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Hi,

I have a Honda Civic 2001 with 130k miles on it. In the morning when the engine is cold, I have no problem starting it right away. When I drive it and stop for a gas the the engine is warmed up, it is difficult to start and seems to be choking. I have no experience with any car repair at all and I would like to ask for assistance before I bring the car for repair.

When the engine is warmed up and tried to restart it, I have to hold it for about 5 seconds or so before it starts. I've got new spark plugs last year when the maintenance was performed. I'm not sure what the problem is and any suggestions and help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

JDawgzCivic

 
Rep Power: 518

Got codes?

I'd use a scanner data list to check the accuracy of the temperature sensors first.

 
Rep Power: 0

Sorry I'm not familiar with that... Is that something I can buy online like Amazon?
Is that like the MD device you plug in? Thanks!

JDawgzCivic

 
Rep Power: 0

This is the one I have.
It just reads any engine codes you might have, but I can't imagine you would have any if it's just a slow start. Usually it's attributed to your fuel system and considering your mileage, there's a good chance it could be the fuel filter or injectors. Try using some Redex fuel cleaner and see if the situation improves. If not, then change the filter. If still not, time for the garage.

 
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When you say filter? is that different from the oil/change filter? what kind of filter is it called? Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 518

(I know we don't have EOBD here....Does that code reader do North American OBDII?)

Checking for fault codes is always near the top of my troubleshooting list when it comes to driveability complaints, no matter if the CEL is on at the time or not. Data is just as important, if not more important.

{linked above} Code reader only (as mentioned above), no data list capability. It can't give the info I described in the other post.
You would need to go up a couple price ranges in order to get any data display capabilities.

That's exactly why I want to know what the computer is seeing.

I already know the pump, filter, and injectors are good enough to run the car, it started up just fine and he drove it to the store.

The problem is with "hot restart" now.

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Coolant temp sensor (for the PCM) is a major player in fuel injection calculations.
I think it will probably be found as sending a false value that is much colder than the actual coolant temp, therefore causing excessive amounts of fuel to be injected.



Very different. However, your current problem will not be caused by that....and it's a whole lot of work to change it.

HTH