Still Stumped ...

**Super_Sedan** · 12-08-2010, 06:21 PM

So I do NOT need a new catalytic convertor ... My Del Sol still hesitates and lacks power throught the RPM band, but since its been cold out I noticed something different.

A few weeks ago when the weather was warmer my car would always after a few minutes, when the motor would reach its normal engine temp, (about half way on the temp gauge) hesitate, lack power and get bad gas mileage ... but only after the engine warmed up. After initial start-up it does not do it.

Ever since it has been super cold out I noticed something different ...

During the 20 minute drive to work in the mornings since its been cold, the needle on the temp gauge will barely sneak past the "C" or sometimes almost never move and the car will not have any problems at all. No hesitation or lack of power.

Knowing this now, I came to the conclusion that the cars only runs like crap under load when the motor gets warm ... never when its cold. Which eliminates it being the catalytic convertor.

Facts: Hesitation/lack of power when:
Motor is warm
Under load
Throught RPM band
Really bad at low range in the RPM band

Any other thoughts?!?!?! Im stumped.

BTW, my cap/rotor/plugs/wires and fuel filter were all changed and problem still persists ...

**MufflerBearings69** · 12-08-2010, 06:23 PM

Shot in the dark, but on older Nissans, I would look at the temp sender that went to the ECU.

I dont know Hondas or how they are set up regarding that but just a thought to ponder.

**Super_Sedan** · 12-08-2010, 06:40 PM

no CEL's either ...

Ill check that out when I go to the garage in a few ...

**Super_Sedan** · 12-08-2010, 06:50 PM

i bet its going to be sooooo easy and right under my nose when i finally figure it out!!!!

**B-Ran** · 12-08-2010, 06:55 PM

Have you checked the timing(belt and ignition)?

**ThatWhiteGuy** · 12-08-2010, 07:04 PM

Coolant temp sensor if it is not "seening" correct temp it will think it is really cold and ricken up a lot just did this to a car other day on a car found with lab scope

**Jspecwhore** · 12-08-2010, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by 1lowSi

Coolant temp sensor if it is not "seening" correct temp it will think it is really cold and ricken up a lot just did this to a car other day on a car found with lab scope

true, even if that sensor gets wet by water or coolant, the car wont even start. experienced that first hand, had to pat it down with a microfiber towel then wait til it dried off fully

**MufflerBearings69** · 12-08-2010, 07:07 PM

on the nissans they werent that sensitive- but they also never tripped codes as it was never out of range- just never went across the normal range, if that makes sense.

**ThatWhiteGuy** · 12-08-2010, 07:08 PM

Take a ohm reading across just the 2 pins in the coolant sensor let us know what reading u get

^ it was a nissian it thought it was -40deg and was only tripping a o2 code for being dumb rich

**Super_Sedan** · 12-08-2010, 07:52 PM

I wont have access to an ohm tester untill 2morrow. I reset the ECU and pulled a couple plugs and cleaned them ... I will find out 2morrow if that helped any

**MufflerBearings69** · 12-08-2010, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by 1lowSi

Take a ohm reading across just the 2 pins in the coolant sensor let us know what reading u get

^ it was a nissian it thought it was -40deg and was only tripping a o2 code for being dumb rich

Id imagine so if it was that far out. lol

**n2oef** · 12-08-2010, 08:39 PM

coolant temp sensor..wont throw a cel unless its shorted but will give the symptoms u have

**dropcivic** · 12-08-2010, 09:47 PM

Originally Posted by n2oef

coolant temp sensor..wont throw a cel unless its shorted but will give the symptoms u have

Thats it. The ECU and the gauge sensor are two different sensors. My first look would be at the TW(Cooltant temp) sensor

**Super_Sedan** · 12-08-2010, 09:49 PM

What about the ignitor? When I shut the motor down and restart it when its still warm it doesnt want to start right away ...

**Super_Sedan** · 12-08-2010, 10:08 PM

are single cam ignitors all the same?

**n2oef** · 12-08-2010, 10:08 PM

change the temp sensor-its like $15 new.pretty sure its what's causing your issue.it can also be tested to see if its working properly with an ohm meter,but thats probably gonna cost more than $15 to buy one just to test it!

**MufflerBearings69** · 12-08-2010, 10:11 PM

where people fail with testing them is they dont look for a change with the coolant temp changing

typically, including all of them I have changed for others, they probe it and get a reading and call it a day. Should vary with temp or its junk

**ThatWhiteGuy** · 12-08-2010, 10:24 PM

Originally Posted by Super_Sold'

When I shut the motor down and restart it when its still warm it doesnt want to start right away ...

i had a Headgasket do that

**n2oef** · 12-08-2010, 10:56 PM

i used to know the correct redings off the top of my head a few years ago...since i hopped out the honda game awhile ago i have to look everything up now!!