Crank no start

MARK43

MEMBER
1998 HONDA CIVIC
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I drive this car everyday, this has only happened a couple of times. While I am out running errands I turn the car off do what I got to do. When I go back to the car and start it it will crank and crank but will not start. If I let the car sit about five to ten minutes and then try to start it it will start right up. One day a week or so ago I was in traffic and the car completely shut off on me. I pushed the car off the road, once I got the car off the road I tried starting it and it started right up no problem. I have replaced the plugs and wires the fuel and air filters and the fuel pump earlier this year. The battery is only like a year or year and a half old.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Considering it only happens on and off, that makes it more difficult to diagnose. When it refuses to start, chances are either you are losing spark or fuel to the engine.

First, take a look through this link. It discusses conditions that will prevent an engine from starting. Also, it explains what to check for and in some cases, how to repair.

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

Since the issue is random and the car eventually starts, I suspect it may be ignition relates. However, that is a guess at this point. When it refuses to start, see if the engine will start for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, then the problem is fuel related. If it still does not try to start, then suspect ignition.

Here are two links. I mentioned the starting fluid truck because it is quicker and easier. However, here are directions for testing for spark and fuel.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

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Now, if there is no spark, I suspect there is a crankshaft position sensor. However, the sensor on this vehicle is located in the distributor.

If the check engine light is staying on when you run the engine, then you really need to have the computer scanned. Here is a video that shows how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

If you scan the computer and find a P1359, then it is related to the aforementioned sensor. I attached a flow chart for diagnosing this code.

I hope something here is helpful. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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