​Hello!

I am going to keep this as brief as possible. I am at a loss and desperate at this point because I heavily rely on my car for my two jobs- and I am exhausted.

This has been going on for a full year now, and I don't know what else to do.

Please bear with me, and enjoy the ride because its a long story- but I'll keep it summarized.



I have had A LOT go wrong with my 2005 Honda CRV SE.

It is my favorite car, its been my dream car for years- I know its old but I need it to last a little longer until I can afford a new car, but it shouldn't be "Dead" yet.

I have gotten second opinions, and even paid for an inspection with no improvement- here's the details.

• My 2005 Honda CRV SE has trouble cold starting- it cranks then the tachometer starts going up and down(it sounds like it wants to start) THEN once the tachometer reaches "1" I put my foot on the gas and that's the only way it starts. But then other times the cold start is fine and starts perfectly!
• With this problem, my dash lights are inconsistent too. One day the engine light, VSA light and triangle light with the exclamation point are on and then the next day they aren't. I think its an electrical problem- but I can't get any mechanic to listen to me or take me seriously.
• On the days where its harder to start, the tachometer goes up and down like usual while Im cranking it but then the front end of the car hops/thumps along with the crank sound itself. Then it finally turns over and starts. It drives perfectly once started- so I am so confused.

Unfortunately, I think my mechanic may be incompetent with this issue even though hes a great guy. I JUST picked up my car Friday and two hours late it wasn't starting again. Here is everything I have had replaced on my 2005 Honda SE, so we can narrow it down. Due to this, I am at a loss.

• I have new fuel injectors
• New spark plugs and ignition coils
• New fuel filter
• New battery
• New VVT solenoid
• New valve cover gasket
• New exhaust pipe
• New brakes and rotors

I have been taking my car into my mechanic for a year, and once hes fixes something- the problem arises again only after a week or two weeks.

Long story short, he doesn't listen to me and im tired.

I went somewhere else and got a second opinion- I paid for an inspection. They said it only needs a new VVT solenoid, my previous mechanic just did that so I told him per the inspection, I needed it replaced. It was covered under warranty- and he replaced it. But it did not fix the problem. I asked the place I got a second opinion from if the VVT solenoid could be why its not starting properly, they said yes.

Im at a loss now- its got to be wiring or something electrical right? Especially since the problem is so inconsistent. One week it starts perfectly, with no dash lights. Then the following a bunch of dash lights come on and it doesn't start.

Im so tired, heres a few other things my mechanic and the other place I got an inspection from ruled out:

• They said my fuel pump is fine

Is it an electrical issue or wiring? I notice my headlights are very bright but sometimes my dash lights seem dull. Also when it cranks but doesn't start the battery light or the oil lamp light comes on. Sometimes it turns, then dies immediately showing the battery light. Its got to be wiring I think....Im so tired please 😞[img]



Thank you!
​

 

How many miles on it? I'd like to see what a scan tool shows when cold. Don't try starting it just look at these with key in run postion. Look at ECT, IAT, MAP and TPS. Write down these values. Now look at the rpm while cranking engine. What does it do?

 

A scan of DTC is a good place to start
Even if there is no check engine light, a DTC may be stored
That might help to narrow down this issue
However, I do not see the mechanics not doing this to figure this problem out
So they have looked at it??

If you are thinking electrical issue, there are a bunch of ground wires on the engine block (USA) driver's side
Corrosion can cause similar symptoms

The purge control valve is stuck open then it can also cause hard starts
It floods the cylinder with too much fuel and makes ignition difficult
This usually happens when engine is warm though

When it does not want to start, is the crank slower or cranks normal?
A straining starter motor can pull the battery voltage down below 9 volts and the engine will not start
The PCM requires at least nine volts to function.

How is the air filter? Just wondering.
Oh, check to see if the brakes are difficult to depress when the engine doesn't want to start.
Could be a leak in the brake booster? Too much air getting into the engine??
Vacuum leak??

Honda engines seem to need valve adjustments?
Cold that be it??

Sorry, just that it would be easier to troubleshoot if it were a hard failure.
This is all guessing. And any test done is just guessing because if it is working.....???

Note: Have heard the CRV has two engine coolant temperature sensors
One is used to turn on the radiator fan.
The second is monitored by the PCM and helps to determine if the engine is too hot to start
Or if very cold then to add more fuel (open loop)