LogoMan Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 My old tired '98 Honda Civic has been sitting for a couple of weeks awaiting its sale, and when I started it up yesterday the "check engine" light was on and it was rhythmically surging like it was starving for air every other 3 seconds. Weird. I couldn't find anything obviously wrong with vacuum hoses, electrical connectors, etc. under the hood. It has a new air filter and all the fluids are topped up. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBadExxample Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 Check the codes. If you don't have an OBDC II code reader, some auto parts stores will read the codes for you. My bet is that a sensor has gone bad, causing both your check engine light and surging. Around here Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone will read the codes for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LogoMan Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 Check the codes. If you don't have an OBDC II code reader, some auto parts stores will read the codes for you. My bet is that a sensor has gone bad, causing both your check engine light and surging. Around here Advance Auto Parts and AutoZone will read the codes for free. I figured it was a sensor of some sort. I forgot to ask for an OBDC II code reader for Christmas. Damn. I'll take it up to Advance and see what those goons can do for me. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LogoMan Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 It was the idle sensor. $177. Crap. Anyone want a '98 Honda Civic hatchback with about 150K on it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted September 6, 2008 Share Posted September 6, 2008 It was the idle sensor. $177. Crap. Anyone want a '98 Honda Civic hatchback with about 150K on it? I have an 01 with 201,000 on it. Now I know what to replace if it surges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LogoMan Posted September 6, 2008 Author Share Posted September 6, 2008 It's real easy, Dave. It's about a 10 minute job even if you're a so-so wrench. You'll need a 12mm and an 8mm socket, some plyers and maybe a screwdriver to loosen up the coolant hoses to work them off. I didn't even damage the throttle body base gasket. When you get the damn palm-sized part off you'll wonder why in the heck it costs so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuffguyF4i Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Yup..i was going to say idle air valve/sensor. They stick on old cars when they sit. How do i know? I just got an engine put in my Altima, that had been shelved in a warehouse for a few years. Bad IAV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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