Civic Hybrid starting
 

On my 2003 Civic Hybrid, I noticed in the past few days on initial start
when turning the key over, the engine doesn't start immediately like it
normally doses. I had to turn it several times before it kicked in but after
a delay. Any thoughts on what's going on? Should I be concerned? Thanks/don

Re: Civic Hybrid starting
 

"dxmah" <dxmah@mminternet.com> wrote in message
news:5vednYKSOa-TaaXfRVn-gQ@mminternet.net...
> On my 2003 Civic Hybrid, I noticed in the past few days on initial start
> when turning the key over, the engine doesn't start immediately like it
> normally doses. I had to turn it several times before it kicked in but
> after a delay. Any thoughts on what's going on? Should I be concerned?
> Thanks/don
>
My first thought for starting on second or later crank is leak-off of
pressure from the fuel injector rail. The shadetree test is to hit the
starter for about half a second (to start the fuel pump), wait about 2
seconds, crank it again and see if it starts the way you are used to. If so,
the definitive test is with a pressure guage on the fuel rail. The pressure
should stay up just about indefinitely, but it will usually bleed off in
seconds if it is bad.

For some reason, just cranking a few more seconds instead of letting off
usually confuses the injection and makes starting harder.

The cause varies a lot, but a common one is the check valve on the output of
the fuel pump. Dunno where it is in the Civic, but it is often in the fuel
tank :-(

Not a serious problem, but a real annoyance. Any chance it is covered by
warranty?

Mike

Re: Civic Hybrid starting
 

"dxmah" <dxmah@mminternet.com> wrote in message
news:5vednYKSOa-TaaXfRVn-gQ@mminternet.net...
> On my 2003 Civic Hybrid, I noticed in the past few days on initial start
> when turning the key over, the engine doesn't start immediately like it
> normally doses. I had to turn it several times before it kicked in but
> after a delay. Any thoughts on what's going on? Should I be concerned?
> Thanks/don
>
My first thought for starting on second or later crank is leak-off of
pressure from the fuel injector rail. The shadetree test is to hit the
starter for about half a second (to start the fuel pump), wait about 2
seconds, crank it again and see if it starts the way you are used to. If so,
the definitive test is with a pressure guage on the fuel rail. The pressure
should stay up just about indefinitely, but it will usually bleed off in
seconds if it is bad.

For some reason, just cranking a few more seconds instead of letting off
usually confuses the injection and makes starting harder.

The cause varies a lot, but a common one is the check valve on the output of
the fuel pump. Dunno where it is in the Civic, but it is often in the fuel
tank :-(

Not a serious problem, but a real annoyance. Any chance it is covered by
warranty?

Mike

Re: Civic Hybrid starting
 

In article <5vednYKSOa-TaaXfRVn-gQ@mminternet.net>, "dxmah"
<dxmah@mminternet.com> wrote:

> On my 2003 Civic Hybrid, I noticed in the past few days on initial start
> when turning the key over, the engine doesn't start immediately like it
> normally doses. I had to turn it several times before it kicked in but after
> a delay. Any thoughts on what's going on? Should I be concerned? Thanks/don


There are several possible causes such as a dirty fuel filter or some
other problem related to fuel flow. There could also be a problem related
to the starter solenoid. You might want to take the vehicle to your
mechanic and have him run some tests with his electronic testers.

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Re: Civic Hybrid starting
 

In article <5vednYKSOa-TaaXfRVn-gQ@mminternet.net>, "dxmah"
<dxmah@mminternet.com> wrote:

> On my 2003 Civic Hybrid, I noticed in the past few days on initial start
> when turning the key over, the engine doesn't start immediately like it
> normally doses. I had to turn it several times before it kicked in but after
> a delay. Any thoughts on what's going on? Should I be concerned? Thanks/don


There are several possible causes such as a dirty fuel filter or some
other problem related to fuel flow. There could also be a problem related
to the starter solenoid. You might want to take the vehicle to your
mechanic and have him run some tests with his electronic testers.

--
NEWSGROUP SUBSCRIBERS MOTTO
We respect those subscribers that ask for advice or provide advice.
We do NOT respect the subscribers that enjoy criticizing people.