Question about NSX ignition

[whs520]

Hi, everyone.
I have noticed that when I start the NSX up, occassionally I will have to hold the key turned for a little longer than normal (~2 seconds) before the engine starts. This happens not often (maybe once every 25-50 starts), but more often than other cars.
My NSX is a daily driver, and the problem has occurred when the car is warm and when cold. The car always has a good charge (voltmeter guage always in the upper quarter), it is stock, and it just had its timing belt service.
Is this a common occurrence for any of you, or does your NSX start up quickly every time?
I'm not mechanically inclined, so I appreciate any advice on this. Thanks in advance!
-Thomas


------------------
'94 Brooklands Green Pearl/Black NSX
5-Speed
#157

 

[Nsxotic]

My 91 and my 01 both start immediately every time. It is not normal to have any delay.

 

[Option2]

My first NSX and my current NSX, both do the same thing you described. Here is what I do and the car starts up right away. I turn the ignition to the number 2 position and let it sit for a few seconds and then start the engine.

 

[ak]

I have the same problem. I do what Option2 does but still have the same problem. It seems to happen more often when the engine is cold. Changed plugs, checked the coil etc but no change.

 

[Sensei]

Though most may say it's trivial, but mechanically inclined or not, no one knows your car better than yourself. Good call... there are several things that will cause this to occur. Let's start with the easiest things to check for.

First... I would check the motor oil fill level and determine what kind was used. Overfilling and/or using a heavier grade non-synthetic such as 10-40 or 20-50 will make it harder for your engine to turn over. This will be more obvious especially when cold.

Second, understanding that you just had the service... the tension of your accessory belts(alternator, air conditioner)may be too tight. New belts will usually stretch out and need to be re-tightened, so to avoid this, many mechanics will over-tighten, thinking that the belts will eventually stretch out. Until then, this causes premature wear and damage to the bearings on the waterpump, alternator, air cond. pump...and even causes the front main crankshaft seal to leak prematurely. This extra tension/strain will make it harder to start and will affect gas consumption as well.Again when cold, it may be more noticeable.

Third... your timing belt is too tight. This is harder to check and may cause premature wear on the camshaft seals and/or the front main crankshaft seal as well. This can be somewhat determined by listening for a noticeable high pitch whine while the engine is running.
One more thing...they may have just left your door open for a while and weakened the battery. A battery will always have 12volts while "running" but when "starting" it takes much,much more than just the 12 volts. Make sure all the ground wires are attached to the engine and battery properly and have the battery tested.Hope this is of some help.

Saiyonara,

Choritsu-shi

 

[JoeSchmoe]

Ive had this problem frequently as well -- even as recently as yesterday. Its done this for as long as Ive owned the car.

It always starts immediately if its the first start of the day even in the dead of winter. The problem always happens on the second start on hot days or after a hot run. It will then start immediately the third time and on all subsequent starts. Very strange.

I'll give Option2's suggestion a try although I'd rather find out exactly why its doing this.

 

[I Grok NSX]

Same "problem" here. Starts first thing with no hesitation. Then after a drive, go to start again and it takes about 4-5 seconds (engine cranking) before it will start. My NSX only has 18K so I'm sure it's the original belt. I have all the service records and nothing about a timing belt. I do use 10w-30 oil.
But I would like to add that my 98 Honda Civic some times does the same thing.

------------------
1994 Green-black roof/tan Manual #0030

 

[hendu]

Originally posted by JoeSchmoe:
Ive had this problem frequently as well -- even as recently as yesterday. Its done this for as long as Ive owned the car.

It always starts immediately if its the first start of the day even in the dead of winter. The problem always happens on the second start on hot days or after a hot run. It will then start immediately the third time and on all subsequent starts. Very strange.

I'll give Option2's suggestion a try although I'd rather find out exactly why its doing this.

Ditto



------------------
1994 Red/Black NSX #418
Forums Nazi Groupie

 

[grippgoat]

I have this "problem" as well. My mechanic says it's probably just taking a few seconds for the fuel pressure to build. I've seen other people (I think possibly including Mark Basch, but I wouldn't want to say for sure without trying to find a quote) indicating the same thing.

Also, mine seems to happen more often when the car is warm.

-Mike

 

[ak]

I was thinking about fuel injector cleaner next to see if my injectors are not as efficient as it should be. Fuel Pressure comment matches with the waiting for several seconds after ignition turned technique so that it would build enough fuel pressure. Anyway, injector cleaning, Good or bad idea? Any brand recomendation on the additives?

 

[Ponyboy]

Thought this may apply. From my mechanic who only works Honda and Acura,

"Winter Startups: Hondas and Acuras have all been fuel-injected since 1990, so, this procedure fits most current models. Cars are "cranky" in the morning, just like most teenagers at 5:00 a.m. Turn the key to the "ON" position, where the indicator lights are on also, and wait through the count of "three" before turning the key to the "START" position and starting the engine. This allows the electronic fuel pump to build pressure to the fuel injectors. Also, don't "pump" the gas pedal, there is no accelerator pump like in the carbureted cars, so all that is moving is a flat plate called the "throttle plate". It only controls the amount of air into the engine. It is best to keep your foot off the pedal while cranking the engine over because it may actually make it harder to start. If the engine doesn't start after a few seconds, then press the gas pedal to the half way point and retry. If it still doesn't start call Four Star, because "sumptins rowng"!"

 

[matteni]

Wow - same thing here.

1st start fine, 2nd start in afternoon takes about 2 seconds to kick over.

Car just had new battery, timing belt, etc etc and is now my day driver. I will try option 2 as well and see if this helps.

 

[NA1 #2853]

My 91 NSX & 95 GSR do the same thing, and a large majority of the other honda i have worked on, when they have about or less than 1/8 tank of gas. From what i hear its normal on a honda when the car is about empty.

Not saying its your paticular problem, just something i've noticed over the course of time.

Also, a similar problem, but a little more severe seems to happen when replacing the fuel pump with a Holly/BBK/Jackson Racing pump (All the same pump manufactured by Walbro) Its a 50/50 chance if it will do it, and i havent figured out an explanation for that one yet.

-Ray

 

[POWERED by HONDA]

I have the same problem with my 98. It doesn't happen all the time though. I've had it happen maybe three times since I've owned it. (about 3 months) I figured this was normal because I've read about this time and time again.

All the other FI Honda's I've owned and driven do not have this problem.

Concerning the wait before actually starting the engine, I ALWAYS wait until the SRS light comes off, Seatbelt, etc beeps are done before I crank it. Same problem. (That's more than 3 seconds)

I remember in my old carburated 84 Accord, when it was hot, it wouldn't start as easily as it usually does. I would relieve the gas tank pressure by opening and closing the gas cap, and it would start right up. Think this can be related? Just a wild guess...