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2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/08/2012 5:45 PM

My honda civic won't start, it kicks over but won't start. can you help me solve this problem

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#1

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 5:50 PM

Fuel, or fire.

When you turn the ignition to on, not start, can you hear the fuel pump? It should hum for 2-5 seconds, then shut off.

Crank sensor, or some other sensor may have failed.

I'd look for a Honda forum, if I were you. We mostly get these questions from Cavalier owners.

Good luck, there will be others here soon more knowledge than I.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 5:56 PM

Thank you for responding, it wants to kick over. I did just turn the key without trying to start the car I don't think I heard any humming.

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#3
In reply to #2

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 5:59 PM

You'll have to listen very closely, and if you've been trying to start it, the fuel system may not have bled down enough for the FP to run very long.

The fuel pump is in the gas tank, so it won't be easy to hear.

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#5
In reply to #3

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 6:04 PM

I am new to this page, where do I find a honda forum?

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#6
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Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 6:09 PM
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#4
In reply to #2

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 6:01 PM

Put a stethoscope or ear to the car surface....

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#8
In reply to #2

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 7:03 PM

What does "wants to kick over mean"?

Does the engine start to fire, but doesn't catch? Or does it simply turn over and not start.

The former may be a flywheel sensor gone bad.

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#9
In reply to #8

Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 7:17 PM

kick off meaning is, it sounds like its going to start with the normal starting sound when you turn the key it just doesn't fire to actually start, I smell gas when I am trying to start it

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#10
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Re: 2009 Honda Civic won't start

08/08/2012 7:25 PM

Okay, chances are you are not getting spark.

Again, check fuses! Specifically the ACG fuse, but check them all.

Then check the distributer cap, open it up and look for burned contacts or broken contacts.

Inspect the ignition coil and associated wires for breaks or loose connections.

Timing belt good? If it breaks you will not get spark.

Check your spark plugs and wires. Pulling a plug after trying to start will confirm if you are getting fuel. If they are wet, you have fuel. Look at the color. If they are black and sooty you may need to replace them.

These are all things you can do without advanced tools or knowledge.

Is this car still under warranty?

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#7

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/08/2012 7:00 PM

Two things first come to mind:

1. fuses

2. DME relay

Check all your fuses. The one you are looking for should be the fuel injection system, but it would be good to check them all while you are in there.

Your owner's manual should tell you where your DME relay is if the information is not on the lid of the fuse box. You can try pulling it out and reseating it. Sometimes tapping it with the back end of a screwdriver will get you started. If it does, get a new relay (perhaps two and keep one in your glove box).

If that doesn't work then you need to go deeper into diagnostics and if your skill level is not very high with cars you might be resigned to have it towed to a shop.

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#11
In reply to #7

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/08/2012 7:33 PM

Its just really weird because I got home from work, and decided to move the honda forward a little bit for the car behind me, as we have to park on the street. It started fine, moved it up a couple feet, then decided I was going to drive it that evening as it hadn't been driven for a few days when I went out to leave it wouldn't start. It sounds like its out of gas but its not, thats how it sounds when I go to start it.

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#12
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Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/08/2012 8:38 PM

Something is loose, most likely a wire connection or possibly a funky relay.

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#13
In reply to #12

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/08/2012 8:50 PM

Thank you for your help

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#16
In reply to #13

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/15/2012 10:38 PM

Have you gotten it running yet?

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#14

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/09/2012 5:35 AM
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#15

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/09/2012 8:46 AM

I like to add what others said, Check the fuel filter.

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#17

Re: 2009 Honda Civic Won't Start

08/18/2012 10:16 AM

If it is a manual transmission, check the clutch safety switch mounted at the top of the clutch pedal arm.

If it is an automatic, the switch is somewhere else so the car only starts in 'Park'.

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