Car runs on 98 but not on 95 petrol

[carlyai]

I'm outside Thailand at the moment getting some own bodywork welded.

I bought a cheap Honda Jazz/Fit to get around. 1.5 L 2002 model with no problems (so I was told). Went great the 200km home then a few days later after a service the engine started cutting out and sometimes stopping. Very irregularly; happen one day then not for a few days then 10 times in a row. Very intermittent.

So (short story) I replaced a few engine relays, the exhaust gas valve,then took it to an auto electrician who put a fault code monitor in it, but there were no stored codes.

So I ended up emailing the previous owner and they said they had trouble like that using unleaded 95 but no trouble with 98.

So I have been filling with 98 for the past days and no problems.

I can only think that the engine and computer must have been tuned up using 98 and it has a problem running 95.

Anyone with an answer please?

[Kwasaki]

Sounds like the ECU isn't self adjusting. 

Get a computer diagnosis check that should show up faults. 

[carlyai]

16 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

Sounds like the ECU isn't self adjusting. 

Get a computer diagnosis check that should show up faults. 

Thanks, not getting my notifications.

I got the ECU fault code check and they said there were no fault codes in memory.

[gargamon]

Have you changed the spark plugs?

[Kwasaki]

5 hours ago, carlyai said:

Thanks, not getting my notifications.

I got the ECU fault code check and they said there were no fault codes in memory.

It has to be a ECU fault if it runs on 1 fuel and not another. 

Since the mid 90's Honda engines can run on E10 91 fuel or E10 95 fuel. 

Edited November 24, 2021 by Kwasaki

[seedy]

2002 ECU is nowhere near as complex as the newer model cars.

Me - I would replace the knock sensor as a start. If it is bad it will retard the timing - on instructions from the ECU - and if it does it will run like sheet.

As always - troubleshooting is a process of elimination.

Another thought is the TPS - throttle position sensor, or MAF - mass air flow - sensors are on their way out.

Here in LOS any of these are not too expensive

[carlyai]

8 hours ago, gargamon said:

Have you changed the spark plugs?

My thoughts as well. So I bought the sparkplugs and then found out the plugs are at the back of the engine. So you have to take the wipers and shroud etc off before you can get to the ignition coils on top of the plugs.

As the engine hasn't missed or stopped since I changed the fuel I think I'll leave well alone at the moment.

I just think it's strange that the petrol made so much difference.

 

[carlyai]

4 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

It has to be a ECU fault if it runs on 1 fuel and not another. 

Since the mid 90's Honda engines can run on E10 91 fuel or E10 95 fuel. 

The handbook says 95 and above.

It is the 1.5 L not 1.3 L model.

So I need to find someone who can tune the ECU beast?

[KhunBENQ]

deleted

Edited November 24, 2021 by KhunBENQ

[billd766]

Many years ago I had a Rover 2000 TC. It was designed to use 100 octane leaded petrol.

 

I put 95 into a few times when I couldn't get 100 octane and it sounded a bit like the OP fuel problem. Much easier to work on and the electronics were just a basic car radio with not even a cassette player.

 

I often wonder how these old cars that you see at shows get on.

[Kwasaki]

20 minutes ago, carlyai said:

The handbook says 95 and above.

It is the 1.5 L not 1.3 L model.

So I need to find someone who can tune the ECU beast?

If its a good car then why not get a Honda dealership to sort it. 

[DavisH]

Filling with 98 benzene? You are not in Thailand, I guess. Perhaps post in a local jazz forum where you live? Some may have had similar problems. 

[carlyai]

13 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

If its a good car then why not get a Honda dealership to sort it. 

No just a cheap used car to get around while I'm away.