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Hi Eric,
I have a Honda Accord 1998 LX 4 cylinders 2.3 liters and this is what happens: the engine is running perfect when driving horizontally and not over 70 mph, but it stalls if driving uphill or if I want more power. To me it looks like the fuel filter is clogged up or the fuel pump is defective. In any case the fuel pump + fuel filter assembly is not able to deliver beyond certain amount. I don’t think is the main relay. The car is starting normally every time no problem there.
Is there any pressure sensor? if yes where is located?
I would really like to know what you think and I thank you very much for any advice that you may have.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Sorin
PS:
I tried to understand how the pressure in fuel system is maintained constant but I did not find any material that covers this subject in detail.
Otherwise the car has 170,000 miles and is running like a Swiss watch. 🙂
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So I am no Honda expert but fuel pressure should remain the same the whole time the engine is running. When you accelerate the injectors cycle faster as well as the ignition system. You may have a weak pump, or a throttle issue. I am sure one of the Honda guys will be more help.
I watched Eric’s video about the ignition switch, I had that problem before I know about it I changed the switch. In that case the stalling happened erratically, at low speed or high speed.
This time around the stalling happens only if want to accelerate the car quickly or I try to go at some speed uphill. It looks like the engine does not get enough fuel when needed so that’s why is stalling.
Anybody experienced this?
Any opinion is highly appreciated!
Thank you,
SorinHonda’s rarely have fuel delivery issues so I would put that at the bottom of the list of suspects. Also, main relays cause no start issues, not stalling issues in my experience. That said, the ignition switch was my first thought but you state you’ve already addressed that. If you have a ‘heavy’ keychain I would still suspect it however. When you accelerate with a heavy keychain it can put strain on the ignition switch.
Outside of that you have to check for the essentials spark and fuel when the stalling occurs. That way you have something to go on when the problem happens.
It’s impossible for us to tell you ‘what part to replace’. What we do here is offer guidance on where to look to help solve the problem.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Hi Eric,
Two thinks I have in mind:
1. Bad gasoline
2. Bad catalytic converter. I did the smog test a month ago and it passed.What do you think?
Thanks Eric!!!
I will stay dirty !!!!I read Eric’s opinion.
Unfortunately, as it chokes under strong acceleration, it does point towards fuel supply issue. Yet, in over 30 years of DIY cars, I am yet to see a clogged filter that will be influenced by incline/decline. Now, if you think about it, pump has to push petrol through lines harder against the gravity on incline.
I am voting fuel pump. In same years, and many fuel filters replaced, I have not even seen a really clogged filter, unless you always tank at Arco or whatever is the dirt(pun intended) cheap gas in your area.OP, here’s link to how to check on fuel delivery issues:
Well ukrkoz, in over 45 years of making a living repairing cars I have seen fuel starvation cause issue on an incline many, many times. That is when the demand is highest.
Hi guys,
Monday I will try to measure the fuel pressure which should be constant (40-50 psi?) for low engine power or high engine power. If this is the case the problem is with the fuel pump and fuel filter. If not something else is going on (bad gas, maybe catalytic converter ?).
I tried the ignition switch as Eric suggested and it is not from there.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks a lot,
SorinHi guys,
Just to let you know:
I took the car to a Honda dealer for diagnostic and they told me the catalytic converter is the culprit. It is clogged and because of that the engine cannot deliver full power.
So I will change it by myself.
I will keep you posted. “Stay dirty!!” as Eric says 🙂
SorinYes, an exhaust restriction can cause issues like that. In fact I made a video about it.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
Hi guys,
It was the catalytic converter. I removed the old one from the car and I found that it was broken inside. I installed a new one – Magnaflow $400 – and also the two oxygen sensors. Everything is good now. I still want to measure the fuel pressure and to check for possible exhaust restrictions (mufflers).
I hope this may be useful for other people.
Thanks a lot for your support,
Sorin
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