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Rare_Sort_4157

Car has big problems and idk why :( (long read)

I need help fixing something

2003 Honda Civic EX; 217k miles

Car has a (several?) problem(s). The current symptoms are constant misfires in first gear, no power when accelerating (RPMs go up), and the car shakes and jerks terribly when trying to move. It idles perfectly fine however.

Currently: It has a cylinder 1 and 3 misfire when checked with a scan tool. Live data showed misfires up to a value of 88.

Before: Months ago, I was driving in the mountains uphill, maintaining around 4500 RPMs for a while. Then, I noticed the RPMs wobble, and eventually the gas pedal stopped doing anything; I'd press it and nothing happened. Eventually I coasted over to the shoulder where it died and the battery light was on. I jumped it, and drove it home, and it seemed fine.

But after that point, it got worse, especially uphill. Acceleration kept slowing down until it would take 30 seconds just to reach 40 mph.

It always had a CEL for a P0131, but when I rescanned it had a P0341. I replaced the sensor with a non OEM one, code went away and symptoms remained. I replaced that one with an OEM one, symptoms remained. I verified the timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft and the timing belt was fine, didn't jump a tooth.

I replaced the spark plugs, misfire remained. I swapped the ignition coils, and it's still cylinder 1 and 3 misfire. I checked the air filter. I did a compression test on all cylinders, and they were 180, 175, 167, 175 PSI. I wanted to do a fuel pressure test but car has no Schrader valve on fuel rail.

Idk what else to do :( I'd appreciate any advice, thank you

Posted Apr 1, 2026, 8:21 PM UTC

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