I got a Honda civic ex 2000 automatic about 171,000 miles and was kind of a hand me down car from my uncle who practically never maintenance it and I've replace all the basic things on it like air filter, transmission fluid, oil, spark plugs, and wires. Those all helped the performance but usually after it warms up the car seems to accelerate slowly from a complete stop and picks up after 2nd gear. The weird thing is that it performs better at night when its cool out and i get practically no sluggish performance. I tried cleaning the MAP sensor checked for vac leaks but still haven't found the problem. Also i smell what is like unburnt fuel so I don't know if its running rich or excess fumes coming from this small hole right behind the muffler.
I know its a lot but any help is appreciated.

 

I got nearly the same problem and I live in AZ ( i got short ram air intake to see if it would help, obviously not), when it gets warmed up really well, after I drive for 10 miles. Its very bad acceleration even into 2nd gear, but around 2500 rpms in 2nd I am back in business.

Until that point I got to give it 3/4 throttle to keep it downshifted as 5k rpm in 1st is better ( but not near proper ) then 800rpm in 2nd.

I hear a deep bog sound to the engine when its having the problem.

oh and making a right hand turn when its going slow seem to be making it worse, when i straighten out i got to give it almost full throttle to get to 30 mph again..

no engine codes.

echak, not trying to hijack, just going to follow the suggestions you get =)

Also, I do have a odbII and software if someone can tell me what I need to look for.. I can data log while driving as well..

Thank you8

 

The day after i posted my problem i got a check engine light
and now im gonna go get it scanned and diagnosed so i can see what the problem is. With some of the research that ive done and looking through forums i think it might be a clogged cat or a bad o2 sensor which both can be costly but i cant be 100% till i get it checked.

 

I had the same symptom, but mine was actually ignition timing. Are you also getting bad gas mileage? Running a little warm?

 

well temp on gauge shows normal a little under half way, but i guess my timing could be off too haven't checked that and yea i get pretty bad gas mileage.
Oh and could the ignition timing being off be why i have some carbon build up on my spark plugs?

 

Pull the codes.

Replace the cap and rotor.

Adjust the ignition timing to spec.

 

took it to the mechanics and said it sounded like a clogged cat but they weren't sure so i guess I'll take it to the dealer, but since its hot i think maybe its heatsoak?

 

Have you checked the timing yet?

Clogged cat would be the same whether cold or hot, so I'm ruling that out. There is a definite test for a clogged cat using a vacuum gauge. Or you can take it off and look inside.

 

no i havent but I was gonna take it to a shop since i dont have a timing light or should i just get one and do it my self?

 

its been a while but timing is correct and its still doing it, any ideas suggestions?