My 1999 Civic won't start

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silenceseeker2003@yahoo.com - 02 Jan 2007 01:40 GMT

My '99 Civic sat in the garage for 2 weeks without starting. When I
tried about half an hour ago to start it, it simply didn't start. The
battery seems OK as everything that needs the battery works properly,
including headlights.

The car was starting perfectly before I left it for this 2 week
vacation, so I am puzzled as to what could possibly be the problem.

Any ideas where and/or how to start troubleshooting?

Thanks,
Sam

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loewent - 02 Jan 2007 02:20 GMT

need a better description of what "won't start" means. Does it mean that it
turns the engine over continually and the engine won't start? or does it
mean that when you turn the key, nothing happens except for a possibly a
click?

Option 1 (turns over won't start) - I would try pressing the gas right to the
floor. This could be a flooded injector, and pressing the gas pedal all the
way to the floor will help to clear this out. Or it could be main relay, use
google to check on this. This is the wrong time of year for that type of
failure though, usually it is caused by heat.

Option 2 (won't turn over) - 2 things, battery (which could have enough juice
to run all accessories but not your started) needs to be load tested. Or
your starter is fried.

Let us know.
t

>My '99 Civic sat in the garage for 2 weeks without starting. When I
>tried about half an hour ago to start it, it simply didn't start. The
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>Thanks,
>Sam

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motsco_ - 02 Jan 2007 05:23 GMT

> need a better description of what "won't start" means. Does it mean that it
> turns the engine over continually and the engine won't start? or does it
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> google to check on this. This is the wrong time of year for that type of
> failure though, usually it is caused by heat.

========================================

If it's option #1, you have to _HOLD it to the floor_ while cranking the
engine for up to 15 seconds at a time. This is in the owner's manual,
and it always happens after the car has sat overnight, or a weekend. I
had it happen to me and it was very confusing that a vehicle could be
flooded by sitting in the garage over the weekend . . Search google and
you'll find the full explanation.

'Curly'

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silenceseeker2003@yahoo.com - 02 Jan 2007 22:58 GMT

> > need a better description of what "won't start" means. Does it mean that it
> > turns the engine over continually and the engine won't start? or does it
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> flooded by sitting in the garage over the weekend . . Search google and
> you'll find the full explanation.

Followup: It was indeed option #1 and your tips were right on target. I
just held the gas to the floor for a few seconds while turning the key
and bingo! - the car started as if it never sat for two weeks in the
garage. Thank you so much!

Sam

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Tegger - 02 Jan 2007 23:06 GMT

>> > need a better description of what "won't start" means. Does it
>> > mean that it turns the engine over continually and the engine won't
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> key and bingo! - the car started as if it never sat for two weeks in
> the garage. Thank you so much!

Then you have a leaky injector(s) due to disuse.

Go to your favorite auto parts emporium and get a couple of large bottles
of Chevron Techron fuel additive. Put one in on a full tank, run that down,
then fill up and add the other.

A hour-long, hard blast up and down the freeway once a month will help keep
this from happening in the future.

Signature

Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

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