Past few times when I refueled my 1991 base HB it won't start right away. Typically I just turn the key off and back on and it will start right back up. This has also happened a couple times without refueling but mostly after I refuel. This morning it took me doing that multiple times for it to turn over, took over a minute to get it running. Doing some research it seems like it may be caused by the evap or possibly the fuel pump on its way out.

Any suggestions on how to determine the cause and ways to fix it is very much appreciated.

Thanks alot,
Christian

 

When engine won't start, does the fuel pump fail to prime?

 

It sounds like it primes the first time but when I turn the key off and back on I don't hear it

 

 

Fuel pump or clogged filter

 

Have a new fuel filter on it. Is there a way 2 diagnos the pump before just replacing it?

 

First test whether the main relay properly sends voltage to the fuel pump.

 

My mechanic skills are ****,how would I do this?

 

Unplug ECU connector A.

Ground wire harness ECU connector pin A12 or A14 (whichever pin is attached to a wire)

Turn key to ON(II).

Do you measure battery voltage to body ground at the fuel pump connector?

 

Ok so it wasnt just when refueling, was more of a thing if i drive it for 30+ mins and cut it off it does t want to start right away. I went ahead and replaced the main relay and thought that fixed the issue.... until this morning after driving for 50 mins stopped for some fuel and I had to turn the key over a second time for the vehicle to start.

This could be related or not at all but since the weather has gotten cold when I turn my headlights on it takes 2-3 seconds for the lights on my dash to turn on. Also when I turn my left turn signal on for the first time in the morning my dash lights will go off for 2-3 seconds then come back on. Doesnt happen for my right turn signal.

Any help is appreciated.

 

Does the fuel pump still prime when this happens? If the fuel pump still primes, a bad engine coolant temperature sensor can cause no-start behavior like this. It's one of the sensors under the distributor. Kind of fond of that diagnosis, since that's how I met the wifey with her 96 Civic.

You can resistance check the sensors, or if you're comfortable enough, backprobe the wires with the ignition on. They're also cheap enough that you can just replace them for $20.

After re-reading your last reply, it sounds like you have other issues too. Have you cleaned all of your grounds lately, or ever? A bad ignition switch could be another good guess, but it's not worth it to toss parts at it.

I'm bored as crap, so I might poke around on a wiring diagram for you. It sounds like you have some common issues tying these things together.

 

The fuel pump does prime. I've never cleaned the grounds

 

That would honestly be a great start since you are having phantom electrical issues. Clean the battery to frame/transmission ground, then the valve cover ground, then clean the thermostat ground. Don't forget to clean your battery posts, too. The fuel pump gets its ground through the harness that goes to the taillight. Since you have a hatchback you can just remove the center trim around the latch for the hatch (lol), then clean the ground there too. The headlights also have a ground box that mounts very close to each light.

The G101 thermostat ground is very crucial for a lot of fuel injection related things to work. Make sure that sucker is good.

I cleaned my grounds sometime last month and realized the ground going to my transmission was rotted off, which likely caused a bunch of my electrical issues.