Engine Cranking Or Starting Problems After Fill-up

SOURCE:
Honda Service News June 2004

TITLE:
Engine Cranking or Starting Problems After Fill-up

APPLIES TO:
2001-04 Civic

SERVICE TIP:
Are owners complaining of these problems after a fill-up?

The engine cranks a long time before starting

The engine cranks but won't start

The engine starts but then dies

The culprit could be the purge control solenoid (PCS). If the PCS is stuck open, it can let vapors from the EVAP canister get pushed into the intake manifold during a fill-up. Too much vapor can cause the engine extended crank time, or the engine not to start, or to start and then stall after the tank is filled.

To fix this problem, check the PCS and the service port for contamination. If they're lean, then replace the PCS.