My civic will not start when i first get into my car. I must turn the key to the on (II) position until the check engine light goes off then the car will start. This can take anywhere from 5 sec. to 30 or 40 and usually only happens when the car hasn't been running for a few hours. My friend has a Del Sol with the same issue and we can't figure it out. Any ideas?

 

Did you try lifting the clutch pedal up and pushing it back down again? It doesn't sound like that's it, but mine does something similiar to that with the waiting for it to start....

 

This is usually caused by a bad ECU. But before you replace it, clean and tighten the G101 ground on the thermostat housing and put new fuses into slots #31 (hood box) and #24 (dash box).

 

Thanks Ron I'll check those. If it is the ECU should I replace it? The car is starting, just delayed. Will the problem get progressively worse? Is it a tough job?

 

If G101 and the fuses are fine, buy a replacement ECU. Otherwise, you may get stranded.