I have just purchased a 1994 Civic, my first Honda. I have had it about one month. When I got it the weather here was still relatively warm and the car started with no problems, but it ran a little rough right after start-up. Now that the weather has gotten colder(20-40 f) this car will not start. I did get it started about 3 days ago by holding the gas pedal to the floor while turning the key for about 5 minutes. After it started and warmed up it ran fine and restarted ok while it was warm. The next morning no start again, and no start for the last couple of days. The temperture here as not gotten above 40 f for the last few days.
When I try to start the Civic the engine sounds as if it is trying to start(coughs) but never does quite get going. Check engine light is not on. HELP!!

 

I hear you mang. its been flucuating here too. one day its 60 degree's and 2 days later its -3.. my car is in the same position right now too. i got the dizzy torn apart. extra main relay, im gonna dig into it tomorrow so hopefully if i get it runnin i can help you a lil more.

BTW when it trys to start does the motor shake alot? and sound like its trying to start on 2 cylinders?

Congrats you are the first newb that has actually had a real question instead of. what should i do to my car. Keep this up and you will be great member along with the rest of the HT crew.

 

man i sorry i never had that problem befor i am going to give you a bump for help

 

Im glad it doesnt get that cold here.

My friend just moved to North Dakota were its ******* freezing. She told me that she got this thing called a "Block Heater" or something like that, that you could plug into your house and it keeps the motor warm for easy start up. Maybe you need to look into that.

 

get hotter plugs.... your having major cold start... if that doesnt work then check your igniter and your coil

 

ya a block heater is nice i seen some universal items from JC whitney. ive been lookin into it but i havent heard any good feedback from it at all.

 

yea im kinda having the same prob...
like it starts fine, but after i start it seems like its running on less than 4 cylinders for a bout half a min

 

Yes the engine does shake and sound as if it is not firing on all four. I have heard about the main relay as being as possible cause before, and now you mention it, is this main relay the usual culprit, if so wher is it located on the car and is it a part i can pickup at the local Advance Auto, price??? Thanks !!!

 

main relay is a honda only part. runs between 30-70 from honda. or go junkyard hunting and hope u can find a good one.

 

Ok update... I installled a new main relay that i bought from honda. got new plugs wires and rotor. checked the timing and that is all good and still no start.. WTF? somone help

 

Sorry to here your's still won't start. Good news for me is that I have gotten mine running.
I contacted a couple of local mechanics, one Honda guy, the other is a old school, shade tree style mechanic. Both agreed that my problem was too much gas in the cylinder causing a flooded condition. Here is what worked for me (per the mechanics) I pulled the plug wires off removed the plugs and cleaned them with a wire brush (getting new ones today), reinstalled the plugs, then put wires back in the holes BUT DID NOT PUSH THEM DOWN ON THE PLUGS, just let them slid down in the holes until they were resting on top if the plugs. Reached in, turned the key (no foot on the gas) and the car fired right up. Once the car was running I pushed the wires down on the plugs, now it seems to be OK. I have started it 5-6 times since with no problems. Good luck!!
One other thing...I think I may have confused some people with my original post... when I awa giving the night time temperture here in my area I said (20-40 f). What I meant is our night time lows range from +20 degrees F to +40 degrees F, not 20 to -40 F, sorry if there was any confusion about those numbers.


Modified by ncnative at 10:34 PM 12/28/2004