Hard to start - not in FAQ

[JChoice]

Checked on the FAQ but couldn't find an exact solution.

My car is hard to start - not all the time - just sometimes it has to crank quite a few times before it starts. In fact, it cranks so much sometimes that I give up and try again. Other times, it starts up right away.

All help appreciated!

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Justin,

This is a very broad question. There are two things from the basic point of view to start the car: Fuel and Spark. Normally the rule of thumb for troubleshooting is electrical first, fuel second. So with that said you should check to see if when the car won't start is there spark. In the NSX you will need to remove a coil and see if it is arcing to ground. My guess is probably so. The next thing is fuel, this will be more difficult due to the car being fuel injected. The main thing is fuel pressure, is it where it should be, during the start phase? This would really require someone who knows the system and has experience to give it a check out. One question: When was the last time your fuel filter was changed? And when was the last time if ever, your throttle body was cleaned? Either could contribute to this problem.

HTH

 

[JChoice]

Thanks Larry:

The car has 68k miles on it. At 60k it got:

Throttle body cleaner, Injectors cleaner, Coolant, brake fluid, air cleaner, fuel filter, spark plugs.. and much more.

This car really has been religiously dealer maintained.

Since it only has 8.5k miles since the last service, I'm a little concerned.

 

[Bigwave]

Would changing the spark plugs help?

 

[maomaonsx]

how old is your car? You might want to check the battery. I just replaced mine(car is 93) before it went dead, I had hard time starting it


------------------
Please visit my NSX tuning page! Mods, Japanese NSX related stuff, pics!
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Dojo/6073/index.html

 

[JChoice]

The battery is three years old. But it turns over just fine.. it just seems to have to turn over quite a bit before it starts but not all the time. I don't know if that would have to do with the battery or not. Regardless, I'm ordering a small batter from Dali. Hopefully that does it.

 

[RSO 34]

:wink:

 

[NSX2398]

Checked on the FAQ but couldn't find an exact solution.

Maybe you're looking in the wrong place. The FAQ is out-of-date and has been replaced by the NSX Wiki which you can find off the red action bar at the top of most pages. There are multiple sections and in the one titled "Repairing Your NSX", the first section is "Troubleshooting" and one of the first subsections is "Engine" where there is a section called "Won't Start, Dies After Starting, or suddenly Dies While Driving" which has some suggestions. The key two issues with starting are typically either due to an ignition switch that needs cleaning or the relay contacts in the main relay have delaminated in the solder connections.

 

[mr_goat]

Try letting the fuel pump build pressure before you crank it. Turn the ignition to the number II position and all lights will light up, and you will hear your fuel pump swirling behind your head. When it stops (about 2 sec) turn ignition on to crank engine. If this solves your problem, I would consider getting a new fuel pump.

Other things:

*Main relay (not part of maintenance scheme, do it anyway)
*Clean ignition switch (do a search on prime)
*Injector cleaner won't do the trick, remove the injectors and send them away for ultrasound cleaning and flow benchmarking (and replace O-rings when reassembling)

Good luck!

 

[PHOEN$X]

Bob, please stop bumping old threads and confusing members.

Guys - please note the original post dates, especially if RSO_34 has posted a reply recently!

 

[RSO 34]

Bob, please stop bumping old threads and confusing members.

Guys - please note the original post dates, especially if RSO_34 has posted a reply recently!

These threads had a 12 year bump rule........:tongue: