imported_mikepasini

hey guys, need some help. is it normally for the car to take like an extra second or 2 when its low on gas to start up. normally it just turns over once or so and it kicks in and its on, but i find whenever my tank is low on gas that it sometimes takes and extra second or 2 to start up. any ideas would be great. thanks.

imported_trackhack

Are you waiting for the fuel pump to finish priming before you turn the key to the start position?
The fuel pump finishes priming when the "check engine " light goes off. You should also be able to hear it start/stop.

imported_mikepasini

really? so when my key is in the on position, before cranking wait until the check engine light is on?

stillt he same witha full/empty tank?

what does it do anyway?

thanks

imported_MY SiR

Wait for the light to go off.

This is good practice for any Honda/Acura vehicle. After a while, it becomes second nature. I even do it when I drive my Pontiac.

What this does is, it primes the fuel pump so, fuel can get to your engine.

Anyway, longer cranking time when the tank is low on fuel is normal on 6th gens. I think this has been covered a few times before....

imported_trackhack

You should wait till the check engine light is OFF before you crank it. When you turn the ignition switch to the ON positon (NOT START) the fuel pump will turn on to build pressure in the fuel system, the system consisting of the lines, filter, fuel rail, injectors etc. When the system has built enough pressure the pump will shut off. This is when the check engine light goes off. As soon as you start your car the fuel pump turns back on again supplying constant pressure through your fuel system. What fuel the engine does not use is returned to the fuel tank through the return line.
Hope this helps to breifly explain things.

imported_redeYelove

Turn the key untill the car starts beeping and the gauges lights come on *battery, engine, etc.* Let is finish. Turn it all the way. Ready to go hoe!

Gunmetalef

it shouldn't make a difference full or not as long as its recieving fuel... if its low its still gonna recieve the same amount of gas compared to full cuz itll take what it needs.. if there not enough gas to take what it need i doubt youll get it started

imported_Moe_Mentum

I have a 6th Gen and mine does the same thing.. when its lower on gas it takes a little cranking before it starts. But these guys are right, just turn the key to the on position first, and it will be fine. Especially good to do in the winter time to prevent really hard starts.

Nova_Dust

If it is low, just step on gas while you are turning over the engine. But don't run on low gas.

stock94block

if you're going to step on the gas, make sure you do it lightly and at the same time you're cranking the engine...it was a habit of mine with my old car that you had to pump the gas first, and ended up flooding my honda the first day

but when im low on gas it takes that extra second to start up

Younes Si

good info guys, i'm going to start trying that....but ya, it's normal to do that when your low on gas

imported_mikepasini

thanks so much guys, didn't know that... i will do that every time

imported_BoOsTd

untill i replaced my fuel pump with the walboro, when the tank got really low, i would have to do 2-3 primes... you can hear the pump working, once it stops turn key off and do it again(if the tank is really low) then it will fire right up...

imported_GoldBadge

Don't pump the gas.

Do what TRACKHACK said and let the engine light turn off when the car stops beepnig. It's good practice. Annoying, but good practice.

CivicGurl

Wow guys. I had never heard about that before. I notice too that my 99 takes a bit to start up on low fuel but I just figured it was because it was low on fuel. I never realized there was something you could/should do about it. Thanks. I learn something new here everytime I visit.

imported_mikepasini

my check engine light doesn't turn off, what gives?