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NQuick · Jan 25, 2011, 06:40 PM

Hello everyone, I have a 92 Honda Civic DX A/T that has been running strangely lately. I first noticed this when I started my car one morning and let the car run while I scraped ice off the windows. Within 5 minutes the car shut off. It restarted just fine and I was able to drive to work just fine. However, on the way home, the car would stutter briefly on the freeway, but it would never stall out. However, once I had got into slower traffic, the car would bog down before regaining power, and would stall out often when slowing for a turn or a stop. It re-fired every time and got home. I have replaced the air filter, fuel filter, and O2 sensor (as the CEL was tripping a Code 41) as well as clean the IACV. Despite this, the car is still having the same problem. FWIW, my ignition coil failed about 7 months ago. At that time, I replaced plugs, wires, the faulty coil and the ICM, so those items are fairly new. I can hear the fuel pump operating, and I did check for voltage going to the MAP sensor (yellow/red wire), and it has always measured around 5 V. My manual mentions to measure voltage on the signal wire (white wire). My picture in the manual isn't very clear, and I'm not quite sure how to measure it. The MAP connector has to be connected to the sensor in order to perform this test. It looks like he probes where the wire goes into the connector, but I've yet to get any reading when doing this. Is there another way to probe this wire, or do you just have to really work the probe into the wire to get a reading? Or am I barking up the wrong tree testing the MAP sensor to fix this problem?

TxGreaseMonkey · Jan 25, 2011, 08:02 PM

You've done a lot of good things to your Civic. Since your CEL comes on and goes off after 2 seconds, when the ignition switch is turned to ON (Position II), your problem is likely distributor related. Is your distributor housing a genuine Honda component? Everything else is suspect. Did you apply silicone heat transfer compound to the back of the ICM? If not, they are prone to act up and fail. MAP Sensors are extremely reliable (and expensive)--I don't think it has anything to do with your problem.

If the problem persists, I would check the ignition timing with a strobe light, after the engine is at normal operating temperature and the idle rpm is set to spec. I would also ensure the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor is working properly. Hopefully, your new oxygen sensor was made by Denso--I don't trust others. Finally, clean the throttle plate and throttle body with an appropriate cleaner.

NQuick · Jan 25, 2011, 10:11 PM

Thanks, that looks like a bunch of great info.

Yes, the current distributor housing is genuine Honda, but as far as I know, it's also the original. So after 19 or 20 years, I guess it's bound to go.

You know, I don't think I did apply any compound to the back of the ICM, but I did check it the other day when I was under the hood and the voltage and continuity were still in spec. However, I will apply that compound and inspect it when I install it into the new housing.

I did install a Denso oxygen sensor, so I'm happy to hear you like those so much. I liked them because they're OEM fit and NOT universal.

I'll check back in once I get the new housing installed. Thanks again!

NQuick · Feb 17, 2011, 02:54 PM

Well, the new distributor seems to have done the trick. It was a bit difficult to start at first, but it eventually fired up. After a timing adjustment the car runs like a top. Thanks for the help Mr. TxGreaseMonkey!

TxGreaseMonkey · Feb 17, 2011, 03:27 PM

Nice job! Here's how to use a timing light to set the timing:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post219963

AdamMac · Mar 3, 2011, 07:33 PM

OMG! I have a 92 civic with IDENTICAL problems! I haven'tbeen able to find any posts describing similar symptoms... Have you fixed the problem yet? If so what it?

NQuick · Mar 8, 2011, 09:37 PM

It was the distributor housing. I replaced that, and adjusted the timing and the car now runs like a top.

But do follow TXGreaseMonkey's suggestion of getting an OEM Honda distributor housing if possible. Unfortunately, the off-branded electrical parts you get at places like AutoZone or Advance just don't seem to agree with Hondas for very long.