I don't know if this problem is familiar to you guys with 96-00 civics, mainly the ex model. I have heard that there was a recall because of the distributor but i checked and their wasn't any that i could find.

When my car has a full tank of gas it starts right up, but when its right around a 1/4 tank and below, it sometimes doesn't start on the first crank and it cranks right up after two or three tries.

I first thought it was the battery, changed it , still had problems. I next thought it was the starter but it starts every time with a full tank of gas. Could it be my fuel pump? Anyone had this type of problem before?
Sorry for the long post
TIA.

 

Maybe it's you fuel pump or fuel filter...

 

how does that help? I'm not trying to be an *** but can you please tell me what that does?

 

Change your spark plugs. I would get some Denso Iridium, the spark is a lot stronger and it doesn't require as much fuel to create the big spark it already makes. While you're at it, change your distributor rotor & cap, and if plugs wires would be good too if they're kinda old.

 

I feel you. my 00 ex does the same thing. with 1/4 or less gas it is a bitch to start. then again i have an automatic, i just push the key in and hold it longer than usual and it starts. when i have 1.5 gallons or less, it's a real bitch to start up. the car shakes and the idle revs go really low much lower than usual. probably doesnt help when i have a cai and exhaust creating more airflow to eat the fuel... wonder if this is a problem or if it's normal

 

i have the same problems...

it doesn't matter if i wait till the pressure is build up in the lines..
i think it's a fuelfilter problem..
My plugs are new

 

It gives your fuel pump a second to start flowing. You can actually here it come on....

[Modified by JV, 4:51 PM 8/4/2002]

 

Yeah, this is a pretty common honda thing, it happens on my 93 ex, my cuz's 00 si, and my other cuz's 97 lude, its just normal, and letting the fuel pump charge the line does help.

 

heck yeah...does it on mine too

 

yea mine struggles a little longer than normal before i start it when its low on gas
turn the key to pos. 2 and youll hear the fuel pump start working
then it starts easier, usually

 

damn now i don't feel so bad!!. I already changed my spark plugs, fuel filter, wires. I guess i'll start letting the fuel pump pressurize before i start it up