Hard to start after sitting
01-21-2005, 12:37 PM
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Hard to start after sitting
Hi everybody, I was hoping someone could help me with a problem I'm having.. I have a 1990 Honda Civic, and lately when I let the car sit for awhile, it's really hard to start, if I put the key in the ignition and turn it on, all the lights come on like normal.. The check engine light comes on for a couple seconds then goes out. But right when I try to crank it, it won't start, and then the check engine light comes on and stays on while I'm cranking.. It took me a good 5 tries today to get it started after it sat for about 2 days. Then once it's started, I can shut it off, and easily restart it again. Also, once the car did start, the check engine light was off. I'm not sure exactly what that means. Any help or advice will be appreciated.. Thanks.
01-21-2005, 12:58 PM
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Really? Even if the lights aren't dimming or anything? My battery's only like 6 months old.. Although I guess it's possible.. It's just a cheap $50.00 battery from AutoZone.
01-21-2005, 01:50 PM
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sounds like you have bad fuel delivery. Try using Lucas Gas treatment. Do you live in the cold? Cuz half a tank of gas could have water in it if it sits for a while which would make it hard to start. how are your spark plugs?
01-21-2005, 01:54 PM
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I live in Southern California, so it's not too cold. Spark plugs look like new with about 3500 miles on them too. The first time this happened, was when I drove to the store and I was really low on gas. It was basically on empty.. I came out to start the car, and it did this same thing. It took a long time to get it started. I was actually thinking maybe I sucked up some crap off of the bottom of the tank from letting it get so low, maybe a clogged fuel filter. I just replaced my spark plug wires, distributor cap, rotor and coil about 500 or 600 miles ago.
01-21-2005, 06:55 PM
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I actually just noticed something else weird with my car, but I don't know if it's related to my original problem. When it's cold, and I rev it up, right at 3,000 rpm it gives a little pause, and then goes up the rest of the way. If I give it some gas and warm the car up, this problem seems to go away. Anyone have an idea as to what this might be?
01-22-2005, 03:09 AM
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Check your fuel pressure regulator, or if there's a check valve in the fuel pump. Sounds like the pressure is leaking down and it takes a few to get it back up again. It may be why the stumble happens when accelerating also. Or a relay, fuse or wiring related to the fuel pump??
01-31-2005, 04:13 AM
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My car has the exact same problem, except it takes me at least 5 tries to start it. I think it might be the battery, cuz when I start it, then shut it off, it will start up fine again. I think it is the battery, but I am not sure. Mine is relocated in the back, is urs still up front?