I'm having a problem with acceleration on my Civic 1.7 diesel, a month before the warranty expires. After a cold start, i can accelerate as normal for a mile or so, then suddenly the acceleration dies as if the turbo has failed. I can onlythen accelerate at a very slow rate, and it takes an age to get up to 60 mph. Can anyone help as to what the problem could possibly be and a solution?
If it was the turbo, would this be covered by the warranty?

 

If the warranty expires in a month, you need to get that car to the dealership tommorow. As far as the turbo goes, it should be covered under warranty since it is a part of the drive train. If you have a boost guage, it is pretty easy to check if the turbo is working. When you rev the engine the boost guage should show an increase in pressure. Also, since you have a diesel engine, it is important to make sure the engine is properly warmed up before driving it aggressivly. Diesel fuel is very thick, especially when its cold. Its hard for the engine to ignite this fuel when it is cold.

 

Thanks. I do usually drive gently for the first 10 minutes or so, but this problem was still evident after 20 minutes of driving. Just spoke to the dealership, and can't get the car in until Wednesday as all service staff have gone home early! Unfortunately, i have a 100 mile round trip to work on Christmas Day, so it looks like it will be fingers crossed.

 

I have a diesel pickup truck and I let that thing idle for like 15-20 mins before I drive it..........youve gotta let it warm up 100% before driving it.......if you have been just starting it and driving it you may have caused some damage to the engine.........I dont know what the dealership is going to do, because they cant really tune it up........Not sure if you knew this, but diesels dont have spark plugs.