Hi guys

Here's my problem, Car is turning over and even stumbles a little bit like it is starting, but doesnt completely start. Doesnt seem to be a power or starter problem. Spark plug wires are brand new. Its not water in the lines (wasnt too cold this morning and I already tried dry gas).

I think its a fuel problem but I'm not sure, how can I check to see if it is getting fuel properly? Fuel pump? Injectors?

The car has also been hesitating a little bit after switching gears but not all the time and the hesitation was slight.

ANY thoughts or input are appreciated. Thank you!

 

OK Bought a fuel pressure tester and tossed it on the service port, tried to start the car and NOTHING at all on the guage. Also this time it did not sound like it was going to start at all, no hesitating just the starter winding like crazy. I'm thinking fuel pump now but what else could it be if anything?

 

check the fuse.......replace the pump........drive your car

 

Gonna go look for fuse now...
Also, when it comes to changing the fuel pump, how bad is it? I tried to find a haynes manual but did not find one on their website - guessing they dont make them. Where can I find one?

Is the fuel pump inside the gastank? (please say no)

 

The fule pump is inside the gas tank but i dont think its that bad. If its anything like the 4th gen I believe there is a acces panal under the carpet in the trunk. between the spare tire and the back seats. Its probably pretty easy to change. when you turn on the ignition does the check engine light go on for a second or so then turn off. also when the check engine light goes on can you hear the fuel pump?

 

Thank for the info kulveron,
So here's what happened since my last post... ahhh where to begin

Ok so there my car outside.. checked for a fuse as 4g4me suggested, but didnt find anything directly mentioning fuel pump, ignition related or anything like that, but check them all anyway and they all looked good. I decided since I dont have a garage and its been getting colder out I should just give in, spend the money for the tow and the visit to Pep Boys...

Pep Boys is down the block from my house.. in pushing range but on a main street so not a good idea even at night. Tow cost $50!! man I hate that. I just brushed it off... kept goin.. told the guys at pep boys what I thought I had to replace was the fuel pump, told them the problem, they said I was probably right. They checked on the price, and found that at the cheapest it was $300+ special order from dealer... so then I remembered seeing some on prostreetonline for much less than that for what seemed to be a higher quality part. Told them NOT to buy the fuel pump, but just verify that that is tyhe problem, and if necesarry I will buy the fuel pump myself and bring it in. They dont call all day, I wall at 6PM (they close at 9) and ask how its doing.
Pep Boy: "We don't have any paperwork on that vehicle" was their reply.
Pep Boy: "oh you mean the white one"...
Dissatisfied Customer (Me): "NO its black" (now I'm getting nervous).
Pep Boy: "Are you sure you had it towed to the right pep boys?"
Me: "Positive"
Pep Boy: "Ohhh the black one, they had that running out there earlier"
Me: "What?" (Now I feel much better, thinking the problem must have been something simple and these guys are GOOD)
Pep Boy: "HEY MARK!, hold on sir, HEY MARK!!, hey let me find out for you sir I'll call you right back in two minutes"
Me: "You didnt lose my number right?"
Pep Boy: "No I've got it right here"
Me: "Sounds good man, thanks alot"

% 2 hours later %

Phone rings
Me: Hello
Pep Boy: "Hey you car is here and its purrin like a kitten"
Me: "What was wrong with it?"
Pep Boy: "Nothing. It started right up. I checked the fuel pressure and it was up to spec." (now I feel he thinks I'm crazy)

I proceded to tell him that it was not merely because of cold days, but that seemed to influience the problem (it has happened on a relatively warm day for winter, above freezing by quite a bit) and dry gas did not help, and that I checked the fueld pressure and it read 0 and that I did not hear the fuel pump engage at all. He then proceeded to tell me he has no idea what the problem is but I can come get my car.

I picked up my car yesterday, drove to work this morning (freezing day) the car started but BARELY. Got out of work, car would not start again. Here I am at my house again without a car and without a reason. I REALLY need some help lol.

OH the best part, guess what pep boys charged me.. $42 for engine diagnostics!

grand total $92, accomplishments: ZER0

 

I ordered a helms manual from ebay on CD which MAY be able to help me a little. We'll see when it arrives. Thank you guys for your help again.

 

could possibly be your ignition switch...You may be lucky and your car was under the recall they had on Preludes

 

I was wondering abouyt that.. does this sound like it really could fit into that category? For an ignition problem I would havce been expecting symptoms similar to a dead battery or maybe even a starter.... I must not understand the process entirely.

 

oh one more huge thing that may mean a lot...
The last couple times I've notices that I can smell gas when I'm trying to start the car... too dark top check for anything and way too cold but I can check for maybe a leak in the morning? Argh

 

I'm 95% that there was moisture inside your distributor cap, not letting any sparks get to the spark plugs.

Happened to me a couple times when I degreased & hosed down the engine bay. I'd open up my distributor and there'd be condensation to the max inside. I just got a sheet of rubber, cut out a ring that matched my dist. cap and made a new gasket. Ghetto style hehehe, but works like a charm.

Also, with the fuel pump. When you turn on the ignition, you could here it buzz for a quick second. That'll let yah know that it isn't dead.


SHAZAYM!