Car doesnt always start first time

the_honda_prelude · Post by **the_honda_prelude** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 2:48 pm

Apologies if this is in the wrong sub forum, i have a 2.0i 1998 prelude auto. The car doesnt seem to start the first time. It normally takes between 3-6 tries. Im not sure if its the starter motor or an issue with the igniton switch. Has anybody had any similar issues?

Post by **indigolemon** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 2:51 pm

When you say it needs 3-6 tries - does it turn over slowly, quickly, or does it just click during these attempts?

the_honda_prelude · Post by **the_honda_prelude** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 3:16 pm

indigolemon wrote:When you say it needs 3-6 tries - does it turn over slowly, quickly, or does it just click during these attempts?

It just clicks..when the engine turns on. It turn on instantly , p

Post by **indigolemon** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 3:20 pm

If the click is from under the bonnet, I suspect that it's the starter that's your issue. I assume the battery is 100%?

toadster · Post by **toadster** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 5:17 pm

LO

My starter motor failed last year.
Car failed to start on first try for the first time since I bought it.
It was then fine for a couple of weeks then it failed to start again but this time it took 6 attempts.
I knew my battery was fine so I bit the bullet and bought a replacement starter motor from these guy's.
http://universal-rotating.co.uk/Public/Default.aspx
My Lude is also a 2.0i Auto.
The starter is different between the Auto and Manual , the part model number should be visible on it.
Then you should be able to do a search on their website or give them a call.
When I got mine they didn't have stock but built one up for Me

You then get a rebate when you send them your old unit.
I can't remember the price off the top my head but it was the cheapest I found at the time.
I sent them my old unit and they tested it and it was faulty so it was good to know.
Replacement has been perfect

Cheers

Toadster

Post by **vanzep** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 5:28 pm

You could also have a quick look at the spark plugs and also check the butterfly valve in the throttle body is working ok and not sticking and there is no occasional binding or snagging on the throttle cable.
Maybe give things a bit of clean up and run some carb cleaner through the intake manifold and see if there is any improvement.