Cold start issues

2001 HONDA ACCORD

188,000 MILES • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

NICKP10101

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The car cranks-sputters and we repeat the process for up to 5-7 minutes on cold days. (40 degrees F and under) car then starts and the RPMs shuffle between 300-500 or whatever something like that until car reaches a correct temperature, then it runs practically like a charm. My dad has replaced values, cleaned intake and replaced parts of intake manifold but with no changes. The engine light does not show, but when it did it gave codes of O2 sensor in which we’ve replaced a couple times. It has something to do with being cold! We need a solution because the stress and gas being run through that car can’t be good and it’ll be a matter of time until it causes other problems.

Feb 26, 2022 at 4:34 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Based on the issue, I suspect the ECT (engine coolant temperature sensor) is bad. The ECT communicates with the PCM indicating the coolant temperature at any given time. The PCM uses this information to determine the air/fuel mixture needed to run the engine properly.

Here is the interesting thing. If the sensor is sending a signal (right or wrong), the PCM doesn't know the difference. So, if it indicates it is 80 degrees when it's actually 30, the air-fuel mixture will be lean and cause drivability issues.

The easiest way to check it is this. If you have a live data scan tool, connect it first thing in the AM before the engine is run. At that time, you should see a temperature signal nearly equal to the outside ambient temperature. If it is off, replace the sensor.

I attached a pic below of its location.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.

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Feb 27, 2022 at 12:33 PM

NICKP10101

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hey Joe,

I appreciate your quickness in your response. After touching basis with my father, according to him this was the first part/sensor he had replaced. We will still replace that part again. Any other suggestions or ideas of what it could be?

Mar 1, 2022 at 12:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

Sorry for the delay. Is he certain to have replaced the correct one? There is a coolant temperature sensor for the fans which is different.

If he has a live data scanner, have him check the signal from the sensor when it's cold.

Also, he may want to consider checking fuel pressure when it's cold. It may be taking time to reach a good operating pressure.

One last thought. Low engine compression can cause it to run poorly when cold or not at all. If the engine hasn't been properly maintained (oil and filters) this is another possibility. But I don't want to go that route until we eliminate other things.

Let me know.

Joe

Mar 2, 2022 at 9:05 AM

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