Hey,

I started up my 97 Civic the other day and, like always, the engine sounds like it stutters. Also, when I first put it into drive it lacks power, as if no fuel is reaching the engine. After I give it more gas, the engine resumes its normal state and there are almost never any further problems after that.
This time it was different. The engine stuttered for a few, but remained in this state. It sounds as if the engine is about to die because of lack of fuel, especially when I'm waiting at a red light. Also the car lacks power. It takes the engine a while to reach 40mph to 60mph. What I have noticed is that when I hold the gas for several seconds/Consistently, the yellow check engine light begins to blink, with no apparent rythem or pattern. after a few times, it stops.

We checked and replaced a faulty fuel injector, but the problem persist.

We checked sparked plug wires and there good

Checked Piston compression good.

Checked Voltage on fuel injector 14.5v

If you guys have any suggestions/ Advise, it would be extremely appreciated.

ALSO: I had the issue with Fuse 15 and all the symptoms and issues. Luckily you guys were able to help with that and it worked great. I replaced the Fuse and all the issues went away, except the check engine light. No really an issue, but though you guys should know in case there may be an issue there or cause.

 

flashing CEL means you are misfiring. The code number should tell you if you are misfiring on a specific cylinder or all of them. how is your idle? it should be steady at about 800ish once the car is up to operating temps. if this is not the case, you may have a vacuum leak causing the misfire.

I would check all your injectors, they have little black inline filters at the top. check to make sure those arnt clogged as well as the carbon buildup on the tips.

Also might wanna try checking your ignition timing, some autozones rent timing guns for free, howerver mine doesnt.

also, if you injector tips are really dirty, there is a good chance your intake valves are really dirty too,which could possibly cause misfire. When my exhaust valves were to tight I had misfire, but not sure about the intakes. could try a can of seafoam to clean them.

Also, I saw you checked the plug wires, but might wanna replace the plugs themselves, along with the distributor cap and rotor too if they are old.

goodluck

 

Thanks for the advice.

From what I understand, the engine computer may have burned out. Do you guys know anything about that?

Thank You guys, the help is appreciated.

 

from my experience, when a mechanic is stumped they will say "it could always be the computer." I have had that pulled on me 3 times, and it never ended up being the problem. Its a possibility, but one of the least likely.

if you know anyone with a civic exactly like yours(96-98/trim level/transmission) you could swap theirs in quick to test it, you just take out a couple mounting screws and plug the 3 or 4 plugs from yours to theirs.

if you already checked all the other things I mentioned, it could be one of the components in your distributor, your fuel pressure regulator, maybe the fuel filter.