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Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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culturevulture
New User
Dec 15, 2009, 6:12 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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I have been taking great care of my 2003 Honda, Accord Ex since I bought it new. I have carefully kept all repair work i.e tuneups, tires, recall repairs, and and oil changes (Just had an oil change three weeks ago) .All of a sudden the car slows down and drags when it is going uphill until it finally picks up. The steering feels a little stiff if you can picture that. It is still getting great gas mileage and has 117,000 miles on it. Four months ago I bought a oxygen sensor only and my husband's young friend put it on...could it be that? Finally it needs front tires front tires. Can someone please tell me what you think the problem is? I've called the dealer it costs $80.00 just to inspect the car, would it be okay if I go to another mechanic with genuine Honda parts examine and repair it? Do they charge to inspect it? I always try to save money but not if it will cost me a lot in the long run. I am wondering if my oxygen sensor might be the problem? Please forgive all of the questions but I am not even a novice but I love my car and want to know how to help the mechanic track down the problem (s)Thanx in advance.
(This post was edited by culturevulture on Dec 15, 2009, 6:43 PM)
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Dec 15, 2009, 9:15 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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There's a lot of things that could cause the problem you are having. We would need some more info to get into the ballpark. 1st thing is if the check engine light is on, get the codes pulled so we can see what system is being affect.
There isn't anything wrong with going to a shop other than the dealer to get your Honda serviced, there are plenty of reputable shops out there that would be able to service your car. If you've had good service and are happy with them I see no reason to switch. Just so you know, the "inspection" you are talking about is actually a drivability diagnostic. This involves expensive equipment and a good knowledge of the system you are working on. This takes time, so any reputable shop isn't going to do this for free. $80 actually sounds pretty reasonable, especially for a dealer.
This is going to be a red flag for you if you do go looking for a different shop. If they do diags for free (and there are shops out there that do) that tells you they haven't invested the money in tooling or training. They are basically pulling codes and giving you their best guess based on the code without actually going in and finding the problem. Sometimes they get lucky, then all is good & you saved money.... Unfortunately they also guess wrong, these are complex systems to work on, and that's when it gets frustrating for you and for the next tech who gets to clean up the mess......
Sounds like you've kept up on the maintenance, that's usually my 1st suggestion, to take care of any overdue maintenance. It's something that is needed regardless and if takes care of the problem, then that's even better. With 117k I'm sure you've already replaced the timing belt. You can make sure you have a good air filter, cleaning the MAF sensor with the proper cleaner while you're in there wouldn't hurt. Get the battery tested if it's more than a few years old, although it shouldn't cause the problem you're having, a bad battery can have a adverse affect on some tests that are run so usually that's one of the 1st things that gets checked before any tests are run, so if you do take it in, having a good batt will save you time & money......
Oh, also make sure there is gas in the car because problems like this do require driving the car. You don't want to be paying someone $80 hr. to put gas in your car and like any business, they do have to markup the product they sell....
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steve01832
Veteran
Dec 16, 2009, 4:47 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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The questions I would like answered are:
1) Is this an automatic trans. or a manual shift?
2) When you climb the hill and the car is sluggish, is the engine revving?
Steve
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culturevulture
New User
Dec 17, 2009, 5:08 AM
Post #4 of 7
(5048 views)
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Re: Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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Hi,
My car is an automatic and when it goes uphill it just slows down so much that I have to give it extra gas. After that, it is okay.
Also I need new tires. Do you think that that has some bearing on my problem? Thanx for answering so quickly.
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steve01832
Veteran
Dec 17, 2009, 5:14 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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This could be the transmission not downshifting correctly or you could have a problem such as a restricted exhaust (clogged converter, muffler, collapsed pipe) causing the engine to not rev. These are just 2 suggestions of about 6 or 7 things that can cause this symptom.
Steve
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culturevulture
New User
Dec 17, 2009, 5:21 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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Hi there. I went to a shop today and explained the problem to the mechanic. I then showed him my repair papers and he looked at them with me. He went to take the diagnostic test and afterward he told me that I need a: 2003 Oxygen Sensor Bank 1 Sensor 2 and a timing belt. Since they don't let their customers go into the shop I did not see him do a diagnostic test by the way. Either he did it for free because he does not have a machine or as my husband puts it: "it was the "good ol' boy discount" because we live in a very small town.
Do you think that an Oxygen Sensor sounds right? As I've mentioned I bought one online (I know nothing about cars and promise not to pretend to again). Our little 20 year old friend put the thing in a tool that I ordered at the same time.
I appreciate your help. I know nothing about automotive stuff and am terrified every time that I think that I may become someone's victim. I love giving but I prefer choosing the charity.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 19, 2009, 4:00 AM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Honda Accord 2003 sluggish uphill climbing
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Hey - don't think shops are all out to get you! If that O2 sensor is before the coverter(s) it can alter the behavior of the car and will store a code for a while then a light. TMK the sensor after the converter won't. They can be a real pest and if you know nothing (you said it) about cars this isn't for you IMO. As Steve said you must have done one timing belt already and closing in on time for the next. Check your owner's manual for there suggestion on how many miles. If mine It would be replaced early or you can risk severe engine damage,
T
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