Rep Power: 0

Alright here we go.
2001 Honda Civic LX Coupe 95,000 miles.
So for a while I was having battery issues. I couldn't find the time between school and work to clean my terminals properly so almost every time I would try to restart my car after parking, it would click a bunch of times and I'd just get out and play with the terminal a bit. I cleaned up my battery and my car began starting fine every time. The cranking problems DID NOT start until after I "fixed" my battery problem. About a day went by and I went to start my car. It started cranking but wouldn't fire until about the third time I tried it. My cranking consisted of 3-6 seconds of crank before stopping, pulling the key completely out, and retrying. I realized I was low on gas (light was not on though) and thought that could be the culprit so I filled up. Well it seemed to fix the problem for right about a day (I probably was just lucky).
I began noticing that the start issue was only from a cold start 99% of the time.
I replaced all the spark plugs (not the wires however) but that did not fix the problem either (does seem to drive a smidge better though).
I do not have decreased power from what I have noticed.
I had Autozone run a no-start diagnostic on it. Alternator passed, Battery was fully charged but the starter failed. The guys at Autozone said it was a fluke because my car started twice just fine in the parking lot while running the diagnostic. My check engine light has been on for quite some time due to an O2 sensor.
My car sounds perfectly normal aside from the cold cranking issue. No new noises have occurred.
I'm not sure if it was just the timing; however, when I was fixing my battery's positive cable feed, I pulled on it with a bit of force but surely not enough to cause any damage to the starter or anything (my car does crank though so I am pretty sure I can eliminate starter issues).
I noticed when trying to start my car tonight, after it had started there was a faint smell of gas; however, I do not see any "signs/symptoms" of a faulty fuel pump. This could also be me adding incorrect symptoms
I have also put fuel system/fuel injector cleaner into my tank when I was almost out of gas which was Saturday, 4/28/12. I have only used about a quarter of my tank since.

The car seems to drive just fine honestly. No real problems aside from the initial "cold start cranking".
When I slip my car into reverse, sometimes it seems to want stall out a bit (sometimes I gotta give 'er a little extra gas, and then I get that gas smell). I had the transmission fully rebuilt at 80,000.

I live in Texas so weather really isn't an issue. (Hot or hotter lol).

I did some reading about having the battery disconnected for quite some time/battery issues could lead to problems with sensors. I realize it was incredibly stupid not to fix something so easy and quick and I accept full flamage for that; however, I would truly like to get your opinions regarding the matter.

I'm college student that works nearly full-time to afford school, so money is an issue to an extent. I consider myself intellectually and mechanically capable of most repairs on a vehicle as long as I can find a proper guide/video.

Overview:

• Originally battery issues [cleaned terminals]
• Cold engine start up issues [crank but doesn't fire, will fire after 2-3 tries]
• Faint smell of gas immediately after start up [This could just be my exhaust though, sorry, I'm a "newb"]
• Check Engine light is on [O2 sensor]
• No reduced power, sputtering, driving capabilities, leaks, stalls, rough idles
• Autozone diagnostic showed:
  • Alternator: Passed
  • Battery: Fully charged
  • Starter: Failed [although car started twice just fine in parking lot]
• Smell of gas/slight reduce in power (sometimes a SMALL stall) when trying to reverse.
• Spark plugs changed, fuel system/injector cleaner added, oil changed regularly, no leaks, fluid levels checked frequently.
• Transmission fully rebuilt 15,000 miles ago.
• Financially conservative college student (Lol)

I truly hope that I provided enough information for a proper internet diagnosis. I have faith.


Thanks so much.


Camski

 
Rep Power: 0

Also, turned my key to the on position twice this morning. Heard a healthy hum from my fuel pump. Tried starting it after, fired right up.

 
Rep Power: 0

It sounds like the fuel isn't staying in the rail and the fuel pump has to pressurize the rail every time on a cold start. I would start with leaky injectors and then go to the fuel pump. Best to check the fuel rail pressure and see if it drops. It should stay around 30psi when the engine is off and when the engine is running about 40-47psi.