93 Accord EX Sedan MT 174K mi.

Tiny
DIODE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
My trusty Accord has been having starting problems in cold temperatures for the past several weeks. I can't seem to figure it out. Doesn't want to start after sitting for a number of hours in cold weather. Starter is robust and I can hear fuel pump kick in. After multiples tries car will finally start, but runs kind of rough and CEL sometimes comes on and stays on while car is running. Idle is erratic and RPM drops to where engine is almost about to shut off but somehow it hangs on and the car is drivable, but still idles erractically when I'm not on the gas pedal and fairly smooth when I am on the pedal.

There are so many possibilities as to what's wrong that I can only guess at this point, but does anyone have any thoughts about what is most likely wrong?
I will list a few things I need to check. I have already tried running some deicer and fuel system cleaner through that system.

Coil (external type, never been replaced)
Igniter (ICM, never been replaced)
Ignition switch
Distributor assembly (been checked and cleaned over the years but never replaced)
Plug(s) or wires (neither are very old)
Fuel Relay (usually a hot weather problem, right?)
Fuel Filter (replaced in last 25,000 miles)
IACV
EGR
Fuel Pump

I am tempted to put the car in the shop but because starting problems are so elusive I fear a big bill and no results. This Accord has been very dependable for 13 Winters. I want to figure out what has worn out this Winter that is causing this problem.

Any and all thoughts or suggestions appreciated.
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Friday, March 9th, 2007 AT 12:52 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
The Coolant Temp Sensor could be out of range.
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Friday, March 9th, 2007 AT 8:02 AM
Tiny
DIODE
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Thanks for the reply. What, and where is the coolant temp sensor? How might it hinder the ignition process?
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Friday, March 9th, 2007 AT 11:26 AM
Tiny
DIODE
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Thanks for the reply. What, and where is the coolant temp sensor? How might it hinder the ignition process?
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Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 3:27 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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A problem with the coolant temperature sensor will cause your problem and it has nothing to do with ignition system.

CTS is like your choke plate on a carb. It adjusts fuel demand during cold starts and as soon as it meets its calibration point it will go to closed loop-now the computer is using the oxygen sensor to adjust fuel.

Check the CTS as recommended-I would if its me.
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Monday, March 12th, 2007 AT 4:01 AM

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