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Start of something failing - engine starting after 3 attempts

I

ironryon

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leicester
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7th Gen Accord
Hi

After the first time this happened I thought maybe it's nothing but in the last few weeks it's happened another 4 times or so ...

It's happened after either from an over night start or after a couple of hours of being parked -

I wait until the glow plug light goes off and turn to start...it turns once and dies...I try again and same result...I try again and it starts.
The rest of the time it starts ok.

I was thinking get the battery checked first but any advice or pointers would be really appreciated.

Cheers

Jamie
 
Battery
Glow Plugs
Fuel Filter
Stuck EGR valve
 
Thanks Fahad

Im going to my friend at Kwik Fit today to have the battery tested....

Do you know how the glow plugs can be tested or do I just buy and hope for the best?
 
Some people can test them with a multimeter, but in my experience they just get to a point where they need replacing. You can test the relay with the Honda Diagnostic system, but if that fails you normally get an error anyway.

Hopefully just a battery, but I would also replace the fuel filter for good measure with a genuine Honda item.
 
Ok - just been to kwik fit and they confirm the battery and alternator are good.
The guy there said the glow plugs must be fine if it starts from cold...

Regarding the fuel filter - I'm going to have the car serviced soon as it's been a year since the boom says it was last done - but just covered 6000 miles.

So what to do next? Replace the plugs?
 
I would do the fuel filter first. Also they need to test the battery after it's had some time to discharge overnight
 
ironryon said:
...I wait until the glow plug light goes off and turn to start...it turns once and dies...I try again and same result...I try again and it starts.
The rest of the time it starts ok....
Click to expand...
Do you mean that the starter turns, the engine starts, and then the engine dies? (so an engine fault)
or
The starter turns briefly then stops turning? (so a battery, starter or connection fault)

If your car is a pre-facelift model (i.e. 5 speed) then you should be able to easily see that the fuel filter was made by Bosch (who supply them to Honda). If not, get it replaced ASAP.

I don't think this is a glowplug issue... I don't wait for mine to do there thing unless it's sub-zero. But it's easy to check the glowplugs with an ohmmeter, and easy to check they are getting a supply using a voltmeter.
 
Jon_G said:
Do you mean that the starter turns, the engine starts, and then the engine dies? (so an engine fault)
or
The starter turns briefly then stops turning? (so a battery, starter or connection fault)

If your car is a pre-facelift model (i.e. 5 speed) then you should be able to easily see that the fuel filter was made by Bosch (who supply them to Honda). If not, get it replaced ASAP.

I don't think this is a glowplug issue... I don't wait for mine to do there thing unless it's sub-zero. But it's easy to check the glowplugs with an ohmmeter, and easy to check they are getting a supply using a voltmeter.
Click to expand...
Do you mean that the starter turns, the engine starts, and then the engine dies? - Yes exactly.

Changing the fuel filter is probably not something I want to do myself - the car was (according the service book) serviced a year ago but has only covered 6500 miles in that time....I think its time it got a service at the same time as the filter.

Time then to find a reputable garage in Leicester - one that know their Hondas...this is the bit I really dont like - finding a mechanic I can trust 100%.
 
ironryon said:
Do you mean that the starter turns, the engine starts, and then the engine dies? - Yes exactly.

Changing the fuel filter is probably not something I want to do myself - the car was (according the service book) serviced a year ago but has only covered 6500 miles in that time....I think its time it got a service at the same time as the filter.

Time then to find a reputable garage in Leicester - one that know their Hondas...this is the bit I really dont like - finding a mechanic I can trust 100%.
Click to expand...
The fuel filter is only meant to be replaced at every other service, so may not have been done last time... and I suspect most garages don't bother at all, as it is a bit fiddly and time-consuming. ***uming that you have a facelift model you can lift the bonnet and easily see if the fuel filter (on the bulkead, passenger side, with a bracket around it, the size of a beer can) is a Bosch part or not (aftermarket alternatives are common, but also a common cause of engine problems).

It's more than simply having a trustworthy mechanic who may fit what he thinks is an acceptable filter, you really need to stress the importance of having the originally-specified fuel filter fitted... Bosch for the pre-facelift or Denso for the facelift (can be obtained from stockists, but if you get it from Honda then you can be sure it isn't a cheap clone).

I'm not convinced that your problems are down to the fuel filter though. Does it run perfectly OK once it does start?
 
Hi Jon

Thanks as well for helping out :)

Im not sure if I have the facelift model. Its a Sept 05 55 plate 5 speed.

The car drives fine after starting yep.

Had a look for the fuel filter...I can see something similar to what you describe on the bulkhead (if thats the area behind the engine that and the last thing between the engine bay and the inside of the car? sorry to sounds so useless lol) - its can size....I can see a silver top and a black sleeve it sits in but cant see any brand names.
 
Pre-facelift then.

I can clearly see the word 'Bosch' on mine, so you probably have a cheap aftermarket one fitted.
 
Yep more than likely - general opinion as was the kwik fit guys is they're all made by the same people so no names are as good as any.

I'll get it serviced and insist on Honda recomended parts and come back to update with news.
 
ironryon said:
Yep more than likely - general opinion as was the kwik fit guys is they're all made by the same people so no names are as good as any.
Click to expand...
And that's why KwikFit has a terrible reputation!



ironryon said:
I'll get it serviced and insist on Honda recomended parts and come back to update with news.
Click to expand...
I'm really not convinced that your problem is either the fuel filter or the glowplugs, but replacing a likely non-Honda fuel filter is a good idea and will almost certainly prevent future issues that would have developed. And - if the garage is any good - the service should at least indicate what is causing your starting issues.
 
I contacted Honda for a service price and I think ill wait until after Christmas until I can find a decent and cheaper independent - £299 for service and £105 extra for a fuel filter!?

Anyway...this may be just just coincedence but after reading starting the car with the clutch in takes load off the engine I've been doing so and since then my engines started first time every time !?
 
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