Hi all. I got my Fit back in December. Since then there has been about 5-7 times where when I go to start it, it takes about 3-5 seconds for the engine to actually fire up when I turn the key. Normally it takes a second or less. Twice since I have gotten the car, I will crank the engine over for 5 seconds or so and it won't start. However on the second try, it would fire right up. Wondering if anyone has an opinion on what I should do or has a similar experience to share? Thanks!

 

I believe it's normal. Most/all low emissions or ultra low emissions are trying to reduce excessive gas being passed through the exhaust at start up - so the PCM/computer requires specific outputs from sensors (crank angle, cam angle, etc.. to say they are turning/in operation) to then allow fuel injectors to squirt. Other factors can influence condition as well.
It is considered normal, I believe since late 98's or early 2000's.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

 

that is something I wasn't aware of. My newest car I have owned was a 1996 ford aspire. LOL. Has anyone else experienced this with their fit or other new ulev car?

 

could be your fuel pump has bled down.
Try pausing at ignition on for a couple seconds before you do the final twist to start. Then time will tell if that helps

 

I have been trying that for a little while. You do hear the pump buzz for a couple of seconds after you turn the key. Since I've been doing that I have had 1 hard start where it cranked for about 5 seconds before starting. If this was a potential problem would my check engine light come on? I am really happy with this car just somewhat concerned as even my old aspire never did this. Lol

 

Try a different fuel supplier, stick with 87 octane and if it persists then have a tech look at it.

 

Even at -15F, my Fit didn't take that long to start.

Do you start the car right away when you insert the key?

Try switching to "ON" position for few seconds before starting. This will give the fuel pump time to prime.

 

Have you been low on fuel whenever it has happened? Every Honda I have ever owned has done exactly as described when I am very low on fuel (less than 1/8th of a tank).

 

That could be mcnabb. I may watch for that from now on. I usually wait a few seconds after I turn the key. I started doing that some time ago. I have noticed one hard start since then. But I will def start watching my fuel level from now on.

 

Could your hard starting be after the Fit sat for a while longer than usual? Your battery might be draining abnormally due to power drain to an accessory or 'loose' wiring. If the starter seems to turn over more slowly when hard starting that can be a cause. And check your battery levels in all cells tho that should make starting usually hard.
good luck.

 

bad gas? try injector cleaner...?

 

My fit has not sat longer than usual. It actualy turns over quite quickly. I have thought about putting a can of heet in?

 

Although disuse & very cold are logical , I kinna like the "turn key to start" position , and wait a few seconds for the pump to prime reply - makes sense ?
Alternately , perhaps you've been doing what I have ? - using highest grade gas available at any pump , as opposed to using 87 octane? I think I may well have been doing myself a dis-service by "trying" to be good ? & I have had a few "longer" cranking sessions [ esp. v-cold] that "may" have gas [over] quality relationships ?

Love this site , hoping for a '09 specific forum soon

... dand ...

 

Interesting. Could be a leaking injector that slowly leaks down so startup will take longer as the fuel pressure has to build up.

 

it's considered within normal even if you crank for up to 10seconds.
so you're fine. sounds like you're getting mixed weather (dry and wet)
and running short trips so the ECU hasn't had time to adapt yet.

dont be scared to crank the starter for a longer duration. let off
as soon as the engine turns over.

 

That's what it sounds like to me. I've had my Fit 3 years 55K miles, always starts imediately, even after sitting for weeks. I'd get it checked (that's what warranties are for), 10 seconds is way too long.

 

it may very well be a leaking injector since the 'problem' is intermittent and not dependent on how long it sat between starts. Unless the engine stopped with a specific injector in firing line there is no leakage so you have to wait til that one injector is 'on line'. That of course is as random as possible.
You might check your fuel pressure but thasts a very long process to find it. A fixed gage in line woukld be the best way. If pressure is down, expect long start. Pain in the butt work.

 

Mine has done it 5 or 6 times also....always starts normal the 2nd time. Really dont think there is a problem with it. I now have nearly 8000 miles on mine.

 

To the OP-
You didn't have trouble after a short hop, like pulling out of the garage and shutting down? My Jeep and my bride's VW will both get confused if they are started and shut off, making hard starting the next time. Sometimes. When I want to pull a car in to the driveway, I take it around the block before shutting off.
Moon

 

I know this is an old thread but I happened to stumble on this topic after buying a 07 Fit not too long ago. I ran into the exact same problem everyone mentioned here. If the car sits overnight it starts up flawlessly but the next start or next few starts after warming up it takes 10-15 seconds to start and it's very intermittent too. Whenever this used to happen, I just stop after waiting 5 seconds and then try cranking the 2nd time and it turns over the 2nd time just fine.

I found a workaround to this issue which I can live with but would love to hear from anyone who might have found a permanent solution to their issue. I'm suspecting a weak fuel supply maybe?

Here's the workaround I'm using: Set the ignition to on but DON'T crank the engine yet, wait about 5 seconds in the ON position then proceed to turn the key to crank and starts up instantly.