Hello all,

This is my first post, so I just thought that I'd start out by saying hello to everyone!

Anyway, let me start out by saying that I have a 2008 Honda Fit Sport GD3 US model with 53000 miles, and I love it to death. But, I've found a little problem that I've been having.

When I drive my car for long distances (around 100 or so miles), I notice that at times, the engine feels very sluggish, and feels as if it's lost power. Yesterday I noticed it on the freeway, and I needed to start accelerating. Throttle seemed very flat in 4th, right around 2500 rpm, and it did the exact same thing at 4000 rpm in 4th also, as if it just ran out of power, but there was still plenty of rpm to go.

The only modification I have to the car is a GReddy Ti-C axleback exhaust, without the silencer. At times, I've noticed an audible pop from the exhaust when downshifting, but no other serious issues. Before the exhaust was installed 2000 miles ago, no audible sounds happened, and I never noticed this issue before the exhaust was installed.

Can somebody help me diagnose the issue?

 

Sounds like a fuel restriction (filter sock clogging, fuel pump pressure loss) or possibly an intermittent VTEC solenoid failure, but I would expect an idiot light if the VTEC is having issues. Also, the fuel filter clogging would be more noticeable over longer drives like you mentioned. Bad news is that you've got to pull the fuel pump from the tank to get eyes on that one. Good news is there is an access panel under the center console so you don't have to drop the tank.

The other thing that comes to mind is valve adjustment - if you haven't done it yet, do it soon anyway, you'll gain some power - if the exhaust valves have gotten tight enough they don't always close fully, that could account for the downshift noise.

 

Thank you, and I'll definitely look into the valve adjustment. I understand that there's a valve adjustment DIY on this site, and I will do it very soon!