Over the last month I've had what I think is a fuel delivery problem with my 2000 V6 Accord(183K miles). Upon start up, it spits and sputters unless I hold the gas down somewhat. If I don't then it just dies. After a few seconds(probably 20-30) of holding the gas down somewhat it levels out and runs fine. This has happened twice about a month apart. I attributed the first time to maybe water in the gas tank or just bad gas. It did it to me tonight again so I went to Autozone and this time it actually gave me a check engine light which reported possibly a fuel problem. It also gave codes for misfires on all cylinders. I'm thinking it may be a fuel filter but from what the Autozone guys could see on their system, a filter doesn't come by itself. You have to pull the pump assembly to get to it all. Is this the case or not? When they looked up the location of it, their system said it was behind one of the shock towers, but we couldn't find anything, although it was pitch dark.
I did put in some fuel injector cleaner to see if it would help and it's running fine right now, but it did that the last time too. I think I followed the last time up with some Stabill after I got home. So if anyone knows if it's an individual part that I can get, please let me know. I would appreciate any help you all could provide. Thanks.
Mike

 

What were the actual codes?

 

I want to say 1300-1306. I have them in the car and I can check in the morning.

 

Correction. P0300-P0306

 

no external fuel filter on this one, in tank fuel sock only. but it does sound, based on your symptoms, like you may have a fuel pump failing. most manufacturers have gone the way of a integral fuel filter/sock as part of the fuel pump modules. gas today is so clean and is filtered at the pump when you buy it. so unless your 3 year old is dumping sand in your tank, they rarely plug up.

 

I agree with the "Dr" there........ps, to get to the pump there is a "panel" in the trunck that you lift up.

On a limb with this one, does this happen even on a cold engine or does it seem to happen after a short stop - fill up for gas, stopped at the store for 10~15 minutes?

 

The two times it has happened have been with small breaks maybe in between driving. Maybe 30-45 minutes in between driving. Both times I've heard the pump prime just fine but seeing that it does have 183k on it it may be time for a new one.

 

I wouldn't replace the pump yet......I'd spend way less and clean the egr port in the intake and the egr valve if it hasn't been done recently.

I'll see if I can find a link to the TSB but I think some of the V6's in this gen had "hot start" issues.....or I have a REALLY bad memory....either is possible.

 

EGR valve and whole intake cleaned just in the last few months so no go there. I'm planning to take it to the mechanic Monday. Some things I will do on my own but messing with a fuel pump may be one I leave to the professionals. As far as a hot start, I remember last night hearing the fan running when I first clicked the key but it would start. It just wouldn't keep running.