Hi all. Wondering if anyone here can figure out my issue. 96 Accord LX 2.2L non-VTEC, 5-speed manual. In the cold it cranks and fires but won't start. Was running fine when parked.

What I've tried:
- Cleaned plugs, plug wires and plug wells (had some oil from leaking valve cover gasket)
- Confirmed spark from all four plug wires
- Confirmed good fuel pressure, loosened banjo bolt on fuel rail and it sprayed out when fuel pump primed
- Air filter checked
- Battery tested OK at rest and under load (did not fall below 9.9V while cranking), constantly being recharged by a 10-amp charger
- Tried battery blanket on battery
- Tried tapping on starter, no difference
- Oil is a normal colour and normal odour

Haven't yet tried a compression test (don't have a gauge) or pulling the timing cover but I'll probably try the latter next.

 

On the off chance it would work, I left the key in the ON position for 15 minutes.. came out, and after two tries it started up and is running fine. Problem seems to be electrical.. relay or ECU?

 

when it's not starting you need to check for fuel and spark

 

See above. Has fuel and spark.

 

try testing the ect sensor under the distributor for ohms when it's cold, should be over 2000 ohms when really cold and when warmed up should be 150-300ish

it's the two prong sensor

it might be best to replace the plugs(gap is .044 inches) and make sure when testing for spark that you use a tester

 

Interesting suggestion, I may try that but it doesn't have the usual ECT sensor symptoms. No CEL and once the car starts there are zero driveability issues, clean exhaust, great mileage, accurate temp gauge.

Leaning more toward a broken solder joint on a circuit board somewhere that heats up when the key has been in the ON position for awhile before starting.