Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloud
I had the coolant flushed several months ago; and yes, it seems to sputter right when the engine starts to warm up.
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With computers and electronics, solving car problems has become significantly easier. Easier when one learns proper diagnostic techniques. Much more difficult if one still shotguns.
Hondas have a small air release valve on engine (just in front of the throttle pulley that the throttle cable connects to). In every Honda, engine design is so sophisticated that opening this little valve means water (coolant) is at the top of that valve when coolant is exactly at the correct level in the radiator. The idea: fill the radiator until water flows out of that little air release valve. Then no air pockets can form inside an engine block. An air bubble is one possiblity (but normally should not happen).
You can open the radiator cap (when engine is cool) to see yourself if coolant levels are accurate.
Your symptoms all point to a coolant problem related the Idler Control valve. Maybe low coolant (because the mechanic did not know how to change coolant). Or a mechanic did a fast flush (which should never be done because you will have water pump failure about 1 year later). Or maybe a failure created by putting wrong coolant into the car. Maybe an Idler control valve failure that coincided with coolant change.
By following the evidence (based only one what was provided here), nobody should have updated computer software or discussed replacing the computer.
BTW, the Car Guys (the tappet Bros Tom and Ray) discuss this constantly with routine laughing. That check engine light always reports problems accurately. Mechanics and others who remain in denial are a serious problem. Mechanics often because they did not do what they are expected and trained to do. Honda routinely sends mechanics to Japan for training and retraining.
In your case, Honda even provides a flow chart for how to find that problem. Nothing in that flow chart says start by blaming the computer. IOW you may want to find a more responsible dealership.