Help me fix my car (quote, Hang)

MURDER JUNKIE · 04-28-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veridical Fiction

I'm no mechanic, but there seems to be something wrong with my car:
It won't start...

Ok, here's the thing. I just bought it a couple months ago, it's an 03' Civic (auto) and has been running fine until today.
I crank her off like normal and she starts up and runs for a good 4 seconds and stalls out.
Tried cranking her off again, but this time it doesn't turn over.
Tried waiting then cranking and hitting the gas, no dice.
Scratched head.
Drank beer.

It's not the battery, just changed it 2 weeks ago.
My first suspicion is that maybe some trash got caught up in the fuel pump or something.
My second thought is that maybe my spark plugs are gunked up?
Apart from that, I really don't know. I have a Chilton's for my car, but I really don't know where the issue lies.

Anyone got any clues?

Edit:
It makes a normal cranking sound, just doesn't fully turn over.

Read this again, all electrical components work

I make a pretty decent living diagnosing this stuff

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:32 AM

Im 16 years old and know my fair share also =] I know more about motorcycles...I grew up around those.

MURDER JUNKIE · 04-28-2009, 11:34 AM

I'm 34 and been in the biz 15 years

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:35 AM

Well im an up-and-comer? Atleast I know this s*it I had to teach my friend how to change his oil. >.<

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:40 AM

Wait you may be right. He may have a bad fuel line or have to just change a filter.

How Do I Know if I have a Bad Fuel Pump?

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Veridical Fiction

I'm no mechanic, but there seems to be something wrong with my car:
It won't start...

Ok, here's the thing. I just bought it a couple months ago, it's an 03' Civic (auto) and has been running fine until today.
I crank her off like normal and she starts up and runs for a good 4 seconds and stalls out.
Tried cranking her off again, but this time it doesn't turn over.
Tried waiting then cranking and hitting the gas, no dice.
Scratched head.
Drank beer.

It's not the battery, just changed it 2 weeks ago.
My first suspicion is that maybe some trash got caught up in the fuel pump or something.
My second thought is that maybe my spark plugs are gunked up?
Apart from that, I really don't know. I have a Chilton's for my car, but I really don't know where the issue lies.

Anyone got any clues?

Edit:
It makes a normal cranking sound, just doesn't fully turn over.

My questions for you:

Do you have a CEL (check engine light)?

When you turn the key in the ignition to the point right before the starter kicks in, do you hear the fuel pump prime for 2 seconds? (low hum coming from under the back seat)

One of the things that 5th generation Civics are famous for is the main relay failing. The solder points on the relay board dry out and crack. Sometimes the spark will jump that crack and run. Other times, you get no power to the fuel pump and the car dies or won't start. If this is your problem, you can repair this yourself! All you need is a soldering iron.

If it did not come on.

When you turn put the key in the ignition, turn, and the lights come on, does the CEL come on for two seconds then turn off?

If so, that means it works. If not, the bulb is disconnected or burned out and you could have CEL codes to retrieve that will tell you the source of your problems!

MURDER JUNKIE · 04-28-2009, 11:43 AM

uh-huh

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:45 AM

So yeah it would be easier if he was on to ask questions.

Blue · 04-28-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coryallen2

Well im an up-and-comer? Atleast I know this s*it I had to teach my friend how to change his oil. >.<

Why don't you trust a man twice as old as you who's been doing this as a living for as long as you've been alive? Do you honestly expect to know more then him at 16?

~~coryallen2~~ · 04-28-2009, 11:59 AM

How about you don't come in on a conversation with out knowing a damn thign that was said? We were simply disscussing what could be wrong and what could'nt be. And just becasue he is older dose'nt mean he dont make mistakes.

04-28-2009, 11:32 AM	#12 (permalink)
~~coryallen2~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lorain,ohio Posts: 909	Im 16 years old and know my fair share also =] I know more about motorcycles...I grew up around those.

04-28-2009, 11:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
MURDER JUNKIE The Wetter The Better!! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: SH1TTY London Ontario Canada Posts: 2,504	I'm 34 and been in the biz 15 years

04-28-2009, 11:35 AM	#14 (permalink)
~~coryallen2~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lorain,ohio Posts: 909	Well im an up-and-comer? Atleast I know this s*it I had to teach my friend how to change his oil. >.<

04-28-2009, 11:40 AM	#15 (permalink)
~~coryallen2~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lorain,ohio Posts: 909	Wait you may be right. He may have a bad fuel line or have to just change a filter. How Do I Know if I have a Bad Fuel Pump?

04-28-2009, 11:43 AM	#17 (permalink)
MURDER JUNKIE The Wetter The Better!! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: SH1TTY London Ontario Canada Posts: 2,504	uh-huh

04-28-2009, 11:45 AM	#18 (permalink)
~~coryallen2~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lorain,ohio Posts: 909	So yeah it would be easier if he was on to ask questions.

04-28-2009, 11:59 AM	#20 (permalink)
~~coryallen2~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: lorain,ohio Posts: 909	How about you don't come in on a conversation with out knowing a damn thign that was said? We were simply disscussing what could be wrong and what could'nt be. And just becasue he is older dose'nt mean he dont make mistakes.