Yes you're probably looking at a new distributor. You can test the sensor with an ohmmeter first, there's a chance the problem is actually in the wiring. Or just replace dizzy, keeping your old one until you're sure the problem is gone.

That sensor is important for timing the sparks, so I would expect the engine to not run right simply because the sensor is bad.

 

thank you! real help!!! I will get a new one

 

I am having the same sort of problem with my 95 civic si d16, it's been bogging hard at 5k and once vtec kicks in it gives the check engine light and runs in what im guessing is safe mode cuz it doesnt bog, then i turn the motor off and start it and it will do the same thing. there was old gas in it apparently and I ran about 2 tanks through and 2 bottles of fuel injector/system cleaner through thinking it would fix it but no difference yet. and when I got it inspected there were no codes coming up on the scanner but I don't think the CEL was on at that time.

 

OBD1. Just to clear up any questions. =P

 

dareez: Codes should be stored even after the light goes out (if not, the BACK UP fuse under the hood could be bad). Inspection stations probably don't check OBD1's for codes at all since the procedure is different for every model rather than standardized like OBDII. So check it yourself. If the light has been on there should be a code stored.

 

It's very common for 92-95 OBDI Civics to erase intermittent CEL codes if the CEL turns off or if the engine is turned off. The solution is, when the CEL turns on, to pull over and leave the engine running while you jump the service connector. This way you are sure to recover the CEL code.

 

I followed the instructions from the link in your sig and got CEL code 9, cylinder sensor. Is this what could be causing bogging at high rpms, or is this a different problem?
edit: Also, the airbag light was flashing while the cel was flashing its code. I don't know if that's normal, I've never had to do this before.

 

Replacing the distributor is likely to fix the problem.

 

I've replaced that sensor on my neon without replacing the whole distributor housing. Honda's may be different though. I haven't looked at mine. But... it was an easy fix on the neon.

 

The Civic sensors aren't typically sold separately. Officially, the entire bottom part of the distributor is to be replaced as a unit.