Hello,

My 2000 Accord SE 4cyl, 2.3L will not start unless I use a hair dryer and heat the plug wires and distributor cap first?

My problem was that 1st cold start of the day, after that the car will start no problem but the next day or the day after that, I would have to break out the hair dryer again.

Should I just go out and buy plug wires and a distributor cap and call it a day or could still something else be at fault, maybe a censor?

ireland31

 

The SE has a distributor with an internal coil. If the cap and rotor are due for a change or look worn out, then I would change them with honda parts. These are maintenance items, so I would consider them first before moving on to testing the coil and ignitor. You will need a volt meter and a 12V test light to test those items (I think the 12V light is easier with some alligator clips)

Pull the wires off of the spark plugs to see if there is oil in the spark plug tube. If the spark plugs are due for a change, then use only NGK plugs recommended in the owner's manual. That information may be on a sticker under your hood too.

 

When the car is cold & it's completely dark (say 4am?) go out & open the hood & turn off all the lights. Start the engine & look for any arcing. Even a dull blue glow will show you which parts (wires or cap) are allowing your spark to leak out.

 

it sound like moisture building up in the distributor cap overnight. The gasket may be out of place or missing. The hair dryer seems to b drying up the water and the rest of the day there is no moisture build up. I would agree to check for arching, if ok then replace car w/ gasket & plugs and wires (just good to do all at once to have a smooth running car to besides trying to fix the problem) IMO