99 Accord turns over and fuel pump runs when I turn key, but will not start. What could be the issue? 1999 Honda Accord
When I turn the key, I can hear the fuel pump turn on for a few seconds and then shut off. The lights dim when I turn the key and battery is fine. Engine turns over, but will not fire and start up. Car was not started for a week and temperature is below 20 degrees. Car was not left with much gas in the tank, but I put HEAT in the gas tank and 2 gallons of gas in the tank and no change. Wondering what else to check and if there are things that I can replace for low part cost and that are easily repaired by novice mechanic.
My car has 225000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello – when you say that the lights dim while trying to start the engine, I suspect that the battery may not be strong enough to spin the engine fast enough in low temperatures to catch and run. With your advanced mileage, cylinder compression is probably a bit lower than originally – and may not be compressing the air/fuel mix enough to start. Weak or corroded battery connections can also contribute to this problem. I would recommend an engine start inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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There are a few reasons why a Honda accord won`t start after cranking. Having trouble starting your Honda? The problem could be that you aren`t getting enough fuel to the engine. Fuel injectors that are not working correctly, fuel filters that are full, or spark plugs that are worn out can cause this.
Over 750,000 2018-2020 Hondas and Acuras have been recalled for a bad fuel pump. So, owners of a Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, Fit, HR-V, Insight, Odyssey, Passport, Pilot, or Ridgeline, or an Acura ILX, MDX, NSX, RDX, RLX, or TLX that stalls or won`t start should know about the problem.
The inertia switch is located behind the trim on the left-hand side of the vehicle, forward of the front door post, below the fascia.
If the car cranks when you turn the key, but the engine won`t start, it could be because fuel isn`t getting to the engine. One potential reason for this could be dirty fuel injectors. Over time, the fuel injector nozzles can become clogged with rust, corrosion or debris.
The most common reason a pump fails is wear on the pump from improper lubrication or over-use. The best way to explain a failed fuel pump due to wear and tear is to explain what other reasons may have lead to a failed pump: Most fuel pumps are lubricated by the fuel in the tank itself.
A bad fuel pump may overheat and inadequately deliver gas to the engine, causing it to run hot and turn off while on the road. In this scenario, your vehicle may start back up after overheating and shutting down, only to do the same thing a half-hour later. This scenario is a common sign of a bad fuel pump.
The engine may be getting too much fuel or not enough fuel. This is usually due to the carburetor not working properly. If the carburetor is clogged, the engine won`t get enough fuel. If the carburetor choke isn`t closing properly, the engine may get too much fuel.
Remote Start and a Dead Key Fob. Push-button start is a way to start the engine of your Civic by just pressing a button. You don`t need to have your key in the ignition as long as the fob is with you when you`re behind the wheel. Press the button down, and the engine will start.
An inertial switch is a switch, firmly mounted upon a vehicle or other mobile device, that triggers in the event of shock or vibration. It is a part of electrical circuits that may either enable or disable some function.
The battery can be fully charged but still not be able to start the vehicle if it is failing or has a dead cell. Other likely issues are the fuel pump, ignition switch, battery cables, starter, or a clogged fuel filter.
To confirm that your pump has failed, check the pressure in your fuel lines with a fuel pressure gauge; if it reads zero, then your pump is likely dead. You can also check your car`s fuse box; a blown fuel pump fuse is another reliable symptom of a failed pump.
If the fuel pump relay fails the fuel pump will be left without power. The engine may still crank when the key is turned, however it will not be able to start due to lack of fuel. This symptom can also be caused by a wide variety of other issues, so having the vehicle properly diagnosed is highly recommended.
Fuel pump failures tend to be sudden and unpredictable, with few symptoms to warn the motorist that trouble is brewing. And the higher the mileage on the vehicle, the greater the risk of a fuel pump failure.
The most common cause of fuel pump failure is frequently running the tank low on fuel, which causes the motor to overheat. The second most common cause is fuel contamination, usually dirt and rust particles that clog the fuel strainer and prevent the pump from drawing enough fuel under high engine load.
Basically, the gas is coming out of the gas pump at a pressure that is too fast for the car to take in. If the air vapors do not get out fast enough and the tube gets covered by gasoline, a vacuum forms inside the nozzle which will automatically switch off the flow of gas into your tank.
The Feature: The Honda ignition key features an electronic code that makes it practically impossible to duplicate. Only recognition of this electronic signature by the immobilizer system will allow the fuel-injection system and ignition circuitry to be activated.
Why your car struggles to start but runs fine. There are a number of reasons why your car might be slow to start but runs as-normal once it gets going. Causes can vary from weather conditions to battery health, wiring issues, starter motor concerns and fuel-pump health.
Defective ignition switch
If you know your battery is working properly, but your car doesn`t turn over on the first few tries, you might have a problem with the ignition switch. You can try to narrow down the cause of your issue by turning on your headlights.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
99 Accord turns over and fuel pump runs when I turn key, but will not start. What could be the issue? 1999 Honda Accord
ANSWER : Hello – when you say that the lights dim while trying to start the engine, I suspect that the battery may not be strong enough to spin the engine fast enough in low temperatures to catch and run. With your advanced mileage, cylinder compression is probably a bit lower than originally – and may not be compressing the air/fuel mix enough to start. Weak or corroded battery connections can also contribute to this problem. I would recommend an engine start inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
After sitting without running for a long while, sometimes in-tank electric fuel pumps won’t start.
ANSWER : Check the power supply to the fuel pump, at the fuel pump terminals (as close as you can get) to be sure that the circuit actually functions. If there is power to the pump, but no operation, it is possible the fuel has oxidized, turned to varnish and other compounds, and basically glued the pump "shut". Also, it is not just a matter of air in the tank (oxidizing the fuel) but also moisture in the tank. Over so many years, the pump could be sitting in water simply due to accumulated water from condensation. If the tank has lots of water at the bottom, if it is a metal tank you might even need a new tank due to the possibility of internal corrosion. Although I suppose you could figure out a way to "unstick" a fuel pump that has sat in oxidizing fuel, and possibly water, for so many years, it is not worth it on account of safety and reliability considerations. If there is power and the pump doesn’t work, I would install a brand new pump and of course very carefully inspect the interior of the tank being mindful not to blow it up. Use a low power LED light…don’t use a 120 volt trouble light around fuel or, much worse, around fuel vapors. If you desire that the pump be replaced by a certified mechanic and the tank be inspected, simply request a fuel pump replacement. If you have additional concerns or questions, by all means please let us know.
Runs fine for days then acts like running out of gas and then dies and try restart and runs then dies ,when I turn key on you hea
ANSWER : The fuel pump in the fuel tank is designed to have low pressure and high volume to feed the front fuel pump the right amount fuel. The front fuel pump supplies the engine with high pressure to the engine.
When you do not hear the pump run then the fuel pump is bad and should be replaced along with the relay. You should not have to replace the in tank pump if it is running. I’d suggest replacing the fuel filter as well.
I’d suggest getting this inspected by a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to diagnose your stalling issue and make the necessary repairs.
Installed new delphi fuel pump and fram fuel filter. still no pressure on fuel rail valve and wont start. 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
ANSWER : Hi there – I suspect you have weak power getting to the fuel pump. I would first check the voltage coming out of the fuel pump relay. If the contacts in the relay are burned, you will not get reliable current flow to the pump. Check the fuel pump ground as well (voltage drop across the ground, not just continuity). I recommend a fuel system inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
I changed the fuel pump and truck ran great for 3 days. Now after 3 days, the truck dies. It will start running for a few minutes, then dies like before.
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. I’d be happy to help. It sounds like you should disconnect the connector to the fuel pump and inspect it for any signs of getting hot. The female connections may be too loose on the fuel pump and lose contact after running and getting hot. If there are indeed any signs of problems, then I’d suggest replacing connector and adding dielectric lube to pins before installation. This should solve the problem, but if you continue to experience issues, feel free to reach out to us for help again.
I have a truck that won’t run and is not getting gas to the engine. Fuel pump is running, have a new filter and new fuel pressure
ANSWER : Hi There,
It sounds like you may have a clogged fuel injector or potentially a faulty injector that is fried internally. I would suggest testing them if you have access to a multi meter. Disconnect the injector from the electrical connector and set your multi meter to Ohms mode and measure the resistance of the injector. After testing all injectors, compare the resistance. They should be the same or very close. If they are not, they will likely need to be replaced.
It sounds like you may have a clogged fuel injector or potentially a faulty injector that is fried internally. I would suggest testing them if you have access to a multi meter. Disconnect the injector from the electrical connector and set your multi meter to Ohms mode and measure the resistance of the injector. After testing all injectors, compare the resistance. They should be the same or very close. If they are not, they will likely need to be replaced.
Car was sometimes not starting, not even cranking when i turned the key then after a few times itd start. Now it ont start at all
ANSWER : Hi there:
Without being there to inspect your vehicle, or having information about what type of car, truck or SUV you own, it’s very hard for us to give you some advice. You might want to have a professional mobile mechanic complete a car is hard to start inspection; so they can come to your location and determine why your vehicle is having these issues.
Fuel pressure
ANSWER : Hello,
You may want to try checking the fuel pump relay. The relay wires should have ground on two wires, power on one wire and switched power on another wire. To activate the fuel pump your ECU actually connects one of the ground wires to complete the circuit and send power to the fuel pump. If the wires all have power running through them, then it is likely you have a faulty relay. The wire coming from the fuel pump is the other ground wire. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your wiring as this can be very difficult and time consuming without the proper wiring diagram.
You may want to try checking the fuel pump relay. The relay wires should have ground on two wires, power on one wire and switched power on another wire. To activate the fuel pump your ECU actually connects one of the ground wires to complete the circuit and send power to the fuel pump. If the wires all have power running through them, then it is likely you have a faulty relay. The wire coming from the fuel pump is the other ground wire. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your wiring as this can be very difficult and time consuming without the proper wiring diagram.
