Engine cranks but no starting up and running?

Tiny
LARRY WELCH
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Car just started becoming hard to start meaning it would turn over for a length of time and I would have to repeat the starting procedure several times before it would start now wont start at all. Checked for fuel pressure its good checked for spark and it is very weak. This is after I changed the CPS. It actually tries to start when I let off the key almost like a security issue, but there is no key flashing once it turns over and there are no codes. Although it did have a random misfire code last weak and I did nothing to correct it because the code was cleared unintentionally and it never reset a check engine light. I checked relays. I am out of bullets can anyone help'
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Sunday, May 19th, 2019 AT 1:45 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This could be a problem with the Coil On Plug (COP)(s) or the spark plug themselves. Your vehicle's Power-train Control Module (PCM) controls the coils by taking away the ground from them inducing the windings in the coil to release the electricity stored in them. So a weak spark can only come from either the coils or the spark plugs. So let's start with the spark plugs. In the diagrams down below I have included the factory guide for inspecting your vehicle's spark plugs.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please go through this guide and get back to us with what you are able to find out. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.

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Sunday, May 19th, 2019 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
SOLONHUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 92,000 MILES
I went to Auto Zone to scan Engine Codes after I had noticed a Check Engine Light on. Two codes were read, Fuel Cap Leakage and Oxygen Sensor. I was still driving my car, but three days later I was not able to start the engine in garage. It cranks but nothing more. I removed one by one spark plugs from the head and check that there were no sparks at all four. Battery was a little low, but even with jumper cables nothing happened. What can be the failure?
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The ignition system is it a distributor or distributorless-coil packs or coil on plugs?
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SOLONHUNTER
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
There is a coil on every spark plug

Anyway, I fixed it already. Whatever I can say, do not buy Haynes Repair Manual for this model, it's worthless. Electric and electronic problems are not explained, every other phrase sounds like "this is too complicated for you, go to the closest Honda dealer". Are they on Honda salary?

But get back to the procedure: there is an Ignition Relay, you can find it in the Under-Dash Relay Bank (hidden above Fuse Bank, you need to remove top and side panels), it is the first one from the left in the upper row (total of three relays in the row). Normally open-type relay, easy to check and replace. In the Honda Dealer computers when they show you a picture, it is No. 11. I don't have a Honda part number, though.
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEN THOMAS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 263,000 MILES
Car ran fine until all the sudden it wouldn't fire up unless the gas pedal was held to the floor then it would start and white smoke would come out of tailpipe for ten seconds or so. This morning it it turns over and won't start even with holding the gas pedal to the floor. Does have a small back fire that started happening when I had to hold the gas pedal to the floor to get it to start.
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,014 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

It could be a few things. First, the white smoke has me a bit concerned because that usually indicates a head gasket problem. Have you noticed if the coolant level is dropping? Here is a link that explains how to test for a bad head gasket:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Next, low fuel pressure can also cause issues similar to this. If everything passes on the head gasket test, follow this to check fuel pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If these things check good, then we will move on. Also, if you can, remove one of the spark plugs and inspect it. Is it wet with fuel?

Let me know,

Joe
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JEN THOMAS
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Thank you. I will let you know what I find out.
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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You're welcome. I'm happy to help. Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:44 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JR3DL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
03 Honda Accord coupe v6 3.0 v tec eng
Sitting in a parking lot waiting for my girl and daughter car running ac is on pulled out of the parking lot after 5 min of driving car just dies under the hood no smoke no smells but was really low on oil serpentine belt half way shredded car won't start but it's turning over so after towing machanic clams obviouls the serpentine belts shredded clams I might have done the same with my timeline belt after 2 weeks he says my timeing belt fine but have engine damage maybe bent valves? No compression he claims hasn't even changed the serpentine belt yet now my cars apart he claims it needs a new engine but not sure what's enternally damage but 100% sure I need a new engine? Going crazy any help would be greatly appreciated
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
When the belt breaks, it bends valves. Depending on piston damage, you may need a new motor but in most cases, we replaced the valves, belts and fluids and send you on your way.

It would be tough for a second opinion as the motor is all apart. The second guy may want no parts of the job since it is already dis assembled.

Ask the shop for options with re built and used motors. Ask him to show you the damage

Roy
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JR3DL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Timeing belt is fine though
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Then why do you have bent valves?

Roy
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JR3DL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Exactly my question the mechanic is not sure of what's internally damaged he thinks it's bent valves how? He hasn't pulled apart the whole car bit really sure what's apart but I was going into this thinking all I needed was a serpentine belt then later he say I might need a timing belt but later says my timing belts fine I don't think this guy knows what he is doing he can't answer my questions what I don't understand he haven't even replaced the serpentine belt yet but clams I have all these other problems but until he takes it all apart he won't know the complete damage he claims might be so what's could have happened what's wrong with my car when it died it was silent no knocking and even when I tried to restart it sounded fine just wouldn't start that's when I seen the serpentine belt was shredded in half so I had it towed and didn't think all this I researched a lot and the only way the valves could be bent would be my timing belt going but it hasn't t so it can't be bent valves what could it be I just want my car out of this dudes garage before more stuff comes up any ideas what's could be wrong thanks man really appreciate the help
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The serp belt schredding may have damaged the crank sensor. That would make sense on what you are saying.

Get your out of there and to a good shop for an accurate diag and bid for repairs.

Roy
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JR3DL
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks man told him yesterday I will tow it to another garage for a second opinion he says come by his shop with another machanic I don't want this dude putting back together my car what ever he has disassembled wrong or even make my situation worse so should I just tow it as is and just bring parts I plan on going there with two mechanics stressfull times dude wish I was a machanic but he did say something about cranking it over sensor makes sense lets hope good looking out get back at you with further info
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
If the serpentine had shredded and slipped behind the timing cover, it can get caught by the timing belt on the sprocket. This can cause the timing belt to jump teeth and damage the valves. The timing belt might still be good but it could be out of time. Ensure the timing belt is synchronised correctly and has not jumped tooth. If the belt is timing is still correct, then Roy is correct, the crank sensor is most probably damaged. Check the sensor wire to see if the shredded serpentine belt had damaged them.
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JR3DL
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  • 5 POSTS
Ok will do thanks
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Monday, September 28th, 2020 AT 1:46 PM (Merged)

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