[akg7091]

I have a Nov 07 Honda Civic ( MT ) and am facing a peculiar issue since the past 4~5 months. The car vibrates a lot for the first 2~3 minutes when I start it in the morning and the RPM stays at ~1500. Once the engine temp increases, the vibrations go away and the car is very smooth and silent. I went to the AD and he advised Engine oil/oil filter/air filter/spark plug change which I have done. However, the engine vibrations have not gone away. The AD claims it is normal, but my friend's Civic doesn't have this issue in the morning.

The yellow MI light also turns on intermittently which the dealer claimed is due to a faulty O2 sensor. He claimed the sensor is useless and only checks the pollution level. The estimated repair cost for this was 25K and he suggested not to get it done claiming this is a common issue in Honda engines. I checked on the net and found that O2 sensors are not that expensive if bought from outside. Can someone from TBhp please help me locate a dealer in mumbai/online where I can buy an O2 sensor from cheap and also where to get it installed ( Honda AD will not install spares bought from outside. They even refuse to let me purchase my own engine oil )

Apologies for the long post.

[libranof1987]

Was the throttle valve checked/cleaned/replaced in any of the service? You might want to try that before going further.

Also, it would be a good idea to take a second opinion.

[akg7091]

I will ask the AD to do the same in the next visit.
Also, any suggestions for engine oil. I am currently using the Honda ( Idemitsu ) Oil. Should I change to any better oil/different grade which will help in the morning cold start ?

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by akg7091

The yellow MI light also turns on intermittently which the dealer claimed is due to a faulty O2 sensor. He claimed the sensor is useless and only checks the pollution level.

At the cost of sounding sarcastic, might I say

• You need to visit a different service centre or decent FNG - check this forum
• The service advisor needs some advice himself
• Honda needs to be informed about the SA's attitude

And you still need a new O2 sensor.

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by akg7091

Also, any suggestions for engine oil. I am currently using the Honda ( Idemitsu ) Oil. Should I change to any better oil/different grade which will help in the morning cold start ?

It may not be the best, but is still an excellent product. Personally, I would not bother. In fact after a year on Mobil1 I went back to Idemitsu 0W30 due to cost and (possibly) better consumption considerations.

[flipsyde]

What you need to change immediately is your service advisor! Like most he seems to be a blithering idiot who has no compulsion to know his job or realise his level of ignorance.

That aside I think what you need to look at is the engine mount which is quite a common failure on the Civic. Idemitsu oil for the Hondas are probably the best. Stick to it. Especially the synthetic.

If your O2 sensor is faulty the check engine light will stay on permanently. Unless you reset the ECU even after which it will eventually come on. If the problem is intermittent see if the wires connecting to the O2 sensor at the very tip are insulated. I have see a couple of cases where the wires were slightly worn out at the point of contact which was the issue.

[akg7091]

Originally Posted by flipsyde

What you need to change immediately is your service advisor! Like most he seems to be a blithering idiot who has no compulsion to know his job or realise his level of ignorance.

That aside I think what you need to look at is the engine mount which is quite a common failure on the Civic. Idemitsu oil for the Hondas are probably the best. Stick to it. Especially the synthetic.

If your O2 sensor is faulty the check engine light will stay on permanently. Unless you reset the ECU even after which it will eventually come on. If the problem is intermittent see if the wires connecting to the O2 sensor at the very tip are insulated. I have see a couple of cases where the wires were slightly worn out at the point of contact which was the issue.

The O2 sensor fault was diagnosed when the car was scanned by them for 4~5 hours when the MI light came on for the first time. The light keeps going on and off, so I will get the wires also checked out.
Forgot to mention in the OP, but the engine mounts were checked and found to be normal by the AD. I will go to a different AD this time instead of Arya Honda.

[Pashin]

HI,

Am not sure whether your problem is solved but you can try doing the following. Your problem could have cropped if the ecu was reset and could not re-learn properly.

1. Bring the car to optimum driving temperature by driving it for 6-8kms
2. After ensuring that the car is at the correct temperature, stop the car and switch it off.
3. Remove the key, keep the car unlocked. Open the bonnet and disconnect the -ve terminal of the battery.
4. Allow the system to discharge completely. If required press the brake a couple of times.
5, Reattach the -ve terminal to the battery.
6. Start the car and let it idle for about 5-6mins. DO NOT accelerate or turn on any accessories (not even the a/c )
7. (In neutral) Slowly accelerate to 3000-4000 rpm and release the accelerator. Turn the car off. This will help the ecu learn the idle rpm and fuel supply.
8. Start & Drive sedately for the next 50-100kms and allow the ecu to relearn the fuel pattern.

Hope it helps

Regards

[dhanushs]

Apart from whats discussed above, you can try the ECM/PCM Idle Learn Procedure:

• Reset the ECU
• Turn the ignition switch ON (II), and wait 2 seconds.
• Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm (min) without load (in Park or neutral) until the radiator fan comes on, or until the engine coolant temperature reaches 90 °C (194 °F).
• Let the engine idle for about 5 minutes with the throttle fully closed.

NOTE: If the radiator fan comes on, do not include its running time in the 5 minutes

[VeyronSuperSprt]

The vibration that you feel and the very high starting rpm is on account of the faulty O2 sensor. During cold starts, the ECU compensates for the cold temperature by raising the rpm. Which is why you will find all ECU driven cars have a high rpm during cold starts. Once the engine is warm, the rpm is normal while starting. In your case, the faulty O2 sensor is aggravating the starting problem and hence you have the vibrations and the continued high rpm of 1500 for 2/3 minutes. You need to change your O2 sensor and your service advisor.

[akg7091]

Thanks a lot for all the inputs guys. Just wanted to post an update. I got the O2 sensor replaced at an outside garage for 2.8K ( Honda wanted ~18K ) and now the vibrations have come down substantially, but are still there to some extent. I have now got 5w40 Castrol Edge for my car and will use this in the next service due in 2~3 months and post an update.

Again, thanks a lot to everyone for their help.

[TRAUMASURG]

check O2 sensor as mentioned...sometimes moisture in the distributor cap may cause to vibrate violently like you have mentioned...you may want to add one of the fuel system cleaner products available in your gas tank during next fill up to clean the fuel lines...if there is moisture it may give you intermittent check engine light
good luck

[abhipuru16]

Check the engine oil level with the dipstick when the engine is cold to the bone first time in the morning. Refill if necessary or drain if its above the max mark.

[greenhorn]

Unrelated car but same problem. My indica's diesel engine vibrates violently immediately after starting and dies down. this is despite two three rounds of using the heater before starting. I now avoid this by revving it up immediately after it cranks, but what could be causing this ? I never had this problem before. The weather is pretty cold now and my car is parked out in a playground.

[Trust_In_Thrust]

1.) Clean the throttle body
2.) Get the IAC valve cleaned if it utilizes that
3.) Definitely get the tappets checked and adjusted since you say it happens during cold start .