Recently my CRX (all stock) has been giving me this problem; takes 2-3 starting attempts before it finally starts. Once it starts there is no problem with it staying running.

Any ideas? Thx!

 

also, first time it stalled out a week ago I was washing off the engine while it was running. Distributor cap is dry.

 

car requires three things to run: electricity, gas (combustion), and oxygen.

have you tried turning the key to prime it like two three times before attempting to turn it over? no codes occuring?

 

Never really had to... think its a spark problem smells a bit rich at times. Would distributor problems cause a hard start but runs fine scenario?

 

How is the igniter unit? Mine had a cable loose adn it caused this kind of a problem.

 

Checked the plugs recently?

 

Plugs have been replaced.

edit: I'm a dummy. I didn't see the extremely worn out dizzy cap (terminal that makes contact with the coil was worn down to a nub). Replaced it. We'll see if the startup stall goes away.

Also...

Will a B series dizzy bolt up and work? All internal components look the same? I used a new-ish B series cap. Worked just fine.

 

BUMP!!!

Still having problems starting. Replaced worn out distributor cap, pulled main relay and re-soldered the connections. Fuel pump is priming, main relay is clicking.

CRX seems to start fine on initial starts, but follow up start attempts it takes a few tries to get it running again. Bascally, on a failed start attempt, it will crank over, sputter and quickly die out. Once running, the car runs perfectly fine. No hesitation, goes all the way to 6500 RPMs without any indication of a problem.

Any more ideas as to what would cause this? At this point I'm feeling extra-stumped. Short of throwing a bunch of parts at it now I don't know what to do? Started acting up after I installed a CD player and amp/sub but I don't think anything I did caused this issue, seems merely coincidental. First time I ever noticed the CRX stall out I was washing off the engine. I ruled out moisture in distributor cap...

Ideas ideas...

Thanks!!!

 

Just cover your bases... Start from the beginning: check your fuel pressure. At idle it should be about 35 psi. I have a Topic up right now that explains to how check it.

Check spark color. Look up on how-to FAQ page

More than likely though I'm going to guess you fried something when you blasted water into the crumbly wires in the engine bay. Lol

That or you've got a draw on your battery from your stereo installation. Which would make it hesitate to start if weak potentially. Could be a lot. Check battery voltage

 

Wiring/connections under the hood are all secure and I was careful not to use high pressure and blast wiring/electronics. I've tried with the stereo system off, and on... no difference. Secured battery cables, checked grounds.

I've been looking around online... have you heard of ignition switches causing this type of symptom?

 

If you mean the ignition cylinder (key cylinder) it has happened

 

Ah... figured. Next logical step. If car runs fine after started I think I cab pretty much rule out ignition and fuel system. Gonna do the ign switch soon, ill get back with the result.