn out old Cherokee.  Does the Hemi have cylinder de-activation?  

[jeeper]

Yes MrT, the Hemi in my Cherokee has the MDS system. Althought some magazines tell that 'the system seems to not work' i cant agree with those publications...this V8 is getting better fuel milage than my 'old V8'.

[Roadrunner]

No wonder MrT asked if you wanted to race. Not tryin' to be a smartass but I think it's time to do some proof reads before posting people.

[barrie1]

I would change the o2 when the engine is cold again because of the heat transfer. Someday the plugs may have to come out again is why I recommend useing the anti-seize on the plug threads. You should do alright with this project as I suspect you are very capable.

[articsteve]

Room temp. If that doesn't work, you will need to heat the base ( at the fitting in the exhaust).

How much did the sensor cost you?  Where did you get it?

[ericthejet]

$115.00 plus tax.  Autoimport in Ottawa.  Will try to remove the O2 sensor with the engine cold I guess?  Have heard that they usuall come right out. O2 is made by NGK.

[articsteve]

Just starting it cold and driving it in a garage will heat it up a bit.

That's a pretty decent price, but compared to wages it sucks.  I just on Tuesday was forced to pay $250. plus tax for a lower control arm for a Saab which incorporates the ball joint.  So for $287. I got a new ball joint

Gives new meaning to WTF.  Fine if you make 400 bucks a day clear.  I used to pay 20 bucks for a ball joint.

[safristi]

Welcome to the 21st Century..now it's $20 a joint and $200 up ta ball...!!!!