The car is chugging

This could be a number of things. If you can get any more information from ur teacher that would be best. I had a similar problem with a 240. The distributor and spark plug wires are the first place to start. Make sure nothing has been knocked loose and that everything is firmly secured. The other thing is if it is really cold the engine might run rough because of the auto choking mechanism. My question is weather she has this problem after the car has warmed up? Another thing to consider is if it is in fact the O2 sensor, the 96 civic is OBO II meaning there will be a an oxygen sensor before and after the catalytic converter( the plumped up tube in the center of the vehicle.) The primary O2 sensor sends all of the major information to the car computer so it can make adjustments. The secondary only tells the computer the converter is working. The primary is the one to replace. Hope that helps.

Chris gave you some very good information. I agree, it could be the automatic choke malfunctioning. Does she pump the gas before starting the car? (This engages the choke when it may not be needed?) Is she in a cold environment? (Unless it fairly cold, below 40 degrees, the choke is likely not needed.) Another concern, is the check engine light illuminated? If so, you need to see what the code is. It could be an emissions problem...likely a cat converter issue. How many miles are on the vehicle? To be more accurate, we really need more information.

I agree with chris also, Also does it have a sulfer smell like rotten eggs. If so it could be the catalytic converter and in my experience the check engine light won't always come on. Good luck, Vik

Rotton eggs smell also indicated a bad battery. Not one of the symptoms. And I asked "if" the light was on?

Thank you all so much for the help. Jennifer Rosewell appreciates the information provided. i will get some more info on the car. what I meant by chugging was that the car was jumpy and wouldn't accelerate. she told me that it runs fine when warm and she doesn't have a rotten egg smell in her car.

I'm sorry to say that is all the info I got on me. Ontario can be a cold place but very, very rarely it will be -40c. Thank you very much for the information.

Thank you so much for the information on her car. Mrs. Rosewell appreciates the help. I don't think her car chugs when it's warmed up but I'll ask her. Thanks a billion.

Sounds like a malfunctioning choke mechanism.