Hi everyone,

I've noticed this problem maybe about 2-3 weeks ago. Basically, when I start my car in the mornings (or after I leave the car sitting for a while), it would take extra cranks for the car to start up. Normally it takes about 3-4 cranks, but now it's between 6-8 (sometimes accompanied with horrible noises). However, after that first start, the car would start normally again for the rest of the day, unless I let it sit there for an extended period of time.

I know that sometimes, it does take a bit more effort for the car to start up in cold weather, but the weather here down in Texas is starting to warm up. I would say the temp in the mornings recently have been between upper 50s and lower 60s. Bet even during the winter, the temp would be down in the 30s and the car would still start fine.

Other info:
I drive a 2012 Fit Base, and the car is a little less than 1 yr old.
I've added blue footwell lighting that turns on with the headlights and white footwell lighting that turns on when the door is open. However, I doubt either of these are causing the issue. I could be wrong though.

I plan on taking it into the dealership in a couple of weeks when I have the time, but I also want to have an idea of what's going on before I drive in there.

Any feedback is appreciated.

 

I'd recommend double checking any and everything that can possibly draw a load from the battery is turned off and ensure that the lighting you had added isn't getting power at all times.

Another thing that would cause to battery to be at a low voltage state is simply the lack of driving, frequent short trips, having additional (or heavy) loads on the electrical system (be it lights, audio, etc) or a combination of the three. How often do you drive your Fit as well as how far?

The reason I ask this is that it may be possible for your vehicle to have JUST enough power to initially start your engine and be recharged enough during your commute where it will start the vehicle just fine on your next start up. In hindsight, if one were to make frequent short trips the battery of course would not be able to fully charge and stay in a "semi-depleted" state which would also shorten the life of the battery. I would recommend getting your car to the dealer at your most convenient time and have your battery tested.

IF there is a defect with your battery and it needs replacement, it should be covered under the 1 year/12k mile or the 80 month battery warranty.

 

My 2013 Sport does this too.

 

Ahhh springtime, and the sound of Fits taking an extra couple turns to finally fire up...

It's a seasonal thing with gasoline changing to summer blend; it's less volatile and takes a second or so longer to reach the right mixture. Enjoy it, it will soon be summer (and the fuel will vaporize more quickly, but so will your sweat).

 

Possibly seasonal fuel blend changes, might run a bottle of Techron or other quality FI cleaner, have the valve clearances been checked in the past 15-20K miles? Air filter OK?

 

@Hootie
The lights are the only extra load on the battery. I do make frequent short trips, however, because everything I need is right around the corner from where I live, but this happens even after long trips. I'll check the lights again to make sure they're not constantly on.

@gkitf16
I have just under 8k miles and have not taken it in yet for a checkup yet. I've only done an oil change at my Honda dealership back in mid-March, and they said everything looked good.

 

I'm not kidding...

 

I am experiencing the same thing.
I think the different blend of fuel sounds correct. Will try adding some gas treatment next time i pump gas to see if it improve.

At first i thought it was the fuel pump, but after i turn the key to on, wait a few seconds and start the car in the morning (6-8 cranks) turn it off and start again, it will take another 6-8 cranks so i don't think is the fuel pump not pumping enough gas.

will keep you posted

 

Different blend of fuel sounds like an issue that's causing this. I bought my car new in July 2012. and I have under 10k miles. This issue for me started probably 1month ago.

 

I've been having this problem since about Decemember. I thought it was my battery but it is not.

 

after that recall honda did on my 09 with the valves or something, it takes one to two extra seconds to start in some conditions.

 

I had the Lost Motion Spring recall service done on my '09 about 1 1/2 yrs ago, so they had to adjust the valves anyway. Didn't cause any issue for me, but sometimes, more so during cooler weather, first start in the AM, it will stumble then catch, and is fine for the rest of the day. This is driving to work, then in the afternoon it usually won't do it. I do believe seasonal fuel changes, and the level of ethanol present, are key factors in cold-start fuel mixture ignitability/combustion stability.

 

Also filling with premium gas can make it harder to start.

 

My car is doing this now. Been running 89 octane everytime. Just filled from gas light to full with 93. Started right up, granted car was warm.

Can report back tomorrow morning if it did anything

EDIT before people say Im wasting money, it was a $2.76 difference between 89 and 93 octane. I dont care lol

 

I've been having the same issue. Good to know, I was about to throw in some good fuel cleaner and take it in to have any issues with the recalls checked.
We will see, I have a newer model with only 9500 miles on it.

 

Dont use fuel cleaner on such low miles. Should not need it.

If you always use quality fuel and take care of your car with repairs/services/etc... you should never need it. Also dont let the car sit for a long time with less then half a tank

Most fuel injector cleaners are so diluted they dont work nearly as well as they claim

 

Just started happening to mine this week..and i only have 2k miles....

its not enough to be embarrassing or impatient about but my 95 eg started in 2-3 cranks and the fit is taking 4-5 right now some times...

 

The 95 also spewed unburned hydrocarbons the first few minutes of cold operation.

I think the solution is to get an electric car.

 

I'm kinda seeing this too, usually 5-8 cranks. When I first picked it up a month ago, it was 3-4. 2010, <40k.

Is it common for the cold temp light to be on for a little while after starting? At first I let the car run until it went out but that usually takes 3-4 minutes, and certainly Honda doesn't expect me to do that every time I'm taking it out, it's not a freaking diesel engine.

According to the manual, I should only be concerned if it comes on *during* operation.

 

Well, my extra cranks have been reduced. Im thinking it was simply some crappy fuel.

As far as blue cold light, when it comes on at start, idle for 30 seconds. after that, its up to you. When its cold I always try to give it that 30 seconds so the oil has a chance to warm up a bit. It will warm up much faster then the coolant, seeing as its directly on the sides and bottom of the piston at all times

If it comes on during operation, with high miles, it will most likely be a thermostat that is stuck open. worst case scenario, it takes much longer to fully heat up to operating temp, and cools down while coasting down a hill. thermostats are cheap!