Difficult starting problem
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 24
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Difficult starting problem
1995 Accord Sedan. Just acquired in good condition for 25 years. Some odd problems of which this is one. The car has not been used much in the last 2 to 3 years, mostly sitting. 206K miles.
Does not want to start.
Happens usually after not being started for a while, like first thing in the morning, or any time after sitting for a while. (Does not seem to be ambient temperature related.)
Starter activates and cranks (turns) the engine, but no hint of starting, even when cranked for 10 to 15 seconds.
Then on the next try (maybe many attempts later) on the 1st crank it will start normally, no halting attempts first or sputtering or other complaining, no apparent flooding, it just starts and runs very nicely. No driveability problems of any sort. Usually it will start right up if shut off for a short or long time, up to an hour or two. But has been known to give some problem in such a situation.
There is no fuel odor associated with this problem.
I’m going to try to sort this out, but I don’t do very well with starting problems that aren’t immediately obvious to me and am hoping for some help thinking about this.
Does not want to start.
Happens usually after not being started for a while, like first thing in the morning, or any time after sitting for a while. (Does not seem to be ambient temperature related.)
Starter activates and cranks (turns) the engine, but no hint of starting, even when cranked for 10 to 15 seconds.
Then on the next try (maybe many attempts later) on the 1st crank it will start normally, no halting attempts first or sputtering or other complaining, no apparent flooding, it just starts and runs very nicely. No driveability problems of any sort. Usually it will start right up if shut off for a short or long time, up to an hour or two. But has been known to give some problem in such a situation.
There is no fuel odor associated with this problem.
I’m going to try to sort this out, but I don’t do very well with starting problems that aren’t immediately obvious to me and am hoping for some help thinking about this.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 42
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From: Franklin, NC
Re: Difficult starting problem
try turning the key on, letting it prime for a minute, then turning key off and then cranking it. Maybe do it 2-3 times before cranking. If it cranks after doing this, the fuel may be bleeding back in the tank overnight and need new pump.
Thread Starter
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 24
Likes: 1
Re: Difficult starting problem
Yes, thanks. I've been inclined to think about the fuel pump. I like the relay idea because it's the easiest. I think a bad ground might also cause what is happening. That the pump isn't pumping (no power) then starts pumping (power again) could fit either of those. I think.
I don't think the pump is weak because there is no faltering under load, i.e. quick acceleration or up hill pulls. No fuel/fuel is also consistent with a clean normal start once it starts.
I wonder if there is an internal pump fault that would allow fuel to drain back to the tank, but also allow return to normal pumping.
I don't think the pump is weak because there is no faltering under load, i.e. quick acceleration or up hill pulls. No fuel/fuel is also consistent with a clean normal start once it starts.
I wonder if there is an internal pump fault that would allow fuel to drain back to the tank, but also allow return to normal pumping.