[BlackTalon]

Looking for suggestions on where to start diagnosing a stalling issue on a 2001 Honda Civic. Recently the car started stuttering when coming to a stop. This morning it stalled a couple times. There are no issues with stuttering/ stalling on acceleration (which would typically point to vacuum, right?).

What are the typical causes when this happens while coming to a stop? Fuel (i.e., possible clogged fuel filter)? Plugs? Still possibly a vacuum issue?

I need to diagnose fast, as this is the wife's car, and she has a long commute. And she can't drive a stick, so she can't take the Volvo or Targa.

Thanks!

[cmartin]

Plug in a code reader. I've seen similar conditions with a bad MAP sensor or injector. Dont throw parts at it, check for codes.

Clogged filter or bad fuel pump usually show's up under load. I believe that engine has an idle control valve, check the code.

[type954]

Recent poor running on a '96 Accord was fixed by the dealer by a new distributor. Sensors inside the dizzy aren't replacable so you buy the whole dizzy.

[Charlie Stylianos]

Your problem could be a number of things. Most likely, your RACV (rotary air control valve) is sticking. A quick way to check it is when the idle is abnormally low, you can take a long screwdriver pressed up against it and tap it lightly with a hammer. This will allow the valve to open and allow the idle to return to normal. The RACV is located on th throttle body. It has two coolant hoses that run to it.

The RACV is notorious for carbon buildup causing it to stick. It is just a valve that rotates to allow air into the intake manifold to control idle speed. It will tend to stick more when the ECU gives it small adjustment commands (regular driving). When adjustment commands are larger the RACV moves with enough force to free its valve (Wide open throttle driving). This is still the first place I would look for diagnosis.

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-tr...ing-28503.html

[RedOctober]

Sell it and buy a reliable 944 for her.

[smo]

Seafoam and wide open throttle on the back roads starting from low rpms. Just blow the shit through the motor.....

or pull the entire throttle assembly off and clean it out as much as possible. The plate on my girls truck was really dirty and gummed up after 100k miles. Some carb cleaner and a rag fixed the idle.

[BlackTalon]

Thanks for the ideas!

[Lupin..the..3rd]

Originally Posted by cmartin

Plug in a code reader. I've seen similar conditions with a bad MAP sensor or injector. Dont throw parts at it, check for codes.

x2, check the engine computer. There may be error codes stored there, even without a CEL.

These new fangled cars, it's all computers these days. I'm not even sure if there are still pistons and cam shafts any more. These modern cars are powered purely by the force of the computers.

[HateDCRoads]

I had the exact same problem with an Audi I used to have - distributor was bad (if it has one)