Hey guys- Here is the deal. I have a 97 Civic HB that I have had for years as a third vehicle. It has always run very well. But the reality is that it does just sit quite a bit. Last year I could not get it to start on it's own. When I used some starting fluid in the TB, it would start right up. So I had it towed to local garage and they determined it was the fuel pump. They replaced it and problem solved. I filled it with fresh gas and took it home. It has been sitting for 10 months. I would start it periodically when it got home just to let it run. About 3 months ago, I could not get it to start. I tried starting fluid and it would start right up. I am thinking it can not be the fuel pump since it is brand new. I have checked fuse, replaced main relay, replaced fuel filter, replaced IACV because of idle problem, installed new coil just to have a strong spark. Still would not start unless using starting fluid. I loosened the the top bolt on fuel filter to test for fuel delivery while cranking over and there is nothing. No fuel pressure. Could it be the fuel pump again or am I missing something?? Please help with your thoughts....

 

Does the fuel pump prime and does the CEL light up for 2 seconds when you turn the key to ON(II)?

 

WHAT Muellersfan said... but also .... you filled it with fresh gas, but how many years old is the gas that was already in the tank and how much of that Obama-era gas is still in there?

 

I will check this evening when I get home. Please note that as I said in my original post that after disconnecting the fuel supply line from the filter and turning the ignition, there is no gas coming out so no fuel pressure.

 

I missed this^

Check whether the CEL stays on steady after turning key to ON(II).

If so, check whether hood fuse 31 or dash fuse 13 is blown.

 

OK. Here is what I have found. When key is turned to the II Position, here is what I observe....

- CEL light on dash lights up for about 2 seconds and goes out
- The D4 light on dash also lights up for 2 seconds and goes out
- The SRS light on dash lights up for 4 seconds and goes out
- I do NOT hear any fuel pump priming sounds at all.

Any thoughts?

 

Excellent update!

Do this:

Remove rear seat.

Unplug fuel pump connector.

Check whether unplugged fuel connector gets battery voltage for 2 seconds when key is turned to ON(II).

If fuel pump gets battery voltage, check whether the ground pin in the fuel pump connector has continuity with body ground.

 

OK thank you. I will check that this weekend and get back to you.

 

Well, I checked voltage and ground to the fuel pump and it all seemed just fine. Working as it should but still no activity with the actual pump. So I ended up pulling the pump out and it looked terrible. Ridiculously corroded and rusted. Hard to believe that this was shiny and new just 10 months ago. I took it back to the shop that did the work and they said it got chewed up from the ethanol in the gas because the car has been sitting for 10 months. Even though the pump is still under warranty, they said the ethanol damage voids the warranty. So I ended up ordering a new pump. I will try to get it installed this weekend.