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1997 Honda Civic P0302/P0303/P0304 and P1300/P1399 Misfire: Ignition System Diagnosis & Repair Options

Model: 97 Civic Fault Code: P0302 Posted: 2007-06-21 19:43

Hello everyone, I own a 1997 Honda Civic with 61,000 miles. Recently, after completing a comprehensive 60,000-mile maintenance service, the Check Engine Light (CEL) came on. I initially dismissed it as an emissions-related issue, referencing a similar discussion at http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/arcmess...did=583570. The dealership suggested a $80 fee if the CEL wasn't related to emissions, while AutoZone charged $120 for borrowing their OBD-II scanner. I eventually found an AutoZone location that waived the credit card charge and retrieved the diagnostic codes: - P0302, P0303, P0304: Misfire detected in cylinders 2, 3, and 4 - P1300 and P1399: Ignition system fault or misfire condition After reviewing a related thread at http://www.obd-codes.com/forums/1294-ob...p1399.html, it appears that a faulty fuel injector could be the root cause. However, another user suggested a crankshaft position sensor as a possible culprit. I’ve researched pricing from RockAuto (with 979 positive customer reviews) and found multiple options for replacement sensors at http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,carco...rtGroup,25. My question is: Is this issue clearly tied to one specific component, or are there other contributing factors I should consider? The more detailed information I gather, the better equipped I am to avoid being overcharged by repair shops. Thanks for your insights!

Related fault codes
P0302P0303P0304P1300P1399
Comments (5)
Anonymous 2007-06-22 07:48

I think you meant 'cylinder injector replacement,' not 'cylinder replacement.' That's a common mix-up. Have you had a tune-up on your vehicle before? If not, start there — basic maintenance can often resolve early ignition issues.

Anonymous 2007-06-22 10:15

Thanks for the detailed post! To help narrow down the diagnosis: What is your Civic's model variant (EX, DX, CX, VX)? And what engine type do you have? Possible options include D16Y5, D16Y7, D16Y8, or B16A2. Also, what specific services were performed during the 60K maintenance? I used to work at Acura and recall that standard 60K service includes spark plugs, air filter, oil change, and fluid top-offs. Did the CEL appear before or after the maintenance? Additionally, someone claiming a crankshaft position sensor issue is incorrect — if that were the case, the code would be P0335 or P0336, not P1399. The P1399 code specifically points to an ignition system fault.

Anonymous 2007-06-22 11:33

Based on my maintenance invoice, only spark plug replacement was included in the 60K service for a 1996–2000 Honda Civic 1.6L EX 2-door (D16Y8 engine). The Check Engine Light appeared about 1,000 miles after the service. I’ve noticed no drivability issues — such as hesitation or rough shifting — especially since it’s a manual transmission.

Anonymous 2007-06-22 12:31

So your spark plugs are new? Does your Civic use individual ignition coils per cylinder (like modern systems) or rely on a distributor with wires, cap, and rotor? If it has a distributor setup and those components haven’t been replaced in over 10 years, they may be failing. Ignition problems often worsen in damp or rainy conditions — especially after spark plug removal. Honda vehicles are also prone to carbon buildup and EGR valve issues, which can cause misfires. I recommend checking the distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires if your car uses them. Please update me on any findings!

Anonymous 2007-06-22 13:46

Agreed — ensure proper wiring during installation. It's common for technicians to accidentally cross-wire the cap or plugs, leading to intermittent misfires. I’d recommend replacing both ignition wires and distributor components (if applicable). Avoid dealerships — they charge significantly more. These parts are straightforward on a 4-cylinder Honda and most V6s. If you'd like, I can walk through step-by-step instructions. Alternatively, if you know someone who works on cars, that could be a cost-effective option too.