i have a 1998 civic hatchback with a d16y7 engine. whenever my gas gets a little below 1/2 tank and lower it gets hard to start. it starts after about 7-10 turnovers but once its started it drives great theres no engine hesitation at all and when theres more than 1/2 tank it fires right up. I think my gas mileage is suffering a little as well. im getting 300 miles on a full tank. I think i should get a lot more than that. also i noticed if i turn the key almost all the way but not starting it and letting the fuel pressure build up it cranks right up. I only have 47,000 miles on it but its old for its year. ive also replaced fuel filter so its not the problem. someone please help me out thanks.

 

Mine kinda does the same thing, except it doesnt do it until im near emtpy. When im above a quarter tank its fine, but after that it will take just a little longer to start. I dont think its a big deal. Did the problem just start? Has it gotten worse? Oh and about the MPG, I get about 250 per tank in my eg. I think they have a 10 gallon tank (not sure though). For Honda's to get the good MPG they are famous for, you have to drive like a granny. Dont be suprised if your getting only 20-25 mpg.

 

i have a 99 dx hatchback with 160k on it and it is hard to start once the gas gets below a quarter or so. my gas milage is higher though. i get mid 30's in town, 39 on the highway if i drive hard and on interstate running 60-65 i get 44.5 mpg...checked it several times.

 

yea mines been doing that also and im tring to figure out whats wrong with it b/c i cant stand it anymore so if any of u find out what it is please let me know

 

On the Car Talk site someone who's pretty knowledgeable says it's a leaking pulsator valve in the fuel pump.

I have wondered if it may be a fuel pressure regulator failing to hold pressure.

The key on-off-on-off procedure works for me. Builds up fuel pressure/volume so it starts right away when the key is turned to Start.

It seems to be pretty common. Do Honda dealers or Honda Inc. know what's up and what needs to be fixed, or redesigned?

 

yeah most civics are like that, you just put the key in the ON position for a few seconds, and then start it, it will start right up.

 

Yeah, Mine used to do that aswell, but I used to wait til the last second to fill her up. Now I try not to let her get past 1/4 of a tank before I fill up.