2001 Honda Civic EX hard to start cold.
10-23-2013
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2001 Honda Civic EX hard to start cold.
I am sure this has been talked about several times on here, but I wanted to explain my situation in hopes to fix this problem ASAP. About a month ago I had several codes pop up on my 2001 Honda Civic EX with 130,000 miles. A cylinder 1 misfire, the upstream O2 sensor was bad, and a TDC sensor was intermittent / failing. I replaced then spark plugs which it definitely needed. I also took the timing cover off and replaced the TDC sensor (camshaft position sensor) and valve cover gasket. I also replaced the thermostat and coolant temp sensor. I still need to replace the O2 sensor but since then, the Civic has started and ran like a champ. No CEL, no codes.
About 2 days ago, it started getting colder in the mornings. I went to start the car and it was sluggish like the battery was drained. I tried to jump it, still nothing. I cleaned the terminals and cranked it a few more times and it finally fired, sputtered for a few seconds like the timing was off, then idled smooth and ran great. The rest of the day the car started several more times and drove great. It even sat at work for 8 hours and started fine that afternoon. Next morning, same thing (wouldn’t start)...after cranking a few times...letting it sit for 2 minutes...then cranking again it fired, sputtered and idled smooth once I gave it gas. I had to give it gas to get it to start. The car once again was drove 4 or 5 times today with no rough idling or hesitation. The CEL has NOT come on either time. Still no CEL light. I am thinking a few things here. The first is my greatest fear...a blown head gasket. There is no white smoke or mixing of fluids though. The other is a faulty TDC senor was installed or maybe the crankshaft sensor may be going bad. I am a novice when it comes to Civics so excuse my ignorance. I am in need of advice and help. Thanks for your time.
About 2 days ago, it started getting colder in the mornings. I went to start the car and it was sluggish like the battery was drained. I tried to jump it, still nothing. I cleaned the terminals and cranked it a few more times and it finally fired, sputtered for a few seconds like the timing was off, then idled smooth and ran great. The rest of the day the car started several more times and drove great. It even sat at work for 8 hours and started fine that afternoon. Next morning, same thing (wouldn’t start)...after cranking a few times...letting it sit for 2 minutes...then cranking again it fired, sputtered and idled smooth once I gave it gas. I had to give it gas to get it to start. The car once again was drove 4 or 5 times today with no rough idling or hesitation. The CEL has NOT come on either time. Still no CEL light. I am thinking a few things here. The first is my greatest fear...a blown head gasket. There is no white smoke or mixing of fluids though. The other is a faulty TDC senor was installed or maybe the crankshaft sensor may be going bad. I am a novice when it comes to Civics so excuse my ignorance. I am in need of advice and help. Thanks for your time.
10-23-2013
#2
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 2001 Honda Civic EX hard to start cold.
Is the radiator low?
Is the coolant reservoir overfull?
Is the coolant reservoir overfull?
10-24-2013
#4
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 2001 Honda Civic EX hard to start cold.
You said it sputters for a little bit on the first start, I was thinking it might be getting antifreeze in a cylinder after sitting overnight.
I'd probably just do my standard head gasket check and see if it reveals anything.
I'd probably just do my standard head gasket check and see if it reveals anything.
10-24-2013
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I will. It has been firing up the past few mornings, no problem. The temp has been about the same outside. I really appreciate your help ...I will do the head gasket leak test. Fingers crossed.
10-24-2013
#6
If you think a good mechanic is expensive, try hiring a bad one
Re: 2001 Honda Civic EX hard to start cold.
Here's a few links to posts I've made.
Check this whole thread: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4649516
A post https://www.civicforums.com/forums/p...570-post6.html
Another post https://www.civicforums.com/forums/p...54-post10.html
see the video in this post here: Is this Idle behavior normal? Vid included, Redid Thtle Body Clean and Worse Now!
Check this whole thread: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...ml#post4649516
A post https://www.civicforums.com/forums/p...570-post6.html
Another post https://www.civicforums.com/forums/p...54-post10.html
see the video in this post here: Is this Idle behavior normal? Vid included, Redid Thtle Body Clean and Worse Now!
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