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eddy62 · Feb 19, 2008, 04:14 PM

#1 Jun 15, 2007, 11:40 PM
Edeffect
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Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1

Honda Civic 94 won't start until check light goes off

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Hello

I'm recently having trouble with my civic GLI starting. When I turn the key the orange check light comes on and stays on for a minute or so before you hear the fuel pump run and the light goes off. If I try start the car before the light goes off it just cranks and won't fire. So I'm forced to wait for the light.

eddy62

Like edeffect I also have this exact problem, I have performed the K test and am getting exactly 4.9V to the map sensor, I am also getting spark to the spark plugs. Does this mean the problem is not with my ecu? I have also checked all fuses and the main relay and neither seem to be faulting. Any ideas as to what could be the problem would be greatly appreciated
Thanks

TxGreaseMonkey · Feb 19, 2008, 07:04 PM

. Ensure the main ECM ground, located on the thermostat housing, is corrosion-free.

. Ensure the MAP Sensor connector is corrosion-free.

. Perform the K-Test, when the Check Engine Light stays on. Your ECM may be experiencing intermittent failure.

eddy62 · Feb 20, 2008, 12:29 AM

The ecu ground has been cleaned and is corrosion free, the map sensor connector is also corrosion free and I've performed the K test several times over with the CEL on and still getting around 4.9V. The CEL often stays on for 20min at a time before suddenly going off without warning. It seems to take longer in the rain. Once it starts working (ie CEL goes out and fuel pump runs) the car starts fine. Could it be a capacitor somewhere in the system??

TxGreaseMonkey · Feb 20, 2008, 10:14 AM

The only capacitors are in the ECM, which are known to leak on these models.

this8384 · Feb 20, 2008, 11:52 AM

Have you had the fuel pump tested for adequate pressure?

eddy62 · Feb 21, 2008, 02:11 AM

No I have not had the fuel pump tested for adequate pressure, however I do not believe that to be the problem, as far as I am aware the fuel pump would not stop the CEL turning off. Also once the CEL decides to turn itself off, the fuel pump runs fine every time.
I suspect the ecu is faulty in some way, but have no idea how to test it, other then the Ktest. (K-test returned 4.9V)

this8384 · Feb 21, 2008, 10:04 AM

I'm just guessing because a '94 Honda is somewhat out of my league, but here's what I know:

When you turn the key on, it's normal for the CEL light to come on and then go out after a short time. I'm wondering if the pump is weak and taking too long to get fuel to the motor; that could be why you have to wait for it to start.

eddy62 · Feb 22, 2008, 05:32 PM

Yeah your right about the CEL, but it should only take a few seconds at the most when working properly. My CEL light can stay on for almost an hour before turning off. I'm Not getting any fuel at all to the engine, as the Fuel pump doesn't engage until the CEL goes out which as I said can take some time. I am however getting spark to the plugs.
Don't know if that helps

this8384 · Feb 25, 2008, 10:32 AM

Good word... that's a new one! *lol*

Have you tried swapping out the PCM? We had a Ram stalling out because the computer was bad... it would start up and run great but then kill all of a sudden.

eddy62 · Mar 12, 2008, 04:48 PM

Just thought I'd let u all know, it turned out to be leaking capacitors in the ecu
Thanks 4 you help you

TxGreaseMonkey · Mar 12, 2008, 07:34 PM

I'm not surprised--more people need to realize Honda ECMs are not "bullet-proof."