96 civic ex, non vtec, after market header, after market cat - runs great when cold but when it warms up, it sounds like it wants to shut off but continues to run sluggishly. When given gas, it sounds like it wants to shut off, but once it reaches higher rpm, it runs but still sluggish...
Replaced fuel filter and catalytic converter, same problem...
Converter had one o2 sensor (upstream), need to get another. When cat was replaced, had to cut wire.
Could this be an o2 sensor problem, or fuel issue?
Thanks for any suggestions...

 

Is your CEL on? if so pull the code it gives you.

However, this sounds like an O2 sensor problem. You cut the wires and that usually means the o2 sensor is garbage.

Because your o2 sensor is malfunctioning, your car is in imp mode because your computer thinks the engine is broken. Replacing the O2 sensor should fix this problem.

 

The problem started prior to replacing the cat converter, the wires were cut when the cat was replaced. Will a o2 sensor from advance or such auto parts store work, or will I have to obtain one from the dealership? The CEL came on after the cat was replaced and after the wire to the o2 sensor was cut.
Could the injectors be "clogged"?

 

I agree with Tiran. The primary O2 sensor is crucial for proper engine performance and fuel economy. Install a new O2 sensor and go from there. I think the OEM sensor from Honda would be best, though a Bosch may also work.

Though you know that the missing O2 sensor is throwing a CEL code, go ahead and retrieve codes from the ECU as others also may be stored there.

I thought that the 96 EX came with a D16Y8 engine, which has VTEC. Has your engine been replaced?

 

No, the engine has never been replaced. The car was purchased brand new in January 1996, the dealership said it was non-vtec. There are no identifying "marks" indicating that it is vtec, when serviced by the dealership (valve adjustment), they also said it was non-vtec.
I hope the bosch o2 sensor will work, the OEM from Honda is VERY pricy!

I'll purchase the cheaper, install and re-post...

It just seems odd, one day the car ran fine, parked it, the next morning it started having these problems.

Thanks

 

Trobaked are you in canada or the US?

I have an EX too but because it is a Canadian EX it has the d16y7 and is equivalent to the American LX.

 

Location: North Carolina, United States

What do you think about the bosch versus the OEM from Honda sensor?

 

The VIN will tell you whether the car was made in the U.S. or Canada.

Did you retrieve any other codes besides the O2 sensor one?

If, after replacing the O2 sensor, the problem persists, then do a basic tune up (replace plugs, wires, cap, rotor) and also clean the IACV on the throttle body.