Car starting problem
 

Hey guys,
Ok i've been having a little trouble starting my car sometimes. When i turn the key to the ignition position it should start up right away. But what happens is I have to hold it there for around 2 seconds or sometimes several seconds before it starts. And it starts up fine.

Other times i have to turn it off then back on a number of times before it starts.

When I hold it in the ignition position I dont hear anything at all, not even a clicking. I've already checked the battery at Part Source and also checked it under load with a multimeter and the numbers are what it should be from what i read in the forums. This problem appeared after i changed my distributor.

So my last thing is, could it be the starter or solenoid?

It could simply be the cold weather or low fuel in the tank. My new Civics don't always crank right away when the fuel is low.

if it starts ok then what are you worried about? hehe
I wouldn't really worry until the cars struggles to start.

change ur plugs and re-check if you put the ignition wires on in the right order. I did that once lol stupid of me

i bet ur trying to start on a cold day with low fuel in the tank. wait 2 seconds to let the lines pressurize and then it'll start fine. if it doesnt start fine after 1-2 seconds to let teh lines pressurize, then it could be another problem

wait for check engian light to go off

Thanks for the help guys.
I understand what ur talkign about with the low fuel tank, cuz this generation civic has an electronic fuel pump so u have to let it pressurize before u start it. The thing with that is the engine at least tries to crank over when u try to start it without letting it pressurize.

My problem is even if i let it pressurize (even on a full tank) it doesnt even try to crank at start up. It makes no sound at all (sounds exactly like when you dont push the clutch in far enough and try to start which is no sound at all...LOL). But when i turn the key to off then back on several times (and sometimes pump the clutch a few times) it will start up. It's weird...that's why i think it might be the starter or solenoid, but wanted to get some other opinions before i start changing things.

I odn't know what your probem is but when you find out post it because I'm having the exact same problem.
I'll probably trouble shoot on Monday morning before work.

i had a similar problem (intermitant no cranking) on my altima.
i'de say your right to look at starter/solonoid. but don't forget electrical/mechanical parts of the ignition system. possible the clutch switch if you have a standard.
in my case, in ended up being my ignition switch. the wiring was making intermitant contact when i turned the key to start. if it didn't work, i would pull the key out, jiggle it etc and eventually it started. you can check that easliy enough by checking for a signal somewhere along its path while someone else tries to start it. but if it's anything like mine, its takes ages to fullly figure out just because of its intermitant nature.