My friend drives a 90's something Honda...?

Question

the last month she has problems with it starting. She has replaced the starter and we still have to jump start it everyday. However, today she called me outside to listen to her care and the engine and the RPM's would go up and down, like she was reving her engine. She doesn't have a lot of money so if it's something we can get fixed ourselves we will. Any ideas fellow smarties of yahoo answers?

lalalalalalalalala : (

Answer 1

It is a worn throttle valve if it is electronic ignition. It is a device that regulates the tick over speed. I don't know where it is located on this model , but it could just be dirt or grit in this valve. Sorry can't help more.

Answer 2

You need more info.
What model and year? Does it vary with outside temp?

Some models had issues with one of the chips that regularly causes no-start. Its about $10 to fix it yourself if you can solder.

It could just be an insanely clogged fuel line/filter. It would surge when the fuel pushes through, then slow again.

Electrical issue is most likely of course. Alternator sounds very likely. Would explain the no start, the starting with a jump, but not why its working now (unless the starter was just getting old and replacing it started shoving enough power through the system to make up for a faulty alternator). However, a faulty alternator can easily drain the electrical system to the point that it cant really power the car-thus the rpm fluctuations.
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Edit: Never replace your battery without first having it tested. Most places will do this for free and alternator problems frequently get diagnosed as battery problems, so its better to not waste an extra $100+ when it could be prevented with a free test.

Answer 3

Hmm....it's getting colder and it will start with a jump. Sounds like the battery is dead to me. Or possibly the alternator is not charging the battery properly. Take it to Autozone or the like and they will test the charging system and replace the battery if called for.

Answer 4

the starting could be 1 of 4 things the alternator not charging, the wires for the alternator to the battery split or corroded, or the battery is bad. if u no stuff about that u can do it your self if not i would bring it to a garage

Answer 5

Possibly a worn distributor could be the reason for the variable tickover, see if you can move it from side to side, alternatively a faulty ECU or fuel injection.

Try a New battery as far as the jump starting is concerned, its quiet possible a new battery was all it needed instead of a new starter. I fell for that many years ago.

Good Luck

Answer 6

Why did you replace the starter in the first place?!? I suspect the alternator - the only mitsubishi-made component used in that vehicle is going out. They normally last about 150K and - yes - they may cause weird behaviour outside starting.

Answer 7

Youmay have a hose or pipe off/split allowing extra air in to the engine making it harder to start & idle poorly (also check hose to brake servo). There is also a throttle body which may benefit from cleaning. assuming good oil/air filter/plugs!! check out yous local diagnostic specialists in yel pages otherwise.

Answer 8

if the car runs after you jump start it and you can drive it,I would say the alternator is fine,it probably just needs a new battery.
the running funny and the idle speed going up and down is from the computer in your car losing memory from the dead electrical system,this should clear up once you solve the dead battery problem.

Answer 9

Check accelerator cable and throttle servo for the RPM problem, alternator and battery for the starting problems.

Answer 10

sounds like the automatic choke playing up,this would cause the starting problem and the unusual revving,maybe a local mechanic could check it out as Honda are expensive