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Been lurking around here for a few months now, but first post.
I have a '12 1.8L Civic with 122K miles that's been having difficult/long starts, almost every morning on my way to work after sitting overnight. I also get the same symptoms on my way home after an 8hr shift, but not every time. It's not really a slow crank, more of just a longer time cranking before the engine catches.
The battery was almost five years old so I went ahead and replaced it but am still getting the same symptoms. I get 14.4V across the battery terminals with the alternator running so I think the alternator is fine. Like I said, the starter is turning the engine over, no clicking or anything, so that seems OK too. I'm ready to rule out the starting/charging system, but please let me know if I missed something or there's something else you would check.
I'm considering looking into the fuel pump at this point. If I've understood correctly, there is a check valve in the fuel pump that holds pressure in the line even with the engine/pump off. I'm wondering if this may be failing and losing pressure over night which is causing the engine to crank for longer before the pump can catch up and start the engine. If this theory holds any water, any way to run a test before I go ahead and replace the pump/pump components?
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by sdaidoji
if it cranks, there are no issues with the starting parts.
when you turn the key, can you hear the fuel pump priming?
Yes, just went out and tried it. I can hear the fuel pump whirring for about 2-3 seconds when I turn the key to the ON position then it stops.
Originally Posted by sdaidoji
fuel, spark, air and timing is what is needed
what regular maintenance have been done? Spark plugs, air filters, etc? Engine light on?
I try to keep it pretty well maintained. Spark plugs were done right around 100K miles, air filter is less than 10K miles old, engine oil changed every 5K.
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
I should also mention that I'm borrowing a buddy's bi-directional scan tool this weekend for a project on my other vehicle. I'm not very experienced with scan tools, but maybe there are some tests I could run on the Civic while I have it.
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by sdaidoji
no CEL's?
Sorry, forgot about that one. No, the CEL isn't on. I ran a full scan as well. Didn't see anything that seems related to the starting issue (though the short in the airbag inflator doesn't sound great!). I also checked the scan tool live data for fuel pressure. The only thing I found was fuel tank pressure and it read right around 0.0psi. I'm not thinking that has any meaning in this scenario.
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
Next time you go to start it, key on for a few seconds to let the fuel pump prime before cranking. Does it start faster that way?
I don't think it makes a difference, but I will try it tomorrow after the car's sat all night.
Here's an audio recording of the start from this morning (attached). I purposely did not leave the key at the on position before moving to start. It doesn't crank forever, but it just seems like it should catch a little faster than it does. It definitely starts faster when it hasn't been sitting for a long time.
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
Next time you go to start it, key on for a few seconds to let the fuel pump prime before cranking. Does it start faster that way?
I completely forgot to try this yesterday so I just did it this morning. I don't think it made much of a difference. In fact you can hear a little stutter when the engine starts to catch. I've attached an MP3 of this morning's start. Probably left the key in the ON position for 5 seconds or so before turning to start. Ignore the fan and my Bluetooth connecting
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Honestly, doesn't seem to take that long to start, but I do see what you mean. Are you losing any coolant or oil? Does it run well once started? Once warm, if you shut it off and restart a few minutes later does it fire right up or slow start?
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
Honestly, doesn't seem to take that long to start, but I do see what you mean. Are you losing any coolant or oil? Does it run well once started? Once warm, if you shut it off and restart a few minutes later does it fire right up or slow start?
Yeah I agree, its not terrible, just a tad longer than it should be. The two audio files I uploaded are about average, but there have been a few here and there that were worse. My wife noticed it and asked why the car was taking longer to start, so I know its not just me...
Haven't noticed any coolant or oil leaks but I'll take a closer look later today. Replaced the coolant around 110K miles and the oil was changed 3K miles ago.
Runs fine when its started. It does idle a little high (~1000RPM) for 5-10 minutes after a cold start, but I've attributed this to the engine warming up. No issues with acceleration or power. Starts are fast and smooth after the first start of the day. Even after sitting in the parking lot at work for 8 hours it usually start well, its really most pronounced after sitting overnight.
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Some people have had coolant leaking into the cylinder overnight which will cause a hard start. I don't think head gasket failures were common on the R18 but thought I would mention.
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Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by AutoDIYer
Hey @brickhouse I am looking for people to test out this new mobile mechanic app and I think your vehicle issue would be a good fit for the study. Would you be interested in learning more?
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
Originally Posted by BrotatoChip
Some people have had coolant leaking into the cylinder overnight which will cause a hard start. I don't think head gasket failures were common on the R18 but thought I would mention.
I hope this isn't the case, but thanks for the idea. May be worth checking into.
Originally Posted by sdaidoji
not sure if that would show up in the plugs, but you can try
there are some borescopes for sale for smartphones in amazon too
You're saying that because its just a small amount of coolant it might not foul the plugs? I changed the plugs at 100K and didn't notice any fouling, but they're so easy to get to I guess it wouldn't hurt to pull on after the car has sat overnight and see if anything is in the cylinder.
Any thoughts on my fuel pump idea or does that seem like a dead end? I think I read somewhere else that fuel pump issues are very uncommon in Honda's, but wasn't sure if that's the general consensus or not.
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
no, I meant if there is coolant in the cylinders, not sure it would show up on the plugs.
you can try the "borescope" Endoscope instead to see if there is coolant inside, use the plug hole to insert (just check if the scope is not too big to pass the hole
Re: '12 1.8L Civic Difficult/Long Start Every Morning
I am no expert, but two thoughts here. One, have you changed your fuel filter? It could be the start of a problem that will eventually cut your fuel supply. Also, this may be a wild shot, but do you buy cheap gas?
