I am at a loss of what the problem is with this POS '99 EX-3.0 powered Accord I just bought. When driving along on the highway with your foot on the gas or cruise control engaged at highway speed, the car will suddenly act like it is idling a but if you stab the gas it reacts instantlyand takes off. I stopped at the filling station right off of the freeway to check it out. The engine was idling and kind of "hunting" and not the usual steady 750RPM. I shut it off and put some gas in it anyway even though it didn't need it and when I started it back up it idled just fine and ran flawlessly back home. It has done this now several times and it is starting to flat **** me off!!

This is the first Honda I bought for my sister...and probably will surely be the last after reading all of the negative press about these 6th gen Accords

But, since I am into it for $4,500 bucks I am going to try to fix it as the rest of it is a nice car.


Can someone shed some light on what possibly ails this thing?
Thanx,
Bud

 

The biggest problem with the 6th gen acccords (especially the V6) is early transmission failures.

I would probably start by stopping by a parts store and have them scan for codes. Post the code on here. They start with the letter P and have four numbers like P1234. Also, have them test the battery, alternator, and starter.

Try to find out when the maintenance items were done like the spark plugs, air filter, etc...

I would also call your local honda dealership and ask about the ignition switch recall on your car. Your car may or may not be part of that recall. It can't hurt to ask though.

 

It has no codes. The first thing I did was hook my handheld up to it. It shifts fine. This car was babied and had 76,000 miles on it.
It has also had the recall ign. sw. replaced.
Bud

 

Just remember that honda replaced the electrical portion of the ignition switch with a new switch that was not redesigned. The new switch could be failing.

I would disconnect the battery, then clean all ends of both battery cables to be sure that you have a good connection. Also inspect the wiring between the alternator and the battery.

I would also inspect the spark plugs along with the distributor cap and rotor to be sure that they arent worn out. Take a look in the owner's manual for the proper mileage to change those items. Also, only use the spark plugs recommended in the owner's manual or on the sticker under your hood. They are NGK plugs that you can pick up at any parts store.

 

If it is the ignition switch the dash lights will probably go off. Wiggle the key and they come back on. At least that was my experience.

I now have a new problem. Decelerates to 1500 rpm max. acts as if it is starving for fuel and has a slight miss. Happen this weekend coming home from vacation. Drove 3 hrs at a max of 40mph. At the end 5mph uphill. The next day ran normally for about 3mi and then same thing.

 

Honda service manager just told me it could be the VTEC ( variable timing sensor) sensor.

 

Pull your fuel pump out of the tank. Its easy to do.

You should replace your fuel filter which sits on the intake of the pump. Also check the wiring harness as there have been issues where the power supply ground wire will melt through its insulation and when the fuel return is activated (when there is vacuum in the intake manifold) it dumps the returned fuel right over the power supply. I'd check it at least. Its easy to do and if it is the problem then you just saved a bunch of time scratching your head.

If it was the vtec sensor it would trigger a code