My idle has been really low (since I bought the car) although it has never died, I've felt it get low enough to where I thought it was going to die. With the A/C on, it idles where it normally should. The idle adjustment screw has never been touched so I'm thinking it's related to the jerky acceleration I'm having.

The problems are:
Lower idle than normal...i think?
Jerky low RPM acceleration until after 4,000RPM top end hauls butt.


The problem is worse if I push the gas pedal too much at lower RPMS but if I just barely give it gas, I don't feel it.

So far I've checked and adjusted the timing and replaced spark plugs, fuel filter and made sure the cat. wasn't clogged.

 

Probably the problem is in the fuel delivery;fuel filter, fuel pump etc. Check the fuel pressure it would give you a idea.

 

The fuel filter is new but my fuel pump sock might be dirty I guess or the pump could be going out. The spark plugs looked the same but they were rather white and not the perfect tan color I like to see.

 

What year Civic?

Is the CEL ON?

Did you jump the service connector and use a timing gun to check the ignition timing?

Have you tried cleaning the IACV (see forum DIY)?

 

It's a 2000 EX 5spd.

The CEL is on but the code is P1457

I did jump the service connector.

I'll clean the IACV next.

 

Have you retrieved CEL codes since the problem started?

 

The problem has always been there since I bought the car but I have checked codes 3 times and always checked out the be 1457. I still need to fix that too but I don't think it would hurt performance... just prevent me from getting an inspection?

 

heres a few other things that MAY be it. Theyre a fairly cheap fix so id start with them, if in fact it is not the CEL. Change the spark plugs/plug wires, dizzy cap/rotor, fuel filter, check the IACV (like RonJ said, its in the DIY section (i wrote it)) and the Fast idle valve

 

Code P1457 is indicating a problem with the evaporative emission control system. Start by checking whether the seal on the gas cap is bad.

GReddy_Civic has some good tips; however, the 2000 Civic doesn't have a fast idle valve.

 

I've read that a bad gas cap doesn't show a 1457 code?