I recently purchased an 03 civic ex coupe, has the d17a2. Here is the problem, it has trouble starting up initially. Sometimes I have to turn it over 3-5 times for extended periods before it will start. If I pump the gas pedal, you can hear it attempting to fire. When I get it to fire, it runs rough until I give it some throttle. After that, it runs like a dime, no idle issues, no loss of power. If I shut it down after it has been running, it will fire back up right away with no problem. If I let it sit for longer than 5 minutes, it gives me trouble starting again. I got the guys at the auto parts store to pull the engine codes, and I had a misfire in cyclinder 3, so I replaced the plugs. Also I had a code for engine coolant temp sensor. I proceeded to check the thermostat, which was gutted, so I replaced that as well. I believe I have eliminated possibly of fuel delivery issues by shooting some starter fluid into the intake, which made no difference in the starting issue. Any and all help is appreciated.

 

Do you have enough oil? Sometimes a hard start can be connected to oil loss (low oil or a bad oil pump) or a problem with the VTEC system.

 

Yes oil levels are fine, whysttype of issues could I be facing with the VTEC system?

 

Low oil pressure.

 

Service manual says to check fuel pressure, low compression, intake air leak, contaminated fuel and weak ignition spark for a hard start.