What are the reasons for the 6th generation Accord's inability to accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal?
4 Answers
The reasons for the 6th generation Accord's inability to accelerate when stepping on the gas pedal are as follows: 1. Idle speed too low: The idle speed is too low, causing the air-fuel mixture to become too lean to ignite when the gas pedal is pressed due to a sudden increase in air intake. In this case, the idle speed can be adjusted appropriately. 2. Carburetor fuel supply issues: For example, a clogged fuel filter or a damaged float chamber switch can cause poor fuel supply. When the gas pedal is pressed, the fuel level in the carburetor float chamber drops, but the subsequent fuel supply cannot keep up. 3. Choke valve switch left open: The choke valve switch is opened before a cold start and forgotten to be closed after the engine warms up, which can also cause engine problems when stepping on the gas pedal.
The other day I encountered this issue while driving a '98 Accord. No matter how hard I stepped on the gas, the speed just wouldn't pick up. After inspection, I found the fuel injectors were extremely dirty, with carbon deposits clogging the fuel lines like rust in water pipes. Also pay attention to the ignition system - leaking ignition coils or excessive spark plug gaps can affect combustion efficiency. The fuel tank filter in older cars is particularly prone to clogging, causing fuel starvation during acceleration. Additionally, if the catalytic converter in the exhaust pipe gets blocked, the trapped exhaust can make the engine lose power. Finally, don't forget to check the throttle cable - I've seen several old Accords with sticking cables that prevented proper throttle opening.
If you feel the throttle response is sluggish in this generation Accord, don't rush into major repairs. From my experience, common scenarios include: an aging fuel pump failing to deliver adequate fuel supply, causing the tachometer needle to fluctuate erratically like stepping on cotton. Not changing the air filter for two months can suffocate an older car – temporarily removing and tapping out the dust can provide emergency relief. The most easily overlooked culprit is the exhaust pressure sensor – when faulty, it causes the ECU to miscalculate fuel injection. Here's a simple trick: unplug and firmly reconnect the throttle position sensor's connector, as poor contact often triggers such issues, and reseating might just solve it.
I've been driving a sixth-generation Accord for ten years, and when encountering acceleration issues, I mainly check three aspects: if the transmission slips, the RPM surges but the speed doesn't change—this is when you need to check if the ATF fluid has turned black; a ruptured diaphragm in the fuel pressure regulator allows gasoline to flow directly into the intake pipe, causing black smoke from the exhaust and significantly higher fuel consumption; a vacuum leak might not trigger the engine warning light but will cause noticeable jerking during sudden acceleration. Just the other day, I worked on one and found the issue was a stuck crankcase ventilation valve—a particularly hidden problem.
