Hey guys, I need help.

My 2002 Civic EP3 wouldn't start sometimes but if i waited 30mins to 2hrs, it would start right back up.

The battery is good, bought in 2022. It reads 12.4v not running and 14.67v to 14.7v running.
No check engine light.
I jumped the clutch safety switch with a paper clip and still no start.

I replaced the starter with brand new autozone starter and it happens again about 3 weeks later. I tried to start it every 5-10mins and after about 45mins, it starts up. I took the autozone starter out got it replaced with another new one. It happen again about 2 weeks later and I just got a refund.

My brother has a 2004 Honda Accord that he doesn't use much. I took the Denso starter out of that and put in into my EP3. It works for about 4months and then no start. I took the Denso starter out and put it back in the Accord and my brother drives it no problem for almost 2 years now.

I went to the junk yard and pulled a Reman Denso starter from a base RSX and it's been 8 months then it just happen again a few days ago.

I'm tired of this and wondering if anybody have a similar issue and maybe a fix?

Here's a video of when it wouldn't start. https://imgur.com/a/fHhshy0


Thank you

 

Check your starter power wire for any corrosion or damaged stranding. This may be your issue.

 

What is the CEL code its throwing?

 

The CEL blinks like that but there's no with an OBDII scanner. When it runs, no CEL on the dash either. Everything is normal.

 

I'll do this and might as well check the whole charge harness while at it. Thanks

 

Sounds like your ECU back up fuse is blown. That allows the ECU to hold a code when you turn the ignition off. Its clearing out every time you turn it off to read the codes.

 

I rechecked all the fuses by pulling them out one by one and did the continuity test. They are all good.

I counted the flashes to 5 times. Google it and found this https://www.clubrsx.com/threads/cel-...-at-ii.668179/

"your manual explains it.. It happens usually when you disconnect your battery,
it means your emissions readiness codes are not set or something like that.
your manual should tell you the steps you have to go through in order to reset those codes and make the flashing CEL go away."

Seems like this happen because I kept fulling the 15A ECU fuse and disconnect/reconnect the battery to check every time it wouldn't start. It seems the code goes away after driving it a bit.

 

Hi,

I also have a 2002 SI with the same problem. My car only does this when it's warm to hot outside.
It started developing this problem 4 years after I replaced the old starter that was dragging a tiny bit
on the flywheel on start up. I purchased the replacement starter with a rebuilt from rockauto. I paid
for the more expensive Denso brand. I'm on the rockauto page right now and have in my cart another
Denso along with both front left and right ABS wheel speed sensors. When I'm driving my EP3 the ABS and
brake light comes on. Just like the starter, these lights only come on when it's warm to hot outside.

 

Update:

I just fixed it.

The culprit is the ignition switch after a lot of checking electrical wires related to the starter. If you replaced the starter and it still sometime starts, next is the ignition switch under your steering wheel. If you replaced the ignition switch and it still happens, then it's gotta be your 80Amp starter relay.

Replacing the ignition switch is so much easier than the starter. Done in 5mins.

 

02 civic Lx here. Sort of same issue. Car starts no problem when cold or sitting for a while. But if I start it up with no issues, go for a drive, run to the store or whatever. I'll get to the store, run in run out, and the car will not start at all. Plugs are new, battery is new, does not seem like a starter issue or an electrical issue at all. No CEL. Almost seems to be a venting issue. I'm not 100% sure but seems like it acts up most with a full tank. The emptier it gets, the more reliable it starts up.
could this be a venting issue, or the fuel pump?

 

a bad ecu coolant temp sensor will do this.
it's cheap, replace with ntk brand,
quality made in japan parts.

 

Have you check your main relay? I had that same problem with my b20v civic and the solder on the main relay cracked. I just removed the old solder and applied new solder. It's been 8 years and running strong.