98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

My 1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe wont stay started. First of all I need a jump just to start it. I had the battery checked at Kragen they said it was fine. They didn't do the extensive test. The guy just brought out a little handheld computer, and tested the batery with the car off and with me starting it and revving the engine a bit. He said they could do a longer test with the machine inside but that it could take up to an hour and they were getting ready to close.

So it will start with if I jump start it and pump the gas pedal at the same time. And once it's started it will only stay started if I apply the gas pedal. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

RE: 98 VC EX AT wont stay started
 

Have you tried anything to help it? Does it run normal when holding the gas to start it? I'm thinking along the lines of cleaning out the throttle body.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

I changed the easy things since they needed replacing anyway. Air filter, plugs, wires.

When you say running you mean idling or with the gas pedal applied?

At idle it wil just die. When the gas is applied it seems to run ok as long as the rpms dont drop too low.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

This is new? Last week it ran fine?? Nobody messed with the base idle setting? I'm still thinking there's crap in the throttle body sealing it shut.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

No parts or settings changes just prior to this problem

It started on Friday afternoon. The car took longer than usual to start. Saturday morning it took even longer. Saturday afternoon it took so long trying to start the battery ran dead. Got a jump and pumped the gas and it started, but wouldn't stay started when the gas was released.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

Get them to check the battery on the other machine.
I assume all the lights and everything are dead when you have to have the car jumped?
If it will stay running while you are revving it, that tells me the alternator is trying to charge it, but the battery won't hold the charge.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

Read the PCM for codes.
None?
Get a fuel pump check.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

I don't think the symptoms say.... fuel pump. I agree on checking the battery out because you may have killed it during this ordeal, but the battery is also not the cause ..... maybe that combined with the alternator. On second thought .... get the entire charging system tested .... it should be free. The long crank starting this is what buggs me ...... that points to the coil. You don't happen to be running Bosch spark plug, do you? Were the old plugs fouled .... black? You might want to check the dizzy cap and rotor for wear also.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

sounds like it's taking longer to crank, and through cranking over and over(you probably tried it for a good 5-10 minutes?) the battery gave out. getting a jump and letting the alternator recharge it is probably why it's passing a test now. if you leave the flashers on for 10 minutes and the engine cranks slowly or doesn't crank and needs a jump, replace the battery.


now, on to your problem. you can get it started if you hold the gas pedal while cranking. i'd first start with checking fuel pressure. this will tell you if there isaproblem(too high pressure, too low pressure, pressure doesn't hold, etc) and will narrow down the problem to either fuel or spark.


let us know what you find.

RE: 98 V6 EX AT wont stay started
 

Hondatech: you think it could be a leaky injector causing a flood situation? Gets cleared when he floors the throttle?