Since I purchased my Accord nearly 5 years ago it has never started as fast as I thought I should. The car has gone through 3 batteries in that time as well, the last one going in in December.

Then last month it wouldn't always start, with the problem becoming more and more frequent, and it nearly left me stranded a few times. The battery tested out at 100% and the alternator was good as well.

So I decided to replace the starter, and purchased a starter from the parts yard for $40 with a 6 month warranty, which seemed worth it. It was off a 2006 with 50k.

The intake came off without much trouble, I removed as few vacuum and antifreeze lines as possible. While removing the back long bolt from the starter i managed to shear the plug off the Shock Sensor, so I replaced that as well.

I put everything back together and it seemed to stick at high idle. I checked the throttle cable and it seemed ok. I drove it some and noticed it wanting to surge with steady throttle pressure on level ground and that my brakes felt weak. Then the check engine light came on, my buddies at the local shop said it was a MAP sensor code.

I explained what I did and how, and then mentioned 2 key facts:
*The inside of the intake was coated with about an 1/8th of an inch of black hard grainy stuff
* I add antifreeze to the resovoir about every 3 months

They believe it is an intake issue and recommend taking it to Honda.

So today I checked torque on everything, some of it tightened up. I also managed to snap the top right nut off with the bolt. (dumb I know, my torque wrench went in the trash as it wasn't showing anywhere near what it shoulda been obviously) I checked all hoses and connections and started the car. It idled high for about a minute after stepping on the gas, then dropped to a low idle, and would almost stall then rev up, and now that is all it will do.

At this point I am afraid to drive it. Tomorrow I will disconnect the battery and let things reset then we will see.

I doubt this will help, so what would you guys do? Recommend? Should I throw a new MAP sensor in it? Or just take it to the dealer and let them sort it out? Am I missing something???

(My local Honda dealer had their inventory seized a few months back, my uncle took his CRV in this week for an inspection that they couldnt do as they didn't pay the state and got shut down, therefore I have to tow my vehicle 80 miles to Syracuse NY to get it to a Honda dealer I like)

I really appreciate any thoughts and input for the newbie to the forum! I am very discouraged and never screwed things up this bad before....
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2004 Honda Accord EX Sedan 2.4L

 

You must get that car on a diagnostic computer and have the complete system run that will check everything on that car..Do you have a Import service business that works on Acura's and Honda's only in your area?. If you do, spend the money and have it done...

That's the way you will get it corrected...

WheelBrokerAng

 

I do not, I have to go 75 miles for all that. My Honda dealer is almost defunct and the other import guy I do not like or trust, I think I'm towing it to get looked it

 

Good luck on getting your ride fixed up..

 

I would back track what you did, since you took off the intake (manifold?)and surging idle sounds like an intake leak, maybe you forgot to connect a vacuum hose somewhere or damaged a seal. low vacuum to brake booster would make brakes feel weak. try to get back to where you were.
you maybe frustrated now but keep a cool head and think logically, it could save you big bucks.
map sensor code doesn't mean buy a new one but check all related conditions first like a huge intake leak can throw off the map sensor. fix the intake leak first, clear code then recheck for map sensor code. simple ways to find a leak are, do you hear a loud air whirling sound? then you got a huge leak. smaller leaks, spray carb/tb cleaner (watch the paint), penetrating oil or propane (outdoors only) around the suspect areas, if you hear a change in idle then you gotta leak.
if time is more important than money then do what you gotta do