I’m purchasing a 1998 Civic HX that’s been meticulously maintained. It has 130000 miles. The only issue is that the engine light is on. I drove the car and it seems to run fine. The owner has taken it to his mechanic anda Honda dealership and has performed multiple diagnostics on it. I’m getting a very good deal, but, wanted some feedback from experts before completing the transaction. Here are the events with notes from the repair shop and dealer leading up to the current engine code flashing, P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire).

Beginning July 2007 - Engine light comes on...

7/14 – Serviced at local repair shop
Problem: Engine light on, 1st time. Not sure of the code, but, it was related to EGR.
Service: EGR Valve replaced; Cleared code

8/8 – Serviced at local repair shop
Problem: P0301, P0300, P0303
Service: New plugs, wires, dist. cap, rotor, fuel filter; cleaned fuel injectors in place; cleared codes

8/14 – Honda dealership
Problem: P0303
Service: Cleaned all plugs and wires; road tested on highway approx. 10 miles and rechecked code, no codes; Found temporary code 1163, O2 sensor #1 slow response, after market sensor found. If code returns, recommend valve adjustment and Honda factory cap, rotor, wires; Leaking head gasket could also cause misfire code; cleared codes

8/23 – Honda dealership
Problem: P0303
Service: Performed compression test, good compression; Performed cooling pressure test for head gasket leakage, no leakage; Swapped #3 and 4 injectors to eliminate fuel concern; Adjusted valves; cleared code and road tested, light came back on; Inspected and found alternator putting out around 12 volts; Also noted spark plug wires too long; Recommend replacing alternator and tune-up parts with Honda factory parts; Cleared code.

After driving 10 miles or sothe engine light comes back on, code P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire).

As I said, the car seems to run fine and I don’t mind spending some money (up to $750) to resolve the issue. But, I don't want to find out that the engine needs major work costing thousands.

Based on the description of the issue, does it sound like there could be a major problem?

My gut says no, but, I’m not familiar with Honda’s so I would like to get an expert option.

Thanks... Mike

 

ok, i have a 98 too. i swear my cel was on for at least a year and a half with the same codes. took it in and had the same stuff done. finally i just pulled the bulb cuze it got really annoying. still running strong at 160,000.

 

^WOW, not a good idea. You'll probably spend 500+ each time you go to the dealership because they love to rape people. Try to find a shop that specializes in Imports and preferrably just Hondas. They are normally better with prices that the stealership, plus their workers rock!! If you are getting a great deal on this car, and I mean GREAT DEAL, maybe it's worth it. This guy is trying to ditch the car b/c of the reoccuring CEL and is trying to convince you that it will go away. Obviously he failed to get results. That's something to think about...
...Personally, I wouldn't do it. It's only an HX and it's got over 130k

for reference:
P0301 = No. 1 Cylinder Misfire
P0302 = No. 2 Cylinder Misfire
P0303 = No. 3 Cylinder Misfire

 

Sounds like the guy just kept refusing to replace his cap rotor and wires with genunine Honda parts (which aren't that expensive anyway) despite that it seems to be misfiring. That may be all it needs.