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I’ve noticed that my RPM goes up to 2 and above when my odometer is between 20 - 40kmph. I’ve changed the spark plugs & service regularly. The pick up is bad especially after I stop. It does eat into my oil consumption. CRV model is known for having a slow acceleration however over the last 1.5 years, I’ve noticed that the pick up is really getting bad. The RPM will reach up to 2 and above when I accelerate and sometimes go up to 3 and my odometer has not even reached 80kpmh. Previously, my RPM maintains less than 2 even when I accelerate to 100kpmh. I’ve changed the transmission oil 3 years ago and the spark plugs last year. It does eat into my oil consumption and I’m worried this issue will need me to fork out for a much bigger repair. I’ve talked to the Honda dealer about this and they advised that I changed the spark plugs. That did not solve the issue I’m afraid. I’m not sure what could be the problem and I’d like to get your advice before I see other mechanics, just so that I know that I’m not being told that I need to change a whole lot of other parts when it is only a small part. Thank you!

This sounds like it could be an ECU/PCM issue. ECU stands for Engine Control Unit. PCM stands for Powertrain Control Unit. Different makes and models use different terms. ECU, ECM, PCU, PCM, and probably others. This is a computer module that controls the engine and/or powertrain. If it’s going bad, it could feel like your vehicle has lost it’s brain, which is effectively what this part or parts are.

I can’t say specifically what is wrong - however since you noticed a difference something has changed/broken/worn out. It sounds like your transmission ’thinks’ you’re accelerating harder than you actually are (even if your not accelerating) and it is commanding the transmission to shift to a lower gear. Modern automatic transmissions (since about 1990) have multiple gears PLUS the torque converter can (should!) lock up when you are cruising. That means at 80kph or so, the tachometer movement should start to match odometer movement…. So if you lightly step on the gas, you see the tachometer move up with the speedometer. Step on the gas hard and the torque converter unlocks and the transmission shifts to a lower gear etc. and you accelerate faster. The torque converter is what allows the car to sit still while the engine is running - call it a fluid clutch. Have the mechanic check all the sensors on the engine. The computer should be able to tell the mechanic what the perceived load on the engine is. A faulty throttle position sensor might be an issue. That could cause the computer to think you’ve open the throttle too much. I had this and the fuel mileage was terrible. RPMs kill gas mileage. And yes, high rpm could be causing oil consumption. It also causes high fuel consumption. For the oil consumption:

  1. Make sure there are no leaks
  2. If the there are no leaks… you must burning it somehow. Have the mechanic inspect the spark plugs. If they are oily, you most likely have a worn engine - talk to the mechanic about different engine oils that do better - suspect is rings on the piston. If the spark plugs are ashy gray, suspect something like valve seals. Again, sometimes different oils work better. Sometimes its not to expensive changing the valve seals. If you oil consumption is high, just make it a habit of checking the oil level every time you fill up the car (you should be checking oil level and tire pressure regularly)