I have a 92 Civic lx. It's a 5 speed manual. I'm having problems starting it when it's cold. when the check engine light is on, it doesn't start. as soon as the fuel pump primes, the cel goes off and the car starts fine. sometimes in the mornings I have to keep the key in the on position for about 5 or 6 minutes b4 the pump primes, or keep trying to start it until the pump primes.
I notice the pump will prime and car will start right away if I've been running the car and it's warmed up already.
I'm thinking maybe ecu or relay is ready to be replaced? did anyone have this problem b4? any help is appreciated. mahalos.

 

Main relay likely. As soon as the relay 'catches' (while waiting) it will stay connected, a lot less energy needed to keep it open than to open it to begin with.

Your main relay is around the driver kick panel I believe. Got a friend? Borrow theirs and see if the problem fades away.

... Then again, usually it has an issue when -hot- it doesn't work. You seem to have the opposite problem... Nevertheless, check it first. I believe it's in a grey box in your model, but wait for someone else to chime in. ;-)

 

oooope showin some 50th state pride baby!

 

yes siree. represent!! I've tried main relay, but problem still exists. I have to actually wait to start the car whether the check engine light is on or not. If the light stays on when cranking, then car doesn't start. If check engine light goes off while cranking, car starts. I usually just wait 30seconds to a minute and just crank it and it fires. any other ideas?? I'm stumped

 

Gimme a break. Almost 3 years and you still haven't resolved the issue? Take it to a technician already. WTF do you mean you've "tried" the main relay?

 

and that was his 5th post