Honda HR-V: Engine Will Not Start, Engine Starts But Stalls Immediately, Or Engine Is Hard To Start

Special Tools Required

Vacuum Pump/Gauge, 0-30 inHg Snap-on YA4000A or equivalent, commercially available

NOTE:

• Before beginning this troubleshooting, do a customer diagnostic interview - Refer to: Fuel and Emissions Systems Symptom Troubleshooting - Engine stalls Diagnostic interview, or Fuel and Emissions Systems Symptom Troubleshooting - Hard to start engine Diagnostic interview.

• When the symptom cannot be duplicated, you can do the troubleshooting using the on-board snapshot information in this procedure - Refer to: PGM-FI System Description - OBD, or PGM-FI System Description - On-Board Snapshot. Refer to the diagnostic interview (date, place) and the present total mileage, and compare the total mileage which is estimated from the interview when a failure occured and the parameter (total mileage) in the on-board snapshot information.

  Make sure the date when the failure occured corresponds with the date on which the on-board snapshot information was recorded. If it doesn't, the on-board snapshot information cannot be used in this troubleshooting.

• Before beginning this troubleshooting:

• Make sure the 12 volt battery is fully charged.
• Make sure the fuel tank is at least 1/4 full.
• Make sure the engine oil level is correct.

• After the troubleshooting, reset the PCM with the HDS to erase the on-board snapshot information recorded on the PCM.

1. DTC check.

1. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
2. Check for Pending or Confirmed DTCs with the HDS.

Are any Pending or Confirmed DTCs indicated?

YES

Go to the indicated DTC's troubleshooting.

NO

Go to step 2.

NOTE: If the HDS does not communicate with the vehicle, go to the PCM power and ground circuit troubleshooting.

2. Immobilizer system check.

1. Check the immobilizer status log (With keyless access system), (Without keyless access system).

NOTE: When a status log count is found, it means the immobilizer system has kept the engine from starting in the past. The number of status log count shows how often the system has kept the engine from starting in the past. If the immobilizer system has no status log count, the system is normal.

Were any status log counts found?

YES

Check for probable cause of the status log.

NO

Go to step 3.

3. Problem verification (snapshot sampling).

1. Set the HDS to record a HIGH-SPEED SNAPSHOT of following parameters for 30 seconds.

• IMMOBILIZER
• ENGINE SPEED
• BATTERY
• ECT SENSOR 1
• MAP SENSOR
• MAF SENSOR
• CMP NO PULSE
• CMP NOISE
• CKP NO PULSE
• CKP NOISE
• EGR LIFT
• EGR valve position sensor (EGR VLS)
• VTEC SOLENOID VALVE (USA and Canada models)

Data List

2. Begin the snapshot, then try to start the engine.

Is the engine hard to start?

YES

Go to step 6 (diagnosis by parameter troubleshooting).

NO

Go to step 4.

4. On-board snapshot check (Engine will not start).

1. Check the record of Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

Is the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot recorded?

YES

Go to step 6 (diagnosis by parameter troubleshooting).

NO

Go to step 5.

5. On-board snapshot check (Engine Stall 2):

NOTE: If a Hard to Start on-board snapshot data was not recorded, use the Engine Stall 2 on-board snapshot data and check the cause of the failure.

1. Check for a record of Engine Stall 2 in the on-board snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

Is an Engine Stall 2 on-board snapshot recorded?

YES

Go to step 20 (diagnosis by parameter AF FB (ST FUEL TRIM) ).

NO

Go to step 22 (fuel system troubleshooting).

NOTE: In case of the following conditions, the on-board snapshot cannot be recorded when the engine stalls.

• The vehicle is turned to OFF (LOCK) mode, after starting the engine.
• Vehicle condition not in the on-board snapshot recoding zone of Hard to start engine.
• Low or dead 12 volt battery
• Replacing the 12 volt battery

6. On-board snapshot or snapshot check (IMMOBILIZER):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the IMMOBILIZER and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Compare the snapshot parameters observed while the engine was cranking, to those in the chart below, to determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1 (with keyless access system)

The immobilizer system has a failure. Go to the Immobilizer System Check.

Pattern 1 (without keyless access system)

The immobilizer system has a failure. Go to the Immobilizer System Check.

Pattern 2

The immobilizer system is OK. Go to step 7 (diagnosis by parameter (ENGINE SPEED) ).

7. On-board snapshot or snapshot check (ENGINE SPEED):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the ENGINE SPEED pattern chart in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

The engine cranking speed is OK. Go to step 8 (diagnosis by parameter (BATTERY) ).

Pattern 2

Diagnostic procedure:

1. Test the 12 volt battery.
2. Check the 12 volt battery cables and the connections.
3. Check the starter.
4. Check for engine friction.

8. On-board snapshot or snapshot check (BATTERY):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the BATTERY and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the BATTERY pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Diagnostic procedure:

1. Test the 12 volt battery.
2. Check the 12 volt battery cables and the connections.

Pattern 2

The 12 volt battery is OK. Go to step 9 (diagnosis by parameter (ECT SENSOR 1) ).

9. On-board snapshot or snapshot check (ECT SENSOR 1):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the ECT SENSOR 1 and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the ECT SENSOR 1 pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Check for a short in the ECT sensor 1 circuit and a failure in the ECT sensor 1.

Pattern 2

Go to step 10.

10.ECT sensor 1 check.

1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
2. Let the engine cool for 24 hours.
3. Measure the ambient temperature of the engine with the thermometer.
4. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode, but do not start the engine.
5. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS.

Are the values of ECT SENSOR 1, ECT SENSOR 2, and the ambient temperature almost the same?

YES

ECT sensor 1 is OK. Go to step 11 (diagnosis by parameter (MAP SENSOR) ).

NO

If the value of ECT SENSOR 1 is much higher (or lower) than that of ECT SENSOR 2, and the ambient temperature, check for the ECT sensor 1 circuit and a failure in ECT sensor 1.

11.On-board snapshot or snapshot check (MAP SENSOR):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the MAP SENSOR and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the MAP SENSOR pattern to the pattern from the chart below, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Check the pressure measurement port of the MAP sensor for clogging, foreign objects, etc.

Pattern 2

The MAP sensor is OK. Go to step 12 (diagnosis by parameter (MAF SENSOR) ).

12.On- board snapshot or snapshot check (MAF SENSOR):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or the snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the MAF SENSOR and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the MAF SENSOR pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1 and 2

Check for loose terminals or a poor connection at the MAF SENSOR.

Pattern 3

The MAF sensor/IAT sensor is OK. Go to step 13 (diagnosis by parameter (CMP NO PULSE) ).

13.On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CMP NO PULSE):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the CMP NO PULSE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CMP NO PULSE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Do the troubleshooting procedure for DTC P0365. If the CMP NO PULSE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0365 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at the CMP sensor.

Pattern 2

Go to step 14 (diagnosis by parameter (CMP NOISE) ).

14.On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CMP NOISE):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the CMP NOISE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CMP NOISE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Do the troubleshooting procedure for DTC P0369. If the CMP NOISE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0369 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at the CMP sensor.

Pattern 2

The CMP sensor is OK. Go to step 15 (diagnosis by parameter (CKP NO PULSE) ).

15.On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CKP NO PULSE):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the CKP NO PULSE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CKP NO PULSE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Do the troubleshooting procedure for DTC P0335. If the CKP NO PULSE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0335 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at the CKP sensor.

Pattern 2

Go to step 16 (diagnosis by parameter (CKP NOISE) ).

16.On-board snapshot or snapshot check (CKP NOISE):

NOTE: Use the on-board snapshot in the case of an intermittent failure, or use the snapshot in the case of a reproducible failure.

1. Select the Hard to Start Engine in the on-board snapshot or snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the CKP NOISE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the CKP NOISE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Do the troubleshooting procedure for DTC P0339. If the CKP NOISE count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0339 will set. Check for poor connections and loose terminals at the CKP sensor, and also check for aftermarket accessories.

Pattern 2 (Reproducible failure)

The CKP sensor is OK. Go to step 17 (diagnosis by parameter (EGR valve position sensor (EGR VLS ) ) ).

Pattern 2 (Intermittent failure)

The CKP sensor is OK. Go to step 19 (diagnosis by parameter (Engine Stall 2 in the on-board snapshot) ).

17.On-board snapshot or snapshot check (EGR valve position sensor (EGR VLS) ).

1. Select the recorded snapshot with the HDS.
2. Select the EGR valve position sensor (EGR VLS) and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters while the engine is cranking, then compare the EGR valve position sensor (EGR VLS) pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Loosen the EGR valve mounting bolts, then install a metal plate between the EGR valve and the engine to shut out the EGR port. Recheck the engine start time. If the engine start time is normal, there is a failure in the EGR valve.

Pattern 2 (Reproducible failure: USA and Canada models)

The EGR valve is OK. Go to step 18(diagnosis by parameter (VTEC PRES SW) ).

Pattern 2 (Reproducible failure: Mexico models)

The EGR valve is OK. Go to step 19 (diagnosis by parameter (Engine Stall 2 in the on-board snapshot) ).

18.Snapshot check (VTEC PRES SW).

1. Check the parameter(s) below with the HDS while engine cranking.

Do the current condition(s) match the threshold?

YES

Substitute a known-good rocker arm oil control valve. If the valve is OK, replace the oil pump.

NO

The rocker arm oil pressure switch is OK. Go to step 22 (fuel system troubleshooting).

19.On-board snapshot check (Engine Stall 2).

1. Check for a record of Engine Stall 2 in the on-board snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

Is an Engine Stall 2 on-board snapshot recorded?

YES

Go to step 20 (diagnosis by parameter AF FB (ST FUEL TRIM) ).

NO

Go to step 22 (fuel system troubleshooting).

20.On-board snapshot check AF FB (ST FUEL TRIM).

1. Check for a record of Engine Stall 2 in the on-board snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the AF FB (ST FUEL TRIM) and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters at the time of the engine stalls, then compare the AF FB (ST FUEL TRIM) pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

1. Pattern 1
   Diagnostic procedure:
   1. Check the fuel pump operation sound.
   2. Go to the fuel pressure test.
   3. Go to the fuel pump circuit troubleshooting.
   4. Test PGM-FI main relay 1.
   5. Test PGM-FI main relay 2.
   6. Check for the following fuses:
      • No. B7 (15 A) fuse (in the under-hood fuse/relay box)
      • No. C32 (15 A) fuse (in the under-dash fuse/relay box)

Pattern 2

Go to step 21 (diagnosis by parameter (MISFIRE) ).

21.On-board snapshot check (MISFIRE).

1. Check for a record of Engine Stall 2 in the on-board snapshot with the HDS.

On-board Snapshot

2. Select the MISFIRE and ENGINE SPEED in the configuration list.

Check the recorded snapshot parameters at the time of the engine stalls, then compare those snapshots to the MISFIRE pattern from the chart, and determine the problem.

Which pattern is indicated?

Pattern 1

Diagnostic procedure:

1. If misfire counts go up without storing misfire DTC P0300 P0304, go to DTC P0300 P0304 troubleshooting.
2. If the misfire count reaches the malfunction threshold, DTC P0300 P0304 is stored. Go to the DTC P0300 P0304 troubleshooting.

Pattern 2

Go to step 22 (fuel system troubleshooting).

22.Fuel pressure check.

1. Do the fuel pressure test.

Is the fuel pressure OK?

YES

Go to step 23.

NO

Check the following parts:

• Fuel pump circuit
• Fuel pressure regulator - Refer to: Fuel Tank Unit Disassembly and Reassembly(2WD), or Fuel Tank Unit Disassembly and Reassembly (AWD)
• Fuel filter - Refer to: Fuel Tank Unit Disassembly and Reassembly(2WD), or Fuel Tank Unit Disassembly and Reassembly (AWD)

23.Spark plug visual check.

1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
2. Remove the spark plugs.
3. Check the condition of the spark plug electrodes.

NOTE: Make sure the spark plugs are the correct part number for the vehicle. If the plugs are aftermarket or they are not the correct part number, replace all of the plugs and retest.

Is the electrode damage or wet?

1. YES (wet)

Check the following conditions. If those conditions do not apply, go to step 24.

• In very cold conditions, multiple very short trips can cause the spark plug to foul. If this is the case, drive the vehicle a longer distance and recheck.
• Incorrect or poor quality fuel can cause a wet spark plug. Replace the fuel and recheck.

YES (damaged)

Replace the damaged spark plugs, determine the cause of the spark plug damage.

NO

Go to step 24.

24.Determine possible failure area (ignition system, others).

1. Fit a spark plug to the ignition coil and ground it to the engine.
2. Turn the vehicle to the ON mode.
3. Select ALL INJECTORS STOP in the INSPECTION MENU with the HDS, and stop fuel injection from the injector.

ALL INJECTORS STOP

4. Crank the engine and watch for spark at the spark plug.

Does the spark plug spark?

YES

The ignition system is OK. Select PCM reset in the PGM-FI INSPECTION MENU to cancel ALL INJECTORS STOP with the HDS, then go to step 26 (engine compression troubleshooting).

NO

Go to step 25.

25.Ignition coil power circuit check.

1. Disconnect the following connector(s).

Ignition coil(s) 3P connector from the problem cylinder

2. Remove the ignition coil relay (A) from the under-hood fuse/relay box.

3. Check for continuity between test points 1 and 2.

Is there continuity?

YES

The ignition coil power circuit is OK. Replace the ignition coil(s).

NO

Repair an open in the IG1(IGN)/IG1(COIL)/IG COIL RLY OUT wire between the ignition coil relay and ignition coil.

26.Engine compression check.

1. Do an engine compression inspection.

Is engine compression OK?

YES

Go to step 27 (EVAP canister purge valve check).

NO

Check for wear or damage to these parts:

• Incorrect valve clearance
• Confirmation of cam timing
• Oil pressure relief valve
• Damage or worn cam lobes
• Damage or worn valve and seats
• Damage cylinder head gasket
• Damage or worn piston rings
• Damage or worn piston and cylinder bore

27.EVAP canister purge valve check.

1. Turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) mode.
2. Disconnect the following connector.

EVAP canister purge valve 2P connector

3. Disconnect the vacuum hose (A) from the EVAP canister purge valve (B) in the engine compartment, and connect the vacuum pump/gauge, 0-30 inHg, to the purge valve.

4. Start the engine.

Does the vacuum pump indicate vacuum?

YES

Replace the EVAP canister purge valve.

NO (Reproducible failure)

Go to step 28 (fuse check).

NO (Intermittent failure)

Go to step 29 (relay check).

28.Fuse check.

1. Check the following fuses.

Are the fuses OK?

YES

The fuses are OK. Go to step 29 (relay check).

NO

Replace the blown fuse(s).

29.Relay check.

1. Test the following relays:

NOTE: In case the failure is not reproduced, the following relays may have an intermittent failure.

• PGM-FI main relay 1
• PGM-FI main relay 2
• ETCS control relay
• Ignition coil relay

Are the relays OK?

YES

Go to step 30 (power and ground terminal check).

NO

Replace any damaged relays.

30.Power and ground terminal check.

1. Check the corrosion and looseness at the following terminals:

• 12 volt battery terminals
• Ground cable terminals between the engine and the body ground, and the transmission and the body ground
• Engine wire harness ground (G101)

Are the terminals OK?

YES

Go to step 31 (connector terminal check).

NO

Repair any terminal(s) as needed.

31.Connector terminal check.

1. Check the foreign objects clogged and corrosion at the following connector terminals:

• PCM connectors
  • FI MAIN RLY OUT, FI MAIN RLY CLVBDBW,
  • DBW RLY CLIG1(
  • F/PUMP), FUEL PUMP RLY CLPG,
  • PG(GND1), LG(GND2), PG2(GND3)
  • INJ 1, INJ 2, INJ 3, INJ 4
  • IGN01A, IGN02A, IGN03A, IGN04A
  • TDC
  • CRAKN
  • MAP(PB)
  • VGP, VGM
  • TW
  • PC SOL
  • E EGR, EGR L
  • MTR 1, MTR 2, THL1, THL2
• CMP sensor
• CKP sensor
• Ignition coils
• Injectors
• ECT sensor
• MAF sensor
• MAP sensor
• EGR valve
• Throttle body
• EVAP canister purge valve
• Fuel tank unit

Are the terminals OK?

YES

Go to the diagnostic interview for hard to start - Refer to: Fuel and Emissions Systems Symptom Troubleshooting - Engine stalls Diagnostic interview, or Fuel and Emissions Systems Symptom Troubleshooting - Hard to start engine Diagnostic interview.

NO

Repair any terminal(s) as needed.

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