Hello!
it's been a really long time since i posted here!

My 01 Accord coupe had developped a super fun issue; Random no start (cranks really well but does not start, until it does.)
The issue seems to happen on some mornings, the first start of the day. Sometimes it takes 5 seconds longer, or this morning i took me 5 tries of cranking 5 secs each time. But randomly, once a week, 2 weeks maybe? The car runs and drives perfectly still except for this issue.

I read about the main relay issue, which would make sense, but, the fuel pump does come on when the issue occurs. Now i am thinking maybe fuel leak (original lines, but no smell) that would empty the line causing the long no start condition.

I need to diagnosis the issue, but it happens so randomly i'm not usually home with my tools.. Anyone would have an idea? Suggestion?

BTW, the car has been swapped H23 and is OBD1 so no immobilizer issue.

Thanks for your imput!

 

A thing to check is the key switch, it can cause the condition you are describing. One way to test this is to start the car, and jiggle the keys a bunch and see if it turns off suddenly. If so, it needs to be replaced. I don't think this is the immobilizer exactly, although related which is why I was thinking to test it.

Another is to go around checking for a loose ground wire on the engine.

 

I'll second the ignition switch as the culprit.
When they start to die things get a little weird at first, then the car refuses to start or randomly dies.
Watch the gauges when cranking, if they are completely dead then the switch is probably going out.
When the switch is turned to II(ON) position ACC, BAD, IGN1, IGN2 are all made contacts.
When the switch is turned to III(START) position BAT, IGN1, ST are all made contacts.
If a tab is broken or the contact is worn for IGN1 the contact will not make and the engine will not start.
Next time you go to start the car, try keeping pressure pushing the key in while turning. If the car starts more often with this procedure then the ignition switch is most likely the culprit.
If you have lots of keys/charms on your key ring, ditch them. That weight pulls down on the key cylinder, doesn't really do anything to that but that puts a massive side loading on the plastic ignition switch.

 

Thanks for your replies!
I checked it quick this morning, did not have trouble starting tough. I giggled the key as much as i could with the engine running and no issues. I was wishing it would not start so I could troubleshoot it.

BTW, i've owned the car for about 16 years, the the only thing i've ever had with he ignition key is the keyfob itself

 

Ok, to me the next step is to check fuel pressure with a gauge. It could be a weakening fuel pump or maybe a clog in the filter (ever replaced it?).

You might also start wiggling other wires under the hood while trying to start or carefully while running to see if it shuts off.

Cap and rotor loose? Distributor with oil in it maybe?

 

I'd suspect the fuel lines being that they're original and you're where it snows like me, but it sounds like they're ok. Mine were bad, and I could in fact smell gas before having them replaced last year on my '99. I think there was a similar situation here recently involving the ignition switch, but their car would stop running while driving.