dperfect

Ok. My 2000 Honda Civic starts MOST of the time. There are no codes. The fuses are fine. I've put in a new distributor cap, rotor button, new plugs and wires, an air filter and fuel filter. The fuel pump sounds likes its working. I've just had an oil change. More info - the weather seems to have no impact on whether or not it starts, although I do live in sub-zero temperatures that fluctuate above and below zero frequently. I did commonly drive my car on empty (not good). Most times it starts well for the first time. It seems that after warming up, shutting off, and then turning on again, it is more difficult to restart at that time. Provided it was shut off for more than 10 minutes. The engine crank is strong. If I keep the key turned, after 10 seconds the car will start with a strong smell of gasoline. PLease, Please, help.

skeyser

Given the strong smell of gasoline, it sounds like you're close to flooding the engine... have you check the spark? if it's week you could have a problem deeper in the distributor than the cap and rotor. Have you checked the resistance on the spark plug wires?

oliebollen

The Haynes manual has something in the troubleshooting section about not starting when the engine is hot.

Off the top of my head I think the things to check are...

1. clogged air filter
2. fuel not reaching the fuel injection system
3. corroded battery terminals (especially negative)

My car also doesn't start when it's hot sometimes (92 civic) but I don't usually have trouble starting from cold. Maybe you mentioned this but try checking that your spark plug wires are still in spec. Do you have a spark tester? I think you'll have to wait until it doesn't start again and diagnose it then. Have everything ready to go so that you can test it when it's not starting.

mike_1212

Is your car a manual, or auto?
Check your IACV (Idle Air Control Valve)
Check your TPS (throttle postion sensor) and check your timing.

TomCat39

After I've done a compression test to verify good compression I usually move onto the ignition.

I found this site invaluable to go through a whole series of tests to test every component of the ignition system. The only part I don't like is they want to use wire piercing probes and I do not like to pierce wire insulation or nick wires in the slightest, especially when they are 20 years old. Other than that, it's a wealth of diagnostic information.

It also has articles on how to test the fuel side of things.

With that you can make sure you have the 3 elements of the running engine, compression, spark, and fuel.

SlayANT

This sounds like the main relay.

When the car is having trouble starting:

1. Turn the key to the off position
2. Turn the key to the accessories position and make sure the radio & fan are off
3. Turn the key to the ON position, do you hear the fuel pump priming? You should hear a slight buzz in the back seat, and followed by a click in the dash area. If you do not hear the fuel pump priming then check your main relay.

mike_1212

op, does your car do this all the time? or just intermittantly?