Rep Power: 0

Hey guys- Here is the deal. I have a 97 Civic HB that I have had for years as a third vehicle. It has always run very well. But the reality is that it does just sit quite a bit. Last year I could not get it to start on it's own. When I used some starting fluid in the TB, it would start right up. So I had it towed to local garage and they determined it was the fuel pump. They replaced it and problem solved. I filled it with fresh gas and took it home. It has been sitting for 10 months. I would start it periodically when it got home just to let it run. About 3 months ago, I could not get it to start. I tried starting fluid and it would start right up. I am thinking it can not be the fuel pump since it is brand new. I have checked fuse, replaced main relay, replaced fuel filter, installed new coil just to have a strong spark. Still would not start unless using starting fluid. I loosened the the top bolt on fuel filter to test for fuel delivery while cranking over and there is nothing. No fuel pressure. Could it be the fuel pump again or am I missing something?? Please help with your thoughts....

 
Rep Power: 211

Can you hear the fuel pump prime when the key (ignition) is in the 2nd position? Sounds like the issue is either power isn't getting to the fuel pump, air in fuel pump preventing priming , fuel pump not working.

 
Rep Power: 0

How do I go about hearing the fuel pump prime? Should I listen towards the back seat?

 
Rep Power: 126

You should just be able to hear it sitting in the driver's seat, or at least you can in my '95 and '01. I can't imagine yours would be any different.

 
Rep Power: 0

Ok. Thanks. I will check.

 
Rep Power: 0

OK. Here is what I have found. When key is turned to the II Position, here is what I observe....

- CEL light on dash lights up for about 2 seconds and goes out
- The D4 light on dash also lights up for 2 seconds and goes out
- The SRS light on dash lights up for 4 seconds and goes out
- I do NOT hear any fuel pump priming sounds at all.

Any thoughts?

 
Rep Power: 222

check the fuses for the fuel system, check the main relay (behind the glove box, remove the access panel on the dash in the passenger door opening)

 
Rep Power: 0

I guess you didn't read my original post. Fuses and main relay have been checked and / or replaced.

 
Rep Power: 222

Sorry, missed that, check for power and ground at the pump connector under the rear seat

 
Rep Power: 0

Well, I checked voltage and ground to the fuel pump and it all seemed just fine. Working as it should but still no activity with the actual pump. So I ended up pulling the pump out and it looked terrible. Ridiculously corroded and rusted. Hard to believe that this was shiny and new just 10 months ago. I took it back to the shop that did the work and they said it got chewed up from the ethanol in the gas because the car has been sitting for 10 months. Even though the pump is still under warranty, they said the ethanol damage voids the warranty. So I ended up ordering a new pump. I will try to get it installed this weekend.

 
Rep Power: 222

That's surprising that the pump would go bad so quickly, hopefully the new pump will sort everything out

 
Rep Power: 0

My thought is that the garage ripped me off and never changed it the first time just 10 months ago. Even the short piece of hose on the pump looked like it was 10+ years old. (All swollen and a bit distorted) At the very least the hose should have still looked new. Sucks to drop $500 for a repair and have to do it all over 10 months later.

 
Rep Power: 222

That is a possibility, not to hard to diy it

 
Rep Power: 0

Yep. I am definitely doing it myself this time. I'm already half way there at this point.