Rep Power: 0

I recently upgraded my vehicle situation and I am sad/happy to have retired my civic DX. I have only ever replaced cv joints and my master cylinder for my brakes. It only has 200,000 kilometres on it. It was kept my my uncle for his kids as a family car, and it got me through some really tough times delivering pizza. I know that it isn't much but I don't have the heart to sell it. The only problem I have ever had with it is the odd start up. It always starts up cold. But when I have had it running and stop at a gas station or car wash it won't start back up. It runs and idles really well and the clutch was replaced not long ago by my uncle. Any suggestions where I should start with this car?

 
Rep Power: 189

A lot of different things to consider, First and formost i recommend you check ALL connections related to the starting system. Something could be loose or corroded(heat can act as an electrical insulator). This usually points to a starter, ignition or something in that line..

is your light on???


If you say it does not start does it mean that the starter turns the engine but it does not fire up and start or is it a case that the starter is dead?

If it is a case that the starter does not turn the engine it can be the solonoid on the starter but more likely it is a voltage drop between the ignition switch and the starter. This is quite common on older cars. A cheap fix is to fit a relay in the starter circuit.

If it is a case of the engine turning but not starting the best will be to find out if it is ignition or fuel related. When it will not start connect one of the plugwires to an old plug and ground it and watch for a spark. If nothing then you can start to look for problems with the coil, distributor and ignition module. If there is spark then you will know it is fuel and can look that way,

There is no use in trying to replace all kind of different parts before you know where your problem is.