Trouble starting and idling in my 97 SH - Honda Prelude Forum

Marsh · 06-19-2001, 02:49 PM

My mechanic is stumped so please read this I need help.

I have developed a new problem that is getting much worse. When the car is cold it doesn't like to start or idle. It turns over fine but won't catch. At first it would go when I floored it while turning it over. Now that doesn't even work well. It also won't go if I tip the throttle before letting it warm up a minute or so. Here's the funny part. Once the car is warm (temp gauge starts to move after say driving a block or two) then it runs great and will re-start no problem.

I have a Apex-i VAFC, but it's been in for a few months now with no issues. The vetc crossover still occurs where I set it, the car makes great power (still winning races left right and centre.

My mechanic is stumped. We reset the ECU but no effect. I'm going to pull the VAFC, but I have a feeling something else is wrong.

If it continues to get worse I don't think the car will start at all by the end of the week.

Has anyone else seen this? I'm open to all suggestions.

Two-Five Boy · 06-19-2001, 03:29 PM

Could it possibly be a failing fuel pump or fuel lines?

Perhaps when it's cold it's not pressurized, but after it gets warm there is sufficient pressure?

Marsh · 06-19-2001, 07:57 PM

I don't think so. When I turn the key to the on position I can hear the pump come on and turn off again in the normal time. But waiting doesn't make much diffence.

rickbean · 11-09-2008, 02:47 AM

seems like i have the same trouble, i will crank and crank in the mornings now that its colder but i get nothing. Once i get it started and warmed it will restart every time. i cleaned the feul injecters waiting to see if that will help a little. i have a crane hi-6 ignition in mine im hoping i dont have to rip that out to get this anoying problem fixed. someone said something about a key not being coded right but that wont explain why i can restart it after its warm. If you find anything out plz let me know. Thanks

thebmxican · 11-10-2008, 06:06 AM

idk if this is right but i have heard of batteries after they hav ebeen run dead before they dont have the same power they used to. becaust different batteries will work at certian lower temps. so maybe it could be your batterie.

rpwolf · 11-10-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebmxican

idk if this is right but i have heard of batteries after they hav ebeen run dead before they dont have the same power they used to. becaust different batteries will work at certian lower temps. so maybe it could be your batterie.

if your battery is dead, your car wouldnt crank.
does your car crank slow? has your gauges/lights been acting funny? last tune-up? might want to check your spark plugs, wires, cap/rotor.

Marsh · 11-10-2008, 05:07 PM

Wow, talk about thread necrophelia. I didn't even know prelude-online still existed until I got an email that there was a response to this thread.

I my case it turned out to be the VAFC. It had reset itself to default which means it wasn't event set for 4 cylders anymore. I'll but money it's your crane ignition. Aftermarket ignition mods are evil.

rpwolf · 11-11-2008, 11:06 AM

lol wow thats the first time a posted on a zombie thread. glad to see its fixed though.