Honda Odyssey Forum banner

long cranking issue, engine turns over too long before starting.

31K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  davedrivesody  
#1 ·
05 touring, 120k miles, fully serviced.

Only happens in cold weather, whether it sits over night or just a few hours. I go to start and it over cranks to get it to start. Doesnt happen in the summer when the heat causes the fuel to expand only in winter when it condenses. I believe its a fuel pressure issue but, why only winter? Had to the dealer and they couldnt fix it. Anyone have any experience trouble shooting this? engine sounds healthy when cranking, have had the battery checked.
 
#4 ·
Do you have a shop manual? Maybe there is something in there about trouble shooting temp gauge. One thing you can try is maybe pressing the gas a bit to see if that alleviates the long cranking. If so, then you can safely say that its some kind of fuelling issue which could be related to the temp sensor(s)
 
#6 ·
There is a check valve in the fuel pump that can go bad and allows fuel to drain back from the fuel rail at the engine into the tank. The longer crank time is because fuel has to be pumped from the tank to the engine. Proper diagnosis involves putting a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail and observe readings over several hours. A good system will not bleed down.
 
#8 ·
If it is the bleed down issue, you can do a bit of a check with no tools: The fuel pump runs a few seconds while waiting for the engine speed command (to keep it running). Turn on the the switch for five seconds. Do this three or four times. You will be pumping up the fuel line pressure BEFORE attempting to start. If it now starts more quickly, you have probably diagnosed a faulty bleed back valve in the fuel pump (mentioned in post #6).
 
#9 ·
A faulty fuel pressure regulator can also cause low fuel pressure.

On another note, make sure you hear the fuel pump run for 2 seconds when you turn the key ON (not start). If not, the main fuel relay may be bad.

Dave