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2003 Honda Civic cranks but no start

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Old Jan 4, 2018
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Smile 2003 Honda Civic cranks but no start

well, I’m new here and I’m hoping that I can get some help.
So about three days ago my car decides it wants to kick the bucket and doesn’t turn on. Before this I assumed that my battery was going bad since I haven’t changed the battery since I bought it a year ago. So I had it replaced. But no such luck. However now I have the ability to crank the car but without it turning over. For the last few weeks my car has been acting slightly weird:Struggling to turn over, the RPM needle goes back and forth until it warms up, it hesitates to accelerate when going at high speeds or hills, misfiring. At first I assumed my Catalytic converter was bad and was setting up to have it replaced. However, after speaking to a friend who said that Honda’s have a problem with coils, I believe that my ignition coils are bad. Has anyone else dealt with this and how did you fix it? Trying to get some ideas of what it could be. Also the alternator and starter were tested and in good condition.

Last edited by Ray Lin; Jan 4, 2018 at 10:59 PM. Reason: Word error
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Old Jan 5, 2018
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Re: 2003 Honda Civic cranks but no start

Originally Posted by Ray Lin
Before this I assumed that my battery was going bad since I haven’t changed the battery since I bought it a year ago. So I had it replaced.
A car battery typically last much longer that one year. Did the battery you replaced have a prorated months/years/mileage warranty?. A car battery can be tested with a multi-meter or bring it in to most parts stores and they will test if for you.

Originally Posted by Ray Lin
For the last few weeks my car has been acting slightly weird:Struggling to turn over, the RPM needle goes back and forth until it warms up, it hesitates to accelerate when going at high speeds or hills, misfiring.
This is confusing!
First off, (minor note: https://community.cartalk.com/t/term...starting/84476) cranks/turns-over means the same thing. More accurately is cranks but doesn't run.

Secondly, (more confusing) If the engine isn't running why did you mention "until it warms up" and "high speeds, hills, misfiring"?
So, is the engine running or not please?

Originally Posted by Ray Lin
At first I assumed my Catalytic converter was bad and was setting up to have it replaced. However, after speaking to a friend who said that Honda’s have a problem with coils, I believe that my ignition coils are bad. Has anyone else dealt with this and how did you fix it? Trying to get some ideas of what it could be.
There's many threads online concerning this very subject.
First thing to try is to rule out gas flooded cylinders: Try starting it with the gas pedal pressed to floor for about 10 seconds.

Originally Posted by Ray Lin
Also the alternator and starter were tested and in good condition.
Adding to confusion: I'm assuming this was performed after you purchased the new battery. Ideally, (also for future reference) the prior battery should have been charged or jumped and then drive it to a parts store to have the battery and alternator tested.

If an engine is not cranking and it's isolated down to the starter as the most likely cause ..the starter would need to be removed from the engine to be tested. Did you remove the starter to test?

Last edited by Wankenstein; Jan 5, 2018 at 09:48 PM.
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Old Jan 5, 2018
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Re: 2003 Honda Civic cranks but no start

Megalodong
apologies I don’t know how to do the quotes, so I’m just going to number the answers to your questions.
1.) Yes, I had the battery tested which is why it was replaced. Bad battery so I’m assuming the person before me didn’t change it before I received it
2.) thank you that’s what I mean. Cranking but not starting.
2a.) What I described is what was happening BEFORE the car stopping working. So the engine isn’t running; I’m just giving details so that maybe someone would point me in the right direction. It’s was a better idea than just saying it stopped and had no signs of trouble.
3.) I thought about that as well and tried it this morning; no luck
4.) yes the alternator and starter were removed in order to test. Had a friend remove it for me
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Old Jan 5, 2018
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Re: 2003 Honda Civic cranks but no start

Originally Posted by Ray Lin
Megalodong
apologies I don’t know how to do the quotes, so I’m just going to number the answers to your questions.
1.) Yes, I had the battery tested which is why it was replaced. Bad battery so I’m assuming the person before me didn’t change it before I received it
2.) thank you that’s what I mean. Cranking but not starting.
2a.) What I described is what was happening BEFORE the car stopping working. So the engine isn’t running; I’m just giving details so that maybe someone would point me in the right direction. It’s was a better idea than just saying it stopped and had no signs of trouble.
3.) I thought about that as well and tried it this morning; no luck
4.) yes the alternator and starter were removed in order to test. Had a friend remove it for me

Alright, these responses clarifies the situation and will help us to narrow down the focus to better help you.
This is a recent, related thread that provides a few things to check and try: https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...n-t-start.html
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Old Jan 5, 2018
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Re: 2003 Honda Civic cranks but no start

the RPM needle goes back and forth until it warms up, it hesitates to accelerate when going at high speeds or hills, misfiring.
Can you hear relays clicking away near the glovebox?

Is the CEL on? Got fault codes?
Or does a scanner not communicate with the computer at all?

the alternator ....... removed in order to
Did someone forget to completely tighten all of the bolts?
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