Hey guys,

I have tried to self diagnose this, but I figured I would post up to see if there was anyone with prior knowledge on the "issues" that I am having. Couldn't find a similar issue in my initial search.

I purchased my car back in January of this year. It is a 2000 Civic DX that had about 152,000 miles. I noticed that the car took one too many cranks to start up (compared to other cars that I have owned, especially my 1998 Integra), and this was especially apparent when I was low on fuel.

Initially I thought it was an electrical issue, so I replaced my spark plugs with some nice NGK G-Powers, new NGK spark plug wires, and an Optima Yellowtop battery. While this proved to help my car (I needed new spark plugs), it did not solve this strange start up issue. I remember that when I purchased the car from the last owner, he mentioned that he had a new fuel pump installed, but I haven't checked the receipt records to confirm when that service had been done in relation to now.

I am still experiencing this start up issue when the fuel is low, about 2 gallons or less left in the tank. I monitor my fuel usage diligently, so I know that when I see the fuel gauge , I am going to have this issue. The only remedy I have found is giving a few pumps to the accelerator pedal (which I am wary about because I don't want to flood the motor).

Any help in diagnosis would be appreciated.

Thanks

-Michael

 

My 2000 EX also takes more than it's usual 1 second to start when fuel is low. "Low" being just above the red line. Same issue with D16y8 and B18b1.

Have you tried waiting until you hear the fuel pump prime after turning key to the "ON" position?

As an aside, I'd go back to NGK ZFR5F-11 when you're due for plugs again. I don't know what engines these funky aftermarket plugs work well in, but in my experience, D and B series Hondas don't like them.

 

I was thinking moisture within the dizzy - until you mentioned the part about it happening when you are low on fuel. I would start with cheap and easy fixes, and get a new fuel filter first....if you haven't already.

AND/OR gas cap too!!!

*my two pennies

 

I haven't waited for the fuel pump to prime, but I will try that next time I am near empty.

In regards to the NGK plugs, I had the same issues before I put these "upgraded" plugs in.

How often is it recommended that you replace your fuel filter?

I remember the last time I got my Subaru inspected, they checked the fuel cap for pressurization, which it failed. I had to run to Pep Boys down the street, buy a new fuel cap, and bring it back to the DMV to pass. So I guess over time, your fuel cap could not be sealing properly. I am no expert, but I didn't think that would affect startup (considering there are no CELs).

 

My integra does the same thing. Doesn't really bother me that much, since you really shouldn't run your tank that low anyway. (bad for the pump)

 

I agree, but I am just curious as to the issue. In my opinion, the car shouldn't have a problem when there is still a gallon or two of gas left in the tank. Is it a design flaw?

 

could just be the starter on it's way out(not spinning the engine fast enough). D-series starters can be had for under 80$ might want to pick one up for a little extra insurance.

 

I've never replaced one and put 267,000 miles on my last Civic. BUT, yes, I did think of that too.

I wonder about gas caps. My Wife's Volvo keeps giving us a code for a "very small leak in evap system". I swapped gas caps with my car to try and isolate that as the problem, but got the same code. Maybe mine isn't 100% sealing either? Hmmmmm.....

 

X2 on waiting for the fuel pump to prime before cranking. My 2000 Civic took two cranks to start when its below 1/4 of a tank since the day I drove it off the lot - until I got in the habit of waiting for the fuel pump to prime before cranking.

I'm at 217,000 miles and have never changed the fuel filter.