Hard to start engine?

ZOOMCAR

MEMBER
2013 HONDA FIT
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
73,000 MILES

If the car is not driven or sits overnight, it takes hard cranking to turn on the engine. The dash light would be on normally without dimming, there are no clicking sounds. If it is driven, then starting the car afterward is no problem. Then one day after parking the car for 3 days, the car would not even start. There was no cranking sound either. There was still light on the dashboard. I replaced the battery with a new Honda battery and the cranking symptoms still persist. On days that I don't drive, I turn on the engine and let it idle for a few minutes then turn it off then turn it on after many hours later. The engine would turn on but with some cranking but at least it didn't die completely. When the car is driven then again there is no problem with starting the engine.
The attached video shows the hard cranking with the new battery already installed.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

The video must not have been uploaded. What you describe sounds like a weak fuel pump or fuel pump drop-off. Have you checked fuel pressure to make sure it is within the manufacturer's specifications?

Try this and see if it will start:

1) From the off position, turn the key to the run position and count to 5.

2) Turn the key off and repeat step 1 four more times.

3) On the sixth time, see if it will start.

Try that and let me know what happens.

Also, here is a link that explains how to test fuel pressure:

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

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022 AT 9:14 PM

ZOOMCAR

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thanks so much for your reply. I have uploaded the video again and it appears to be a success this time. I have not done a fuel pressure test. The information you provided regarding the fuel pressure test is very informative, but it is beyond my comfort zone to do it by myself. I will have to find a mechanic to do it for me. Please advise how I can find a trustworthy professional in the San Jose, CA and its surrounding area. If you know any personally or via your colleagues, your recommendation is much appreciated. I will update you after I try the on/off ignition position with the key.

Video (Click to make bigger)

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 3:58 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 POSTS

Hi,

I wish I could help with a shop, but I'm on the opposite side of the country. LOL I'm near Pittsburgh.

Are there any family members or friends you could ask?

Joe

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, September 1st, 2022 AT 7:04 PM