2009 Honda Rubicon not starting in the cold

[harrops26]

I have 2009 Honda Rubicon and I've been having issues getting it to start in sub zero temps.  I'll turn the key on and don't hear the humming sound of the fuel pump.  If its between  0 and 7 degrees the pump will engage but it takes a lot of cranking and it will usually fire once and then disengage the starter. I can eventually get it started when it does this. Twice this year I've arrived at our spot and had to leave it on the trailer only to get back at the end of the day and it would start immediately. My friend said I should try covering the wheeler while transporting. Any suggestions?

[Lip ripr]

Maybe a lighter weight oil. I did this in my king quad and the first starts of the day improved a lot. Input in a zero thirty.  And of corse a strong battery but doesn't sound like that's your problem. I keep mine on a battery tender all winter when not being ridden.

[Lip ripr]

Also try and find ethanol free gas if a tank full doesn't get run through in a while. Might have moisture built up in your fuel.

[harrops26]

Also try and find ethanol free gas if a tank full doesn't get run through in a while. Might have moisture built up in your fuel.

I think ethanol might be the issue. I've tried dry gas and an ounce of the red fuel treatment with no luck. Maybe I'll drain the gas a replace with some non ethanol gas.

[SpitzoMT]

Get some non-ethanol fuel. After filling tank add 1 ounce of Stabil & 2 ounces of fuel system treatment/cleaner. I do this to two separate full tanks throughout the winter. I'm not sure (like to think though) it helps with cold weather starts, but If nothing else the fuel system stays clean. I would also change the oil. If possible, try a lighter weight synthetic for the winter. I can tell you first hand that my diesel truck turns over noticeably better during the winter with synthetic oil. Doesn't sound like you're having battery issues, but a Battery Tender is cheap insurance for keeping a full charge with maximum cranking power. Hope this helps.....good luck!!

[harrops26]

I'm going to drain the gas tank and but some 91 octane ethanol free gas in. It forecasted to be -10 tomorrow night so I should be able to see if that will solve my issue.


 Any suggestions on a fuel treatment. I was considering Lucas fuel injection treatment.

[SpitzoMT]

I'm going to drain the gas tank and but some 91 octane ethanol free gas in. It forecasted to be -10 tomorrow night so I should be able to see if that will solve my issue.


 Any suggestions on a fuel treatment. I was considering Lucas fuel injection treatment.

Good choice.....That'll work just fine.....Good luck & keep us posted..........

[dekatronic]

Did you manually prime the carb?  I didn't see it in the previous posts so thought I'd mention it.  I need to do this on my 2008 at -30. 

Prime first, pull the choke, then press start.  Do it a few times and it should start.  I recommend giving this a shot first, simply because it's easier than draining the tank. 

[harrops26]

Switched out the gas with non ethanol gas and added a 1/3 of a bottle Fuel injector treatment and ran the  machine for a few days. It was 0° this morning and it started without hesitation. Hopefully my problem is solved.

[ice dawg]

Your Rubicon should have a carburetor heater. Turn the key on and wait for a minute for it to warm it a bit before you try to start it. Lots of people don't know they exist.

[harry]

And I'm gonna go the other way it's a honda great machine but I've never owned one that isn't a cold blooded sob. From 2 wheels to 4 . Choke it and hold half throttle but if it's electric fuel pump is it injected?

[harrops26]

I was not aware that it had a fuel injection heater I'll have to do try that.

And I'm gonna go the other way it's a honda great machine but I've never owned one that isn't a cold blooded sob. From 2 wheels to 4 . Choke it and hold half throttle but if it's electric fuel pump is it injected?

It is electric fuel injection so no choke

[ice dawg]

I wasn't aware that a Rubicon has fuel injection. As of 2012 I didn't think they did in a 500 anyway.

[harrops26]

I wasn't aware that a Rubicon has fuel injection. As of 2012 I didn't think they did in a 500 anyway.

Well it turns out I have a Rincon. I've been calling it a Rubicon for years. Honda Rincon 680.

[ice dawg]

A Rincon would have fuel injection.

[harrops26]

At one time I had a Rubicon I think it was a 550. I think it was a  2001. Traded it in for the Rincon I have now. On another note, my buddy bought a 2014 Foreman last week and its now EFI.

[rob45]

I think I probably had the same problem you did.  I have a 2008 Honda Rancher with EFI and it would not start below 0 degrees.  Normally when I turn the key, two lights come on and you can hear the fuel pump kick on.  This was not happening when it got below 0.  I added some sea foam gas additive and have not had the problem since.  I hope it was just moisture in the gas and the sea foam solved the problem.  I kind of lost faith in the Honda though after this since I was left stranded in the middle of a lake when it happened the first time!