What causes occasional failure to start in the Fit?
3 Answers
There are several potential reasons why a Fit may occasionally fail to start, as detailed below: 1. Weak spark plug ignition energy. Some owners try to save money by not replacing spark plugs after their maintenance interval, which can lead to significantly reduced ignition energy and even misfires. Many modern engines use direct fuel injection, placing higher demands on spark plugs. 2. Starting difficulties caused by carbon buildup. This may be accompanied by slight shaking at idle. The solution involves cleaning the throttle body, intake tract carbon deposits, and fuel injectors. 3. Battery discharge. This is a more common issue with a simple solution - jump-starting the vehicle using another car or battery. 4. Exhaust pipe blockage. This rarely occurs unless by coincidence or mischief, and is relatively easy to diagnose. 5. Insufficient low-pressure fuel supply. Low fuel pressure in the low-pressure circuit directly causes the engine to require a second ignition attempt. The reason is that the first attempt builds up fuel pressure while the second attempt succeeds. Components to inspect include: fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump, fuel filter, and internal fuel lines.
Last time my Honda Fit occasionally wouldn't start, and after some consideration, it might be due to loose battery terminals or an aging starter. There was carbon buildup on the battery terminals, causing unstable contact; this was more noticeable in cold or humid weather. If you hear a clicking sound but the engine doesn't start, it's mostly a starter issue; if there's complete silence, check the fuses or key recognition. I've also experienced weak fuel pump performance causing delayed fuel supply. Don't delay repairs to avoid breaking down on the road. Try cleaning the terminals or using a spare key yourself; if that doesn't work, seek professional repair. Remember to have the electrical system checked during maintenance every six months to avoid future troubles.
For those who frequently deal with cars, occasional ignition failures in the Fit often stem from the starter or electrical circuits. When the battery has sufficient charge but the car won't start? Pay attention to the sound during ignition: no clicking may indicate relay failure; weak sound suggests a loose battery connection; if it cranks but doesn't start, the fuel system might be clogged. The Fit's starter relay is prone to issues, especially in hot weather. You can check the fuse box location yourself and try replacing the relay. For safety, avoid random disassembly—start with simple troubleshooting first.
