Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries
 

Hi, I just bought a new car and it takes a few times of turning the key before it actually starts. It doesn't even crank until I turn the key for the 4th time or so and then it actually starts up on the first time it cranks.

Could it be the ignition switch, low fuel pressure?
Everything is stock on this '99 SI.

Any input is appreciated.
Thanks!


Modified by b18cEK at 11:53 PM 4/7/2008

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (b18cEK)
 

if it doesnt crank its something with your starter or ignition switch. i would guess a bad starter or a bad connection somewhere.

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (b18cEK)
 

It could be so many things. Can you get the accessories to work? Check the alt, battery, starter, and ignition.

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (DCSportEJ1Civic)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DCSportEJ1Civic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if it doesnt crank its something with your starter or ignition switch. i would guess a bad starter or a bad connection somewhere.</TD></TR></TABLE>


ya, i'd start here before you tear into everything else it "could" be.

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (Blzdeep)
 

What about main relay???

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (mechanix619)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mechanix619 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">It could be so many things. Can you get the accessories to work? Check the alt, battery, starter, and ignition.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Accessories work. Definitely not the battery.
I was thinking ignition switch or main relay?

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (b18cEK)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by b18cEK &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Accessories work. Definitely not the battery.
I was thinking ignition switch or main relay?
</TD></TR></TABLE>

When you turn the key to ACC can you hear the Main Relay click, can you hear the fuel pump prime? If no to either then it's Main Relay or fuel pump.

Does it not crank at all until the 4rth try? Sounds like an ignition problem. A main relay would still allow it to crank. It may be a dead spot in the starter as well, but it would only do this sometimes (not all the time). GL.

Re: (Mugen112)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mugen112 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Does it not crank at all until the 4rth try? Sounds like an ignition problem. A main relay would still allow it to crank. It may be a dead spot in the starter as well, but it would only do this sometimes (not all the time). GL.</TD></TR></TABLE>
it depends... sometimes it's the second time and sometimes it could be the 7th time...
ignition switch?

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (b18cEK)
 

let your fuel pump prime

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (b18cEK)
 

or check grounds and main relay

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries (jasonjdm)
 

I hear the fuel pump click everytime, so I do not think it's the main relay or fuel pump...

can you hear the starter turning? if you can check the coil ive seen this problem many times

Re: (NoBrows)
 

you cannot hear the starter turning

Re: (b18cEK)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by b18cEK &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you cannot hear the starter turning</TD></TR></TABLE>
then sounds like you have a bad starter next time it doesnt crank hit it with a hammer and see if it dont crank right up

Re: (NoBrows)
 

the starter doesn't make any noise at all though? the starter doesnt even click?
but then on maybe the 4th attempt to start it it cranks over fine and starts up!

Re: (b18cEK)
 

yeah i bet the starter contacts are all f'ed up

Re: (NoBrows)
 

what do you mean by the contacts being messed up? corroded? or just not connected properly? Would that mean i need a new starter?

Re: (b18cEK)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by b18cEK &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what do you mean by the contacts being messed up? corroded? or just not connected properly? Would that mean i need a new starter?</TD></TR></TABLE>

starter contacts lose their conductivity and stick , starters go bad so just go by a new one that should fix your problem try the hammer thing that will help you confirm the problem

Could be a bad starter (dead spot) or your ignition switch is bad.

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries
 

anybody resolve this problem im having the same thing and ive replaced new starter alternator battery cleans all leads terminals but if I jump it start up right away

Re: Car won't start on first try - takes a few tries
 

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