Questions and Answers
Honda Won't Start Hot
Q. I'm a fairly ignorant person when it comes to cars. I have a 1990 Honda Civic DX, 4 door, automatic transmission, fuel injected (I think) and about 110,000 miles on it. I'm sorry, I don't know the engine size or about ABS brakes, P/S-A/C (unless that means Air Conditioning, which I don't have). And I don't have cruise control. Basically it's a stripped down model, no power windows, radio or anything.
My problem with the car started about 2 or 3 years ago. And it happens only on very hot summer days. I'll drive it for a short time, make 2 or 3 short trips, and then the car won't start. This doesn't ever happen in winter, fall, or spring. Just last weekend it was hot here in Milwaukee, about 80-83 degrees. I went to the grocery store 1 mile from my home and then to a restaurant another mile away. After leaving the restaurant about 10 minutes later, the car wouldn't start.
When this happens, I have to leave the car sit anywhere from 20 minutes to 4 hours, depending on how hot it is outside. Then the car starts up just fine! I've read the manual and followed its directions on how to start the car if it won't start, but it doesn't work. The manual says to crank the engine for 15 seconds while holding the gas pedal down halfway. If it doesn't start then, crank the engine for another 15 seconds while holding the gas pedal down all the way to the floor to clear the engine of flooding. Nothing has worked, except leaving the car alone for quite some time.
My father thought the problem might by vapor lock, but other people I've talked to say that can't happen in fuel injected cars. Then my dad said it might be a bad sensor in the computer. What do you think?
Marilyn
A. First of all, fuel injected cars are not immune from vapor lock. They are just as, if not more, susceptible to vapor lock than a carbureted engine.
While vapor lock is a distinct possibility, you could have a problem with the engine temp, air temp or throttle position sensor. Your best bet would be to take it to a shop with a scan tool and they can check and eliminate the various sensors and computer as a problem. Another possibility is the engine timing may need to be adjusted or worn out spark plugs.
