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HOMESERVICE MANUALSHONDA2008CIVIC LX, 2D COUPE, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE MECHANICALSTARTERSTARTING SYSTEM (R18A1/R18A4)SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX
2008 Honda Civic LX, 2D Coupe, Automatic

Symptom Troubleshooting Index

2008 Honda Civic LX, 2D Coupe, AutomaticSECTION Symptom Troubleshooting Index
SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING INDEX (EXCEPT GX)

Symptom Diagnostic procedure Also check for
Engine does not start (does not crank)
  1. Check for loose battery terminals or connections.
  2. Test the battery for a low charge (see BATTERY TEST ).
  3. Check the starter (see STARTER CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  ).
  4. Check the starter cut relay (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
  5. Check the transmission range switch (A/T) (see TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST ).
  6. Check the clutch interlock switch (M/T) (see CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH TEST  ).
  7. Check the ignition switch or wire (see IGNITION SWITCH (ALL EXCEPT HYBRID) ).
 Poor ground at G101 (A/T) or G401 (M/T)
Engine cranks, but does not start
  1. Check for PGM-FI DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).
  2. Check the fuel pressure (see FUEL PRESSURE TEST ).
  3. Check for a plugged or damaged fuel line (see FUEL LINE INSPECTION ).
  4. Check for a plugged fuel filter (see FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR REPLACEMENT ).
  5. Check the throttle body (see THROTTLE BODY TEST ).
  6. Check for low engine compression (see ENGINE COMPRESSION INSPECTION ).
  7. Check for a damaged or broken cam chain.
 Fuel level in tank
Engine is hard to start
  1. Check for PGM-FI DTCs (see GENERAL TROUBLESHOOTING INFORMATION ).
  2. Check the fuel pressure (see FUEL PRESSURE TEST ).
  3. Check for a plugged or damaged fuel line (see FUEL LINE INSPECTION ).
  4. Check for a plugged fuel filter (see FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR REPLACEMENT ).
  5. Check for a restricted three way catalytic converter (TWO or exhaust system.
  
Engine cranks slowly
  1. Check for loose battery terminals or connections.
  2. Test the battery for a low charge (see BATTERY TEST ).
  3. Check the starter for binding (see STARTER OVERHAUL  ).
  4. Check for excessive drag in the engine.
  
SYMPTOM TROUBLESHOOTING CHART (GX)

Symptom Diagnostic procedure Also check for
Engine does not start (does not crank)
  1. Check for loose battery terminals or connections.
  2. Test the battery for a low charge, refer to the BATTERY (ALL EXCEPT HYBRID) .
  3. Check the starter, refer to the STARTER CIRCUIT TROUBLESHOOTING  .
  4. Check the starter cut relay (see POWER RELAY TEST ).
  5. Check the transmission range switch, refer to the TRANSMISSION RANGE SWITCH TEST .
  6. Check the ignition switch or wire, refer to the IGNITION SWITCH (ALL EXCEPT HYBRID) .
 Poor ground at G101
Engine cranks, but does not start
  1. Check for PGM-FI DTCs (see HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
  2. Check the throttle body, refer to the THROTTLE BODY TEST .
  3. Check for low engine compression, refer to the ENGINE COMPRESSION INSPECTION .
  4. Check for a damaged or broken cam chain.
  
Engine is hard to start
  1. Check for PGM-FI DTCs (see HOW TO USE THE HDS (HONDA DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM) ).
  2. Check for a restricted three way catalytic converter (TWC) or exhaust system.
  
Engine cranks slowly
  1. Check for loose battery terminals or connections.
  2. Test the battery for a low charge, refer to the BATTERY (ALL EXCEPT HYBRID) .
  3. Check the starter for binding, refer to the STARTER PERFORMANCE TEST  .
  4. Check for excessive drag in the engine.
  
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.