Car Start-up Problems

[farkmedead]

Ok ladies and gentlemen,

I've done a search and haven't quite found the answer.

I've got a 93 Civic EG Breeze with the stock engine (185000 kms), everytime i try to start it up (cold start), it cranks but doesnt turn on. It takes approximately 4-5 goes to get it to start and the little oil light and battery light is on when i try to start.

I tried to leave the key in stage 2 for a minute before starting up but it still does the same thing.

I also tried to let it idle for a few minutes before turning it off but i get the same result.

I have a cadence 4x50 rms amp and a 12 inch sony explod subwoofer. Most times i've tried to start up, the sound system was on but even with it off, the problem still occurs.

I don't think it's the battery or alternator because the car runs fine once it's started, all the lights in the car work fine and the sound system is stable.

I parked the car outside for a few hours and when i went to start it up again, it started perfectly. So it only happens when i leave it for a long period of time, say 18+ hours?

EDIT: Tried starting again, just clicked, no cranking and when it's in stage 2 the cd player wont even power up and when i press the brake pedal, lights dim on the dash. AND alarm just died.

should i try jump starting or just get a new battery altogether?

[trism]

its coz its a carby and its cold

have you tried pumping the accelerator when you turn it over?

[bennjamin]

new spark plugs or new battery. might help it start "quicker"

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

Just dont pump the accelerator too much though ,eh?

and the above helps somewhat to

Also (just a thought) if its been getting progressively worse it may be your starter motor starting to pass away

[farkmedead]

ah k, i'll try pumping the accelerator.

and to shogun: i'll keep an eye out on the progress but i really do hope it doesn't get any worse! how much would it cost to replace a starter motor anyway?

thanks alot guys!

[TODA AU]

Edit...
Instead of my initial silly remarks,
Get a strong lead light an have a real good look to see if you can see any splits in any vaccum line.
Pay particular attention to the small rubber bellows on the side of the carb too...
If there are cracks etc, replace the lines as nessesary.
But don't mix them up. (trust me on this or you'll regret it)
If the idle is low after initial start, adjust the cold idle up,
It's the screw under the large silver actuator (saucer)
Remove the air cleaner etc..
Spray a good wack of carb cleaner through the carb, closed & open by hand.
It'll take a while to get running again after that but it should sort it out.

If this doesn't work, you may have to adjust the idle mixture screw at the base of the carb.
Depending on the model you may or may not be able to do this easily.
(Some have a shitty blonking cover on them)

Failing that again,
Pull the carb & put a fuel meiser kit through it & clean all of the parts.
Hope that helps...
Cheers

[beeza]

What the???

Blow the engine up???

:)

[jimbean]

185000km thats pretty low miles, how cold is it when you try and start it? how good is your spark? When it gets dark start it up open the bonnet and see if your spark is jumping to anywhere on the engine. Renewing all ignition parts it should start quicker, headgasket hasn't failed? mayo on the oil cap?

[farkmedead]

So I tried pumping the accelerator, and it worked! Started first go.

I'll see how it behaves over the next few weeks and keep you guys updated.

Once again, thank you to everyone!

[trism]

lol

thats what happens with a carby

[SHOGUNOVDDRK]

Good work fark

Keep us posted.

[farkmedead]

Ok guys, I tried starting it today and it makes a clicky sound but doesnt crank. and when I press the brake pedal, the lights on the dash go dim.

Most likely battery dead? I sure hope it's not the alternator or starter motor.

[bennjamin]

sounds like weak battery.....but mostly a dead or dieing starter motor.

[farkmedead]

would a crapped out starter motor affect the lights and such? Maybe it's a combination of both?

How much does it cost to replace the starter motor and what kind of battery should i get?

cheers

[DvS-]

Ok guys, I tried starting it today and it makes a clicky sound but doesnt crank. and when I press the brake pedal, the lights on the dash go dim.

Most likely battery dead? I sure hope it's not the alternator or starter motor.

try another battery from another car or something.

something similar happened to me twice. once in my 180 and once in my EG.
tried starting the car, all it did was click, didnt turn over or nothing. replaced the battery and all was good.

[farkmedead]

my mum's got a 2007 civic vti. will the battery from that work?

[alaric]

yea it will but it will be the battery that is gone so u prob need to get a new one

[farkmedead]

ye i'll test with the other battery to make sure that a new battery will fix the problem.

cheers guys

EDIT: I have a NRMA battery and it has the 3 dot system where red is fully charged, black is needs charging and white is need to be replaced. And now I have a black dot so I need to charge it, does that mean I can jump start it and drive it around for a bit for it to charge or will I need a battery charger?

[DvS-]

ye i'll test with the other battery to make sure that a new battery will fix the problem.

cheers guys

EDIT: I have a NRMA battery and it has the 3 dot system where red is fully charged, black is needs charging and white is need to be replaced. And now I have a black dot so I need to charge it, does that mean I can jump start it and drive it around for a bit for it to charge or will I need a battery charger?

i was told by an auto electrician that it takes a few hours drive to charge it.. but yeah i just replaced the battery anyway.. peace of mind..

[farkmedead]

IT'S ALIVEEE!

got it charged up and checked out by a mechanic, he said the alternator's fine and like DvS said, I should get a new battery for peace of mind.

anyway thanks alot guys

[s2_eternity_s2]

this is a similar problem to my brother old tarago - it just cranked but wouldn't start up.
Towed to the 1st machenic and he said the possible solution is to replace the ECU but he cant guarantee that the problem can be fixed (he just said computer thing so i assumed its the ECU) he replaced it and charged $300.
The car doesn't start. Then, we towed it to the 2nd machenic and he said the fuse box is the problem cause this time there is no crank at all. Fuse box changed.
The car did started, drove home, parked over night then drove 10km to work. When finished work (approx 10hrs later) the van was dead again - doesn't start!
Towed it back to 2nd machenic and he said its the battery - needs to replaced with new battery, if not we need to jump start it every time. I'm not sure if the battery is the problem from the very beginning or because the van hasn't been driven from the time it was dead until it fixed - 1 month! New battery purchased and replaced and the van is back to normal. Thank god!

so farkmedead, try new battery 1st before take it to the machenic where they could come up with some craps and make you fix and pays. Hope this helps. Good luck mate!

[farkmedead]

yeah im gona replace the battery soon, lucky there's nothing wrong with the alternator!

thanks eternity

[tiksie]

yeah im gona replace the battery soon, lucky there's nothing wrong with the alternator!

thanks eternity

Yeah, you are lucky.. The alternator is such a bitch to get to..