I star the car just fine going to work or something, then let's say I stop at starbucks, 10 minutes tops, then when I come out the car does not start right away. Most of the time I have to do it like 3 times. it will just wind and not want to start. Even today it made a weird sound, almost like it was clearing its throat. I've mentioned it to the dealer but of course it doesn't happen to them. So they just look at me like I am crazy. Any ideas?
Don't ask why but I keep thinking I may need to change my gas filter, maybe since I never have, when should I change the filter?
It is almost like if you have a car with a carburetor and you flood it. There you go that a better example, I know its fuel injection it doesn't make sense.

 

you're not alone on this one...it doesn't happen too frequently to me, but it happens when people are watching it hasn't happened since i tried turning the car to *on* for about 5 seconds, then cranking...

 

Thanks, I thought it was just me. I'll try your technique.

 

This happens to me to. And when it finally starts, it's not the usual vroom...it kinda spudder starts. But I think it is totally normal.

 

It happens. Nothing to worry about.

 

i think it takes time for the immobilzer system (sp?) to read the chip on the key.

that's why u have to wait a couple seconds to start up the car.

 

I'm sure this doesn't happen when thieves are stealing all our cars. Sorry for the OT but its funny how the immobilizer system works when it is not needed.

 

probably fuel.. try this... move the key to the on position, let it sit there for 3 second (fuel pump priming) then start it (after the bs lights on the instrumentation have gone off)

 

Same here.. I just wait for the engine light to go away and then i start and it always works. i'm pretty sure its the fuel, you have to wait for the fuel pump to prep.

thomas

 

Sounds like fuel vapour lock. Usually happens in warmer climes or on hot days.

 

I have a 98, as far as I know there is no immobilizer on this year, today is pretty cold about 60F. I think it makes sense about the vapor. Since everyone else has this problem now I know that there is nothing wrong with my car.

 

:raises hand: on the studder start

 

I'm going to vote it's fuel, try the technique above, turn the key to the on position for a few seconds, then crank. I assume the fuel system is pressurizing itself during that time. I do that will all fuel injected cars and my car has never not fired up the 1st try.
HTH
M

 

Yea i think its vaporlock or something fuel-related. I have a '00 Si w/ no immobilizer and it does the same damn thing. PITA -- makes people think i drive a beater

 

98401R,
My '91 Civic has the same problem. It was the moisture from the rain that cause it. Try to blow hot air into intake of the air filter for a cuople of minutes and try to start the car again.

 

Odd I've never had this problem even when my cars setup for storage I never notice where I would have to crank it twice. My guess it's fuel or climate related maybe a mix of the two. Water moisture in the fuel mix can also cause issue like this as well.

 

How old is your battery? When mine was about to go, the car had a hard time starting. This probably isn't the cause, but you never know.

Also, my radio presets would reset each time I turned the car on.

Good luck.

 

my mechanic once told me to wait till the check engine light goes off, then start the engine.

 

Happened to me too.

I just did the same as everyone says, "on" position for about 5 seconds or so, the crank. Usually starts right away

 

Yup!
It happens to mine when the engine is real hot only.
When it is cold, it cranks like a charm.

 

again..................


same set up... with all EFI honda systems

you have to give it a chance to prime. And of course the best rule of thumb is to wait until the check engine light goes off...

fu-bot, "been there, talk about it already.......... "