This winter my 2002 Honda Civic LX 1.7CM3 with 84,105 miles on it has developed a cold start problem.

I went to the dealership where I purchased it new thinking that I needed a tuneup, I was informed that they did not do tuneups until after 100,000 miles. The tech person suggested that it could be a problem battery. Because of the age of the original battery I changed it out and it did not solve the problem.

On a cold morning when I hit the starter the engine will try but it will do a try catch try catch and then start as long as I keep the starter cranking. Previously all it took to start was a twist of the key and it started. After it starts I have no problems the rest of the day starting the engine.

All suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Albert

Replace the platinum spark plugs with the same NGK plugs that came in the car. Just tell them to do it.

TGM, I put in Autolite XP5224 plugs in that debt a world of good. A Honda dealership wanted over $18 per plug and $76 to install the them. That was outrageous, it cost me $28.35 for the plugs and I clocked myself doing it outside at 31° at about 17 minutes. Not bad for 75 years old :-) (me not the plugs)
Thanks for the help

Good job!

Now, change the oil and filter and use 5W-20 full-synthetic engine oil. You'll be amazed how much easier it starts. Here's a $15 rebate on 5 quarts of Pennzoil Platinum:

http://www.pennzoil.com/documents/04946%20PZ%20online%20form.pdf

I changed oil last week and I have been using Pennzoil Platinum for a couple of years but thanks anyway