20-25 MPG on 2001 Honda civic after changing the distributor, what could be wrong?

Hi,



The MPG of our 2001 Honda Civic used be around 35 until one night it broke down in the highway. The next day, our mechanic told us that the distributor had to be replaced and he did so. Ever since then, we've got the engine check light on and the MPG significantly reduced to 20-23. The irony is that now the mechanic is saying that the catalytic converter is the source and it should be changed for approximately $900. I think it's a rip-off, how would possibly both the distributor and the converter fail at the same time?!!! Could somebody please tell me what I can possibly do to fix it? I really appreciate all your comments.



Thanks,

Amanda20-25 MPG on 2001 Honda civic after changing the distributor, what could be wrong?
Don't deal with just one mechanic at one shop. Shop around.

If more than one shop tells you the same thing, you can be pretty well assured that that item is a problem.

However, if each shop tells you something different, then you keep on looking until you find the best deal or solution.

It is time you get ';friendly'; with other Honda owners and find out where they get their cars fixed at....because word gets around who is good and who is a rip.

Hope you still have the old distrib. because if that was the only thing changed and your fuel consumption dropped right after it, the ';new one'; is to blame.

That only makes sense.20-25 MPG on 2001 Honda civic after changing the distributor, what could be wrong?
When the engine light comes on, it's the perfect opportunity for you to get a clue as to where the problem may exist. The computer in your honda produces error codes associated with every problem your car has detected and turns on your engine light.



You could go to your local auto parts store to buy or borrow an On-Board Diagnostic (ODB 2) scanner to find out what error codes are currently produced and present for your car. This handheld device comes with just a few buttons and a cable. Simply connect the accompanying cable from the device to the interface port underneath your dashboard, and start your ingition. In a few seconds, the error codes will appear on the screen which can be associated with a description.



If the description continues to relate to ignition/timing, then your mechanic has never permanently fixed your initial problem and is looking to rip-you-off by pointing you away to more expensive parts while your car can still continue to run. It is possible to use an OBD scanner to clear error codes to give you the sense that the initial trouble has been repaired. However, the error code will resurface when your computer rediscovers the same problem and turns on your engine light.



An official Honda Civic service manual contains all the service codes including troubleshooting steps to fix your car.



In any case, knowing the codes associated with your engine light should give you helpful clues that can reduce mechanics from taking advantage of car owners.



Good luck!
It wouldn't hurt to check your spark plugs either. If you hada problem with your distributor, and you're not getting enough spark, a lot of hydrocarbons (unburned fuel) will pass through your cat and could cause it damage. Checking spark plugs is a very simple proceedure. You can learn online. Hondatech.com is good.
sounds like you found one of those scmucks that think because they have a wrench that makes them a mechanic,take it somewhere else and get second opinion.it sounds to me like he just wants to throw parts at it hoping it will fix it and you will keep paying.a plugged cat would reduce engine speed when clogged not reduce fuel mileage.if the cat is clogged the motor will feel sluggish after it warms up,wont get to speed.again go somewhere else.
They could have put the distributor in with the timing wrong. Depending on what happend with the distributor the first time the timing belt could have skipped some teeth as well. I'd take it to a different shop with good reviews and have them check out the timing.