slow to start in the morning?

2004 HONDA CIVIC
32,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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JIMP39
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  • 1 POST
Hi, My civic is getting very slow to start in the morning after sitting in the garage overnight, and sometimes in the drive after sitting there all day. What could be the problem?
Mar 9, 2010 at 11:50 AM
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SQM
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

Just to cover the basics. How old the battery?
It could be that the battery is getting weaker and as it sits for several hours it drains just enough to make it slow to start the engine.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Do a load test on the battery to see if it is at a good level.

Here is a helpful guide on load testing:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

If the engine cranks over strong and fast but does not start till several tries to extra cranks then you could have an issue with the fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator keeps constant pressure on the injectors. If the regulator is weak the the fuel can drain back to the tank and it will take few tries for the fuel to reach the engine and start.
This engine should have 40-47 PSI of fuel pressure with the engine off and key to the on position.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Sep 24, 2021 at 10:39 AM
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