[redlinesprint]

Hey all!

So we were gifted a 2013 Insight last May with, at the time 32k, miles on it. We now have 40k miles on her and she started having some acceleration issues around mid december. I used my code reader (Torque app and bluetooth OBD2 adapter) and I am getting a Misfire in cyl 1 and system too lean Bank 1. P0301 and P0171 respectively. Could it just be a bum spark plug? Are these indexed like the 1st gens? Or is there something a bit more nefarious at play here like an O2 sensor?

On the same topic, is there anything else the 2nd gens are notorious for?

Thanks all!

 

[M.Liston]

The spark plug indexing doesnt matter really. Its one of those "fractional" improvements where if you do them all, they combine to a noticable effect. Individually, nothing wrong with ignoring it for time being.

The cyl1 misfire, simply swap cyl 1 and 4 ignition coils, and see if the misfire travels to cyl 4

P0301 simpyl means it is detecting a misfire though it could be any number of things, the coil swpa is easiest way to determine if its an old coil. It happens occasionaly, regardless if 99% of the other cars dont have issues at this low of mileage.



P0171 has no specifics either. O2 sensor. Could be a direct relation to the misfire, as with a misfire, it could be the coil is damaged and burning LATER with more latency. That would cause a hotter burn when it happens, and make the O2 sensor read as if it is lean.




Fix the misfire, then clear codes, and drive to see if the lean code comes back.


For the time being, check MAF sensor, check engine air filter for holes or clogging, and check intake tube and box for leaks.

 

[egads]

Second Gen Insights do not have plug indexing. There are two per cylinder. To get to them, you have to remove plastic parts next to the firewall. There is a sticky with instructions down in the tech thread. Probably some YouTube videos as well.

 

[RedDevil]

Check the oil level. Seriously. It is a 2012/2013 series Insight so it could have the piston ring oil burning issue, that could cause a misfire too. Even so, at these low miles the oil issue should not be expected. But a quick check on the oil level would tell you.

 

[M.Liston]

The oil burning issue can be nearly fully solved by running normal 5w-30 engine oil rather than the 0w or 5w-20 full/partial/blend synthetic oils.


No noticable fuel mileage differences will occur. Normal oil sticks to metal parts better, helps close up gaps for slightly better compression, and over time will loosen any garbage that is burnt and crusted onto the piston ringlands.