*UPDATE2* problems with the car.. Can anyone help me?

[WarDemon666]

Honda civic 99... I drive the car really smooth and im not hard on it at all, i would ahve expected better from it!!

Anyways, the problem used to be when my gas tank was below the half way mark, it would take about 4-5 turns to start (without pressing gas or letting go of the key)

now its starting to do it all the time... even when i just fill up with gas... I try turning the key, (just enough to let some gas into the engine, and then shutting off, and then doing it again, it doesnt help... it always takes about 1-2 seconds to start (it used to be instantaneous)

What do you think the problem could be? My battery is kind of old but it doesnt seem to have any problems turning the engine over. Could it be the fuel pump?

Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

*UPDATE:

Ok so i went to the cinema tonight and the check engine went on. I jumped the PCM and got error 8. In the haynes manual it oculd mean 3 things. TCD(top dead center) sensor no signal, malfunction, or something wrong with the timing belt or something. (TDC position)

I took the timing belt cover apart and the timing belt was not loose. I changed it myself at 100 000KM. There was no unusual wear on the belt.

So im guessing its the sensor thats broke. Cause the TDC has to do with the ignition right? if theres a malfunction in the TDC sensor that could be causing the problem when i start my car?


If anyone could give me any information about the TDC that could help me with my problem please dont be shy

*UPDATE2:*
ok i brought it to the honda dealer. The ****** was rude and i hated the service.

He went to talk to a mechanic and they said 'code 8 is for engine idling problem, not the TDC center',,,, who should I believe? A book, or a mechanics opinion?

Where can i find details about error 8 when jumping the two wires on the net?

I cleared the error on the car so i cant bring it to the honda dealer to get fixed yet,,,, but thats what Ill do I think,, its 48$ to put it on the odbII reader.... (or i can but a reader myself for the computer and do it myself? the ODBII scantool for a computer is like 80$ and i can use it in my carputer setup to give me engine information etc....


Ideas?

I dont know what to do any more. i dont wanna bring the car to the honda dealer,, the ****** treated me like ******.

 

[WarDemon666]

no one has any ideas?

 

[Ronstang]

I'm not sure how the system on a Honda works but it could be the fuel pump or the pressure regulator. A friend had the same problem with a Toyota last year, it would take a lot of cranking to start, and we replaced the fuel pump and the problem was solved.

 

[jagec]

It could be a number of things, but fuel or electrical seems most likely. How smoothly does it run once it's started? What if you shut it down while warm, and then try starting it again? Same problem? Have you noticed any change in your gas mileage?

 

[Shawn]

probably the fuel pump

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: jagec
It could be a number of things, but fuel or electrical seems most likely. How smoothly does it run once it's started? What if you shut it down while warm, and then try starting it again? Same problem? Have you noticed any change in your gas mileage?

when its warm it starts easily.., instantaneoulsy. havent noticed a difference with the gas mileage.

It runs pretty smooth once started.. didnt notice a difference.

 

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

Had a similar problem on my Mazda if I let the tank drain too low. Replaced fuel pump, problem solved.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: TheLonelyPhoenix
Had a similar problem on my Mazda if I let the tank drain too low. Replaced fuel pump, problem solved.

how much does a fuel pump go for? think I could get a cheapo at a junk yard or should I get it new?

Thanks

 

[TheLonelyPhoenix]

Originally posted by: WarDemon666

Originally posted by: TheLonelyPhoenix
Had a similar problem on my Mazda if I let the tank drain too low. Replaced fuel pump, problem solved.

how much does a fuel pump go for? think I could get a cheapo at a junk yard or should I get it new?

Thanks

Mine was covered under warranty. I'll let someone else field that question.

 

[Conky]

Cars get old. The parts wear out. Eventually you will need to bring it to a mechanic who will rape you blind for being so ignorant about cars. Have a nice day.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: Crazyfool
Cars get old. The parts wear out. Eventually you will need to bring it to a mechanic who will rape you blind for being so ignorant about cars. Have a nice day.

loll thanks for the heads up!

 

[thomsbrain]

maybe you've got some really dirty gas in the bottom of that gas tank?

 

[spacejamz]

nissan had this issue with their 2003-2005 sentras...there was a TSB which covered Long Crank Times where it would take several cranks to start the car. The problem was fixed by installing a fuel pump kit (which replaced parts of the fuel pump)...

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
nissan had this issue with their 2003-2005 sentras...there was a TSB which covered Long Crank Times where it would take several cranks to start the car. The problem was fixed by installing a fuel pump kit (which replaced parts of the fuel pump)...

Im guessing ill have to buy a fuel pump then. Should I get it from a junk yard or should I get something new?

 

[deadlyapp]

Get a new one. shouldn't be more than about $100-150.

 

[eldorado99]

Originally posted by: WarDemon666

Originally posted by: spacejamz
nissan had this issue with their 2003-2005 sentras...there was a TSB which covered Long Crank Times where it would take several cranks to start the car. The problem was fixed by installing a fuel pump kit (which replaced parts of the fuel pump)...

Im guessing ill have to buy a fuel pump then. Should I get it from a junk yard or should I get something new?

A fuel pump is a very common replaceable maintenance item, getting one from a junkyard would not be wise, you could equate it to buying used tires.

 

[Tyrant222]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
nissan had this issue with their 2003-2005 sentras...there was a TSB which covered Long Crank Times where it would take several cranks to start the car. The problem was fixed by installing a fuel pump kit (which replaced parts of the fuel pump)...

my car currently suffers this but as long as I let it sit on ON position for a few seconds its bearable, meaning 4-5 cranks.

without priming its either gonna work 4-5 cranks or take about double that to start.

although our pumps are rather expensive, I believe its 400 something. and the TSB would be great but im out of warranty and the kit itself is over 200 bucks from nissan.

like mentioned though its most likely the fuel pump.

 

[eldorado99]

Originally posted by: Tyrant222

Originally posted by: spacejamz
nissan had this issue with their 2003-2005 sentras...there was a TSB which covered Long Crank Times where it would take several cranks to start the car. The problem was fixed by installing a fuel pump kit (which replaced parts of the fuel pump)...

my car currently suffers this but as long as I let it sit on ON position for a few seconds its bearable, meaning 4-5 cranks.

without priming its either gonna work 4-5 cranks or take about double that to start.

although our pumps are rather expensive, I believe its 400 something. and the TSB would be great but im out of warranty and the kit itself is over 200 bucks from nissan.

like mentioned though its most likely the fuel pump.

Makes me glad my fuel pump costs me 30 bucks .

 

[BoomerD]

Without knowing exactly which civic you have, it's hard to get an accurate price for your parts, but the fuel pump will run you around $170,-$200 with the in-tank filter, (a good idea) and an external filter, (should be replaced every year or 2 anyway) about $18-$20 plus shipping. The in-tank pumps can be easy to change, OR can be a real PITA, depending on the individual car. I've never turned wrenches on a Honda, so I don't know about yours.
It sounds like a fuel delivery problem, so I'd suspect either a weak fuel pump, or a plugged filter, or both. IF you change the pump, change the filter at the same time...

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Without knowing exactly which civic you have, it's hard to get an accurate price for your parts, but the fuel pump will run you around $170,-$200 with the in-tank filter, (a good idea) and an external filter, (should be replaced every year or 2 anyway) about $18-$20 plus shipping. The in-tank pumps can be easy to change, OR can be a real PITA, depending on the individual car. I've never turned wrenches on a Honda, so I don't know about yours.
It sounds like a fuel delivery problem, so I'd suspect either a weak fuel pump, or a plugged filter, or both. IF you change the pump, change the filter at the same time...

Thanks for your advice.. on my way home tonight (late at night it was dark) i noticed that my lights were dimming a lot more than usual (i have a 12" sub) Im guessing my battery is getting really dead now.... Hmmm, im guessing im going to be putting a lot of maintenance $$ in my car soon

I heard that optima yellow tops are good, ideas?

edit: i ahve a civic 99 4dr LX SE 1.6L

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: Shawn
probably the fuel pump

Agreed. You can prove it by turning the key to run, waiting 20 seconds, then trying to start it. If it starts as it does when 'warm' you found that your problem stems from low fuel pressure.

when the key is turned to run, the fuel pump turns on and starts building pressure. Once the car has run, the pressure is already there, and it takes a little but for the pressure to beed off once truned off.

 

[BoomerD]

Optima is a good battery, although rather spendy. You would do as well to get a battery at Autozone for about $69. with a 7 yr warranty....ouch, they went up...now $84.99 here. Interstate is another top quality brand, and even the Wal-Mart batteries are good for general use. The Optima red-top, (yellow top is a deep cycle battery IIRC) will run you at least $25. more, maybe lots more...but they ARE great batteries, just IMO, overkill for your car. Sounds like you should have your charging system checked before you do anything.

 

[WarDemon666]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Optima is a good battery, although rather spendy. You would do as well to get a battery at Autozone for about $69. with a 7 yr warranty....ouch, they went up...now $84.99 here. Interstate is another top quality brand, and even the Wal-Mart batteries are good for general use. The Optima red-top, (yellow top is a deep cycle battery IIRC) will run you at least $25. more, maybe lots more...but they ARE great batteries, just IMO, overkill for your car. Sounds like you should have your charging system checked before you do anything.

Ok well lets get into electrical system details.

I have an 800 watt amp and I have a 'carputer' (a computer in car to play music and navigation/GPS)

carputer is running on a 400watt inverter, but the comp is only taking about 80 watts peak,, ive been running on the original honda battery with this setup for over a year and a half now, but now that im working I kill the battery every lunch hour to listen to music on break,, i guess i killed it good. Thats why I want to get a yellow top, i want to be able to kill the battery without it dying on me.. lol

Thanks for all help!

 

[SparkyJJO]

my car - a ford, but still same idea here - had a dirty intake manifold or something like that which was causing it to take a bit to start and wouldn't run completely smoothly either. Wasn't bad, but there was a noticeable catch in the engine idle every so often. A tuneup was all it needed.

 

[iamaelephant]

I wouldn't put too much stock into the fuel pump idea, despite the almost unanimous vote for it so far. I would check for vacuum leaks and if nothing shows up have you injectors cleaned. First try a bottle of injector cleaner, but most likely they will need to be removed and sonic cleaned (sometimes it's cheaper to just replace them).

A faulty fuel pump would affect fuel pressure (duh) and what you're describing doesn't sound like a pressure problem. However, we need more details. If you switch the key to the "on" position and wait 20 - 30 seconds, then try to start, does it fire up quickly or is it still slow? If it's still slow, it's not your fuel pump. If this test returns a positive result (quick startup) then it could be the pump, but more likely is a leak somewhere in your fuel system. Mosy commonly this is the injectors, leaking into the manifold. This explains why you need to crank the engine a lot when cold, but not when warm. Do you get a small puff of black smoke out of the exhaust when the car does fire up?

People please, when asking car questions give all relevant details. I can't stress this enough - a problem can not be diagnosed properly without a complete picture.