Introduction and comments about my 2007 LX

mfisher1967 · 12-13-2007, 08:56 PM

I am new to this forum, but have periodically visited for several months before registering. I live in Houston, Texas and currently own two Honda vehicles. My wife drives a 2006 Pilot, which we bought new after she wrecked her 1998 CR-V. I drive a new 2007 LX. I work as an Operations Supervisor at a large oil refinery that is located along the ship channel. I am a USAF veteran, where I worked on the inertial navigation system for the A-10 Warthog tank killer up until 10 April 1990.

Overall I really like my 2007 Civic LX. Like most cars, there are a few things that could be better though. Most of the items I am about to describe have been discussed in other threads on this board.

Idle speed seems to be set too low. My Civic idles at ~650 RPM, which seems too low and produces a rough idle. I am sure that this was done to improve gas mileage, but I sure wish that I could bump up the idle speed adjustment to ~800 RPM. This seems to be the sweet spot.

The electrical system tends to bog down when the A/C compressor clutch engages while the engine is at idle. Again, I believe that raising the idle speed setting to ~800 RPM would correct this.

I have only averaged ~22 MPG, which in fairness is mostly short trip suburban driving. My real world MPG is a far cry from the 30 mpg estimate on the window sticker though.

The compressor clutch makes a very loud click when it engages. I wonder why Honda didn't use more acoustical foam in the engine compartment, or perhaps opted to use a clutch that makes less noise.

The passenger side radiator fan is way too loud. The high pitch whine that it generates as it cycles on/off is very unpleasant.

The transmission seems to have problems engaging from a dead stop, or when resuming acceleration while coasting. At random, sometimes there is a dead spot between the time the accelerator pedal is pushed and actual gear engagement. Sometimes the gear engages too hard in my opinion. I know that Honda is not known for their great AT's though.

Anyway, other than these items I am very happy with my car. I hope to help and contribute on this forum as I can.

JeShUa · 12-14-2007, 01:42 AM

You should get better MPG after 8kmi. Welcome.

stock_07 · 12-14-2007, 10:24 AM

The transmission dead spot you are talking about is a drive by wire issue, i've driven many new cars with the same issue.

**Yodums** · 12-14-2007, 10:50 AM

The rough idling happens across all trim lines. My previous 2006 LX did it and my current Si does it as well. I would notice the tachometer jumping up and down at a stop light when A/C is in use. As mentioned, your MPG should improve after some time, especially after the first oil change has been done. Have you also seen this thread: Rough idle?

RJJensen · 12-14-2007, 11:32 AM

ur mpg is way too low and ur idle sounds messd up...i would take it in right away...what is normal idle speed? the tranny issues u mention r DBW...for the most part it works well but has some drawbacks...as far as the auto trans - downshift into 2nd? 3rd?whatever from a roll that will get u going in a hurry just dont over rev if thats possible in an A/T...i find that if i drive spirited consistently i dont have the DBW issues as much its only when i go from normal driving to spirited driving it takes a while for the ECU to catch up..stoopid computers...welcome to the 8th and good luck with ur car....put up some pics!!

12-13-2007, 08:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
mfisher1967 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South Houston, Texas Posts: 106 Mark Fisher iTrader: 0 / 0%	Introduction and comments about my 2007 LX I am new to this forum, but have periodically visited for several months before registering. I live in Houston, Texas and currently own two Honda vehicles. My wife drives a 2006 Pilot, which we bought new after she wrecked her 1998 CR-V. I drive a new 2007 LX. I work as an Operations Supervisor at a large oil refinery that is located along the ship channel. I am a USAF veteran, where I worked on the inertial navigation system for the A-10 Warthog tank killer up until 10 April 1990. Overall I really like my 2007 Civic LX. Like most cars, there are a few things that could be better though. Most of the items I am about to describe have been discussed in other threads on this board. Idle speed seems to be set too low. My Civic idles at ~650 RPM, which seems too low and produces a rough idle. I am sure that this was done to improve gas mileage, but I sure wish that I could bump up the idle speed adjustment to ~800 RPM. This seems to be the sweet spot. The electrical system tends to bog down when the A/C compressor clutch engages while the engine is at idle. Again, I believe that raising the idle speed setting to ~800 RPM would correct this. I have only averaged ~22 MPG, which in fairness is mostly short trip suburban driving. My real world MPG is a far cry from the 30 mpg estimate on the window sticker though. The compressor clutch makes a very loud click when it engages. I wonder why Honda didn't use more acoustical foam in the engine compartment, or perhaps opted to use a clutch that makes less noise. The passenger side radiator fan is way too loud. The high pitch whine that it generates as it cycles on/off is very unpleasant. The transmission seems to have problems engaging from a dead stop, or when resuming acceleration while coasting. At random, sometimes there is a dead spot between the time the accelerator pedal is pushed and actual gear engagement. Sometimes the gear engages too hard in my opinion. I know that Honda is not known for their great AT's though. Anyway, other than these items I am very happy with my car. I hope to help and contribute on this forum as I can.

12-14-2007, 10:50 AM	#4 (permalink)
Yodums Scrodums Join Date: May 2006 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 8,323 HIRO - ಠ_ಠ iTrader: 9 / 100%	The rough idling happens across all trim lines. My previous 2006 LX did it and my current Si does it as well. I would notice the tachometer jumping up and down at a stop light when A/C is in use. As mentioned, your MPG should improve after some time, especially after the first oil change has been done. Have you also seen this thread: Rough idle? __________________ 2007 Taffeta White Civic Si Coupe

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

12-14-2007, 01:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
JeShUa Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 12,592 add camber and stir iTrader: 12 / 100%	You should get better MPG after 8kmi. Welcome.

12-14-2007, 10:24 AM	#3 (permalink)
stock_07 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: York Region Age: 23 Posts: 192 iTrader: 4 / 100%	The transmission dead spot you are talking about is a drive by wire issue, i've driven many new cars with the same issue.

12-14-2007, 11:32 AM	#5 (permalink)
RJJensen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 904 iTrader: 0 / 0%	ur mpg is way too low and ur idle sounds messd up...i would take it in right away...what is normal idle speed? the tranny issues u mention r DBW...for the most part it works well but has some drawbacks...as far as the auto trans - downshift into 2nd? 3rd?whatever from a roll that will get u going in a hurry just dont over rev if thats possible in an A/T...i find that if i drive spirited consistently i dont have the DBW issues as much its only when i go from normal driving to spirited driving it takes a while for the ECU to catch up..stoopid computers...welcome to the 8th and good luck with ur car....put up some pics!!