2009 Vibe Intermittent Miss

[oriole64]

My 2009 FWD Vibe has 150,000 miles on it, and has had an intermittent miss for the last couple of years that I'd like to finally figure out. When this happens the car suddenly starts sputtering and stumbling, while the check engine light comes on (and sometimes flashes). This most often happens at highway speed after I have driven it for 40-50 miles, or when I make a more abrupt stop (when not giving the car a chance to downshift). Also, the inside of the tailpipe is sooty black. When it starts sputtering, I will pull over and shut it off for 5-10 minutes, after which time the miss is less severe and I can then make it home. I have replaced the spark plugs, MAF sensor, air filter, and run Techron through the injectors, but the miss will eventually show itself again. After reading as much as I could find, and gleaning information from those with more knowledge, it appears that the car is getting excess gasoline. The codes that were pulled recently were PO113, PO102, and PO302. One suggestion is that the wiring leading to the MAF sensor may have a short. As I use this car for work, it would be a big relief to figure this out and get it fixed. Thank you in a advance for any time or effort that you can give to help me with this.

[Caretaker]

When we hear of studdering on the Honda Fit pages, it is always the plugs, coil packs, and/or the valves need an adjustment. Since the valves "can't be adjusted" our Vibe's engines, and since you did not mention replacing the ignition coils, then in my mind you are down to two possibilities: (1) the coil packs need replacing; (2) your catalytic converter is failing; you mentioned the heavy sooting. I would think the engine codes would provide some guidance one way or another. Best of luck. I will be going coast to coast in a few weeks. If there is even a hint of trouble during the 5 days of driving, mine is going over a cliff and a new 2016 CX-5 will be taking its place.

[gtv237]

P0113 is a problem with the intake air temperature sensor. That will definitely throw your air/fuel ratio off and could cause a rich condition. I would start by first making sure it is plugged in. It's also possible that the sensor itself is bad or the wiring to it.

P0102 is a problem with the mass air flow sensor. Again, like the temperature sensor, it is VERY important for maintaining a proper air/fuel ratio. Make sure it's plugged in first and go from there.

P0302 means that the engine has detected a misfire on cylinder 2. I would worry about this one last. It could just be because the engine isn't getting the proper information from the other two sensors.