SOHC_civic_si

So, I recently posted a topic awhile ago about how my D16Y7 immediately dies right after I start it up sometimes, or just randomly when I'm driving. The old thread was deleted so I will just briefly describe the problem again, and what I've done to fix it.

So I will get into my car, start it up, and it will immediately die. I turn in on again and it can do the same thing literally 20 times over. It also randomly dies just when I'm driving, and I have to start it up again. I went through a lot of diagnostic, and thought I fixed the problem, but lately it has re-occured.

I'm leaning towards it being a fuel and or ignition problem, but now I really have no idea. The injectors are fine, and so is the main relay, but I have not checked the fuel pump, as the car does start after 20 times of re-starting. I took off the distributor cap and rotor and they were in rough shape. a lot of carbon or whatever and there was only a tiny little of metal showing. So I replaced them and after that the problem had disappeared.

But now it has come back, and has a weird pattern. It only dies when it's moderatly/very hot outside? If it cool or cloudy it starts fine ALL the time, but when its hot, it ALWAYS does the opposite. What could that be? My friend thinks my car is running rich, but if I'm getting more fuel than I should than how could it have a hard time starting? What about running lean? I am really stumped at this and don't really know what else to try. I am kind of a tight on money so I don't wanna replace everything to find the problem, but if I have to, then I guess I do.

Anyways, thanks a lot for the help.

BTW: no CEL except for the catalytic convertor one, because I don't have a cat on my car.

The Collin

What year is it?I'm gong to assume 99 as per your sig. I had the same problem with mine. Randomly dying while driving, dying immediately after start up. I Googled a bit, and found out there was a recall on the 96-00 Civic Ignition switch. Took my car in and they replaced it. It hasn't happened since.

Hope that helps.If it's a 99, your local dealer should take care of you for free.

SOHC_civic_si

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 99_hb_on_air &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What year is it?I'm gong to assume 99 as per your sig. I had the same problem with mine. Randomly dying while driving, dying immediately after start up. I Googled a bit, and found out there was a recall on the 96-00 Civic Ignition switch. Took my car in and they replaced it. It hasn't happened since.

Hope that helps.If it's a 99, your local dealer should take care of you for free. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah its a 99. Where did you find this information about a recall if you don't mind me asking. I want to take my car to the dealer but I'm afraid that won't be the problem and I'm going to end up spending 1000's of bucks because the local dealer here rips people of HARD. I'm talking 14.99 for a tiny little bolt I needed. But the weird thing is it happens for when it's hot outside. As soon as I got back from vacation and it was hot, the problem re-occured. I am stumped.

The Collin

Google ignition switch recall Honda Civic, or some keywords along those lines. I called my local dealer, told them what I found, and they pulled it up and said ," okay, bring it in and we'll take care of ya." I'll try to find where it was, but all I did was google one day. saved me time and money

The Collin

Here's one:
http://www.hondacivicforum.com...l.htm

And another:
http://www.motortrend.com/cars....html

There are severa other sites that list the recall. You shouldn't have to provide anything. Just give them a call. Your car will no longer do what it's doing. Mine was doing the EXACT same thing.

Former User

Definitely chase the idea about the known ignition switch problem. If that doesn't pan out, you might also want to check the main relay, ICM in the distributor, and the ground wire on the thermostat housing.

SOHC_civic_si

Thanks a ton man I'm going to bring my car to the honda dealer on my next day off. So you just called them told them what's wrong with your car and told them you learned info about a recall on the ignition switch kinda thing?

The Collin

Exactly. I told them what had been happening and that I did some research and found the recall. He told me to bring it in. It showed up on the computer and even on my ticket when they were done that it was a recall. Total charge- $0.00. Just took them 2 hours because they didn't have one on hand at the time.

SOHC_civic_si

Update: So I now think the problem has something to do with my fuel pump cause it's the one thing I have not checked. The other day after work (it was very hot outside, so I knew my car would stall a billion times) I put my key and my phone rang so I just turned the key to the on WITHOUT starting then after 5 seconds it started fine and didn't stall. I was shocked! I remembered that turning the key on primes the fuel pump so curious, I shut my car off, and turned it on without priming and it stalled! then I primed the pump and it started fine! now all I have to do is prime it for like 5 seconds and it starts fine! Is that my fuel pump slowly going?

hatchattack92

It could be the check valve in the fuel line that is broken so its not holding residual pressure.

SOHC_civic_si

PLEASE H-T MEMBERS, I NEED HELP

Update: So today was 32 outside (which is like I don't know 85-90 for you Americans) and I went to start my car, and I primed the fuel pump like 3 times to make sure it would start, and it didn't. Stalled like 60 times, not even kidding. When it finally started, I brought it into the shop to let it cool down and after 30 minutes of my regular closing duties I jumped in and it started! WTF? So i've pretty much ruled out the fuel pump. Also, while I was trying to start it outside it made a weird grind noise. Is that possibly my starter? Could my starter cause this problem?

I also don't doubt that it could be the ignition switch, but the problem is persistent in hot weather. Does ANYONE know anything of why the hot heat makes my car do this!? It's really getting me upset and i don't know what to do. My car isn't even reliable anymore cause I don't even know if it will start at times.

Former User

Main relay

The Collin

If it's not the ignition switch now, it may be later.

Main relay could be the issue. I had to replace it on my sister's Accord recently. Not too difficult.

SOHC_civic_si

What makes you guys so sure it's the main relay? How does that tie in with the hot weather? Or do you think that it is just a coincidence?

Former User

A faulty main relay is well known to fail in hot weather and to cause a no-start or stall problem like you are having. A bad igniter in the distributor can also cause a similar problem.

SOHC_civic_si

Oh really? thanks man I didn't know that. I will order a new main relay tomorrow then. I replaced my dizzy cap and rotor, but thats not the ignitor right?

Former User

Yes, the igniter is within the distributor and different than the cap and rotor. I recommend doing electrical troubleshooting of the main relay and igniter prior to replacing (save $).

SOHC_civic_si

Thanks man