Rep Power: 0

Purchased a 2005 Civic EX with 160k miles in March of this year. Probably a month after getting it, I started experiencing hard starts. I replaced the plugs, coil packs, air filter and everything was good. I had some other issues such as loose sensors, a missing connector for the output shaft speed sensor. Began having the hard start progressing to a no start. Replaced the crank position sensor and catalytic converter based on DTCs. Sometimes it would start, others it wouldn't. Fuel pump is working and fuel is making it to the cylinders. I gave in and took it to the shop that is supposed to be the best in the area with imports. I left a detailed account of everything I had done. They replaced the coil packs and tried to give it back when it barely started. I left it with them another week and they called saying that the Crank position sensor was the culprit. Two days later I took it back with same issues. They kept it a few more days and called with their diagnosis and a quote to fix. I had paid them $1200 by that point. Their diagnosis was a bad ignition switch and their quote to fix it was $1100. They told me that if I pushed the key in hard it would start. That was total BS. I declined their quote. I got it home and within a couple days it wouldn't start. As a last ditch effort, I replaced the plugs again. It instantly fired up and ran like a champ. After a week, hard start again. Another week, no start. I went through checking each coil for spark, etc. Plugs still look like new. Spark, fuel, air but no start. Since I really needed to go to work today, I replaced the plugs again. Fired right up. This morning it fired up perfectly. At noon today, hard start again. No codes whatsoever except for misfire code right after I got it back from the shop. I can't keep throwing money at the car. I'm about ready to use it for target practice. Anyone have any ideas?

 
Rep Power: 367

check cylinder compression

 
Rep Power: 222

Aftermarket or OEM sensors?

 
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I don't have the numbers, but the mechanic checked compression and told me it was good on all cylinders.

 
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OEM sensors

 
Rep Power: 224

Once it starts does it running well? Is the hard start the only issue or are there issues when running too?

 
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I noticed the ses light on after I put gas in. Can anyone interpret the freeze frame data for me? Anything stand out?

 
Rep Power: 211

First, clean all engine and chassis grounds with a brass wire brush. Check starter connections. Clean battery post and cable terminals.

Check mechanical timing at the crank's timing gear and the cam's gear. Don't rely on the timing marks on the crank pulley and timing cover, as the belt may have skipped a tooth or two.

If the timing marks are in line then check valve clearances.

 
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When it starts it runs good. I feel like there is a little more engine vibration than there should be. Gas mileage is about 30-32 mpg. When idling it has a "hickup" every few minutes.

 
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Rep Power: 222

Always use ngks in hondas

 
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Anyone?

 
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None of those values are worrisome.

 
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Thanks

 
Rep Power: 211

Have you checked the engine and chassis ground connections yet?

 
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Yes, I checked grounds at the beginning of this issue. Cleaned two and replaced one. No effect.

 
Rep Power: 211

Verify mechanical timing or is it running well enough that it's not concerning?

I owned a 2007 Mazda 3 that would hard start after filling the fuel tank (not your car's issue) and the fix was to replace an evaporator hose that fed the evap solenoid. A common issue with that generation of Mazda engines. I've not experienced any evap issues with the Civic's I've owned or worked on but it's a possibility with any car that an evap issue can cause hard starts.

 
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A knowledgeable Honda guy says it sounds like I need to replace the fuel pump assembly. He suggested having fuel pressure checked first though. Next on the list.

 
Rep Power: 211

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...ssure-2944675/

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...sure-test.html