I was driving my 2002 Honda Civic LX w/ Auto Transmission (150,000 miles) 60 MPH down the highway yesterday when I suddenly lost power to the engine. The check engine light came on. I was able to get it to a side road and noticed that, in Drive, I can't drive it over 2000 RPM. However, if I put it in neutral, I can push the engine past 2000 RPM. I had it towed to the apartment and it's sitting there now.

I'm contemplating driving it to an O'Reilly's and having them check the code for the engine light. I'm afraid to drive it the 6 miles round trip in the shape it's in though... Would that be a poor decision?

Any ideas on what this could be? She's getting old, and I'm getting worried about pumping major repair costs back in, especially if it's the transmission... Until I figure out what to do, it's back to the bus for me I guess.

 

that model year is known for many problems. if you decide to buy another honda i would recommend buying a 1996-00 or a 2006-2010

 

transmission is bad

 

I would definitely check the code before jumping to the conclusion that the transmission is bad. It could be as simple as a loose connector.

 

If the engine revs freely in neutral, I would check fuel pressure. Perhaps a filter or pump.