1999 Honda Civic Si ; Cold weather Problems

1999 HONDA CIVIC
74,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
PUG 907
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The car has serious starting/Idling issues, and when it does start fuel smells strong of gasoline with smoke comming out of exhaust. Problem ONLY exists in COLD weather. I have taken car to honda dealership and they changed sparkplugs,checked wires and cleaned injectors. Fuel pump and IACV (Idle Air Control Valve) and vaccum lines turned out to be in good shape..don't understand-thanks for any and all response- i am presently on workman comp with no help and down on my luck
Nov 21, 2008 at 6:59 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 41,814 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi pug 907,

From the description, possible causes are
1. Weak sparks, could be a weak ignition coil.
2. Low compression. When compression is low, it would be difficult to fire up.
3. Low fuel pressure. When it fails to fire up, excessive cranking would cause flooding.

I would suggest testing the sparks, if color of spark is orange, the coil is weak.

Has the CEL ever showed while driving?
Nov 23, 2008 at 2:32 AM
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.
Ask a Free Question
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.