My 93 dx civic wih 222k on it will start up then die, but after a few tries it will start normally and run normally. This usually only happens when the car has been sitting for a day or longer. Any ideas?

 

FYI replaced spark plugs/button/cap and fuel system is clean as well...

 

Could be the ignition switch. To check, pull up the brake handle and watch the BRAKE light on the dash while you try to start. It should stay on all the time the key is on-- both while cranking and after it dies.

 

Just tried that and the light was on when the key was in the "on" postion, however when the car was turning over it would dim in and out while the car was turning over then it would go to normal when the car was running. So is that I sign the ignition switch is going out?

 

I guess another pointer that may help is sometimes when the car has been sitting, I have to hold it in the III postion for the car the start so its turning over for a few seconds before it starts.

 

When was the last time you had the starter replaced? I had the same problem too. I would have to step on the gas to get it to start most of the time while cranking.
When you crank it longer than usually(even if for 2 more seconds) does it sound like there's the sound of metal rubbing or maybe a grinding sound? It might be your starter if so.

 

Try priming the fuel system by turning the key on but don't try to start. You should hear the fuel pump run for 2 seconds then stop. Turn key off and back on and let it prime again. Repeat that 3 times. Then go to III and see if it starts right away.

If that's the case, the check valve in the fuel pump is letting all the fuel run out of the lines when parked for an extended time. Most people would just live with this problem rather than spend $150 on a new fuel pump.

 

i had a 94 lx that did the samething.. do you hear the fuel pump kick on when it does it? if not it was the main relay under the dash on driver side and also i had to replace the computer and never had the problem again.. good luck