Intermitten No Start problem, plz help the noob, and yes I searched!!
Ok all, in advance I would like to thank you all for the help.
I got some info and checked it as best I could as a result of searching these forums for similar problems, but I still need some advice.
This is a '91 Honda Accord SE 4dr
The problem I have is an intermitten no start problem.
The engine cranks fine,
I have been checking for fuel pressure at the fuel rail, and have it most of the times this problem has occurred, all except 1,
As for spark, I either have not been able to check, or did not have any spark when this problem occurs,
On 1 instance of this issue I got a sputter 2x while cranking, not close to a start tho. (I had high hopes, but then I was crushed and still stranded)
6 months ago the brushes in the Alt wore out and I got it rebuilt.
Recently I lost the bearing in the distrubtor, and replaced the entire assembly. So everything is new here, this problem was experienced B4 the replacement however far less frequlently.
Thing I know I still need to check from the search:
Main Relay: Anyone got a quick location? and wire / wires I should check for voltage? I can hear it switching when I bring the key to ON, however I will check for voltage anyway.
ECU: Not sure what to check, but it was mentioned several times in searched threads however no info what posted about what or how to check.....little help plz.
Error Codes: The car puts up a CEL after it gets warmed up, I think it is following a pattern of putting up the CEL when I get to 55-60mph although I cannot prove it. The car runs fine CEL or not.
OTHER MISC INFO:
The car runs great when it will start. Idle is smooth and stable. I get 28mpg.
As far as I know car is bone stock with 208k miles, nothing looks like it has been messed with.
Occassionally I will have another issue, with the Sport Shift light blinking upon start, when this happens the car doesn't want to shift properly and to get up to speed I have to drop to 1st manually and then shift to 3rd, Tranny doesn't want to shift to 2nd, usually this fixes itself on the next start cycle after being driven. Just seems like tranny valve is getting stuck sometimes.
When it won't start, it will crank all day and no matter how have ON/OFF cycles of the key for reset you make it just won't go, but then after letting it sit for X time it starts on the first try with ease. I have waited 5min - 24hr, seems like after every long effort and give up, it starts without any problem on the next try.
Please help, I have about to loose my 2nd "borrowed" car and this will be my only mode of transportation, any ideas, experiences shared would be great.
If you need further details plz post and ask,
Many people looking? Was everyone just looking for answers to similar problems?
No problems with the car in the last week and a half,
anyone know the voltages on the main relay I should have for correct operation? I am thinking if 1 set of the contacts are sticking maybe this could be the root of some of the problem?
try checking your coolant temperature sensor. that will give your problems starting if its going bad. and s or d4 light usually indicates a tranny problem but also can be coolant sensor issue. just and idea. goodluck
I don't know if you have fixed your problem yet, but I would be pretty confident that it is the main relay.
It is located in the driver's side under the instrument cluster. You will have to remove a control box (I believe for the cruise if equipped to get to it).
I have a 1990 model Accord that was exhibiting similar behavior. It would not start occasionally, but when it did it never had any problems. Mine usually would have the problem after the car had been sitting in the sun and the interior heated up. I removed the relay, and resoldered the contacts on the top of the relay, and have had no problems for about a month. It seems that the relay is a common problem on the 1990-1993 model line. Good luck.
I would honestly guess your fuel pump. Here is a quick way to check the next time this happens. When you crank your car and it will not start turn the key from the 1 - 2 position let it sit for one second then back to 1 then 2 (not hitting 3 position which will crank your car at all) and do this 4 of 5 times. If after doing this 5 times your car slightly starts and putters than your fuel pump or fuel relay is getting old (my gut feeling is this is the case).
If you need more help or a breakdown of your cars fuel and electric system either write back or pm me.
The key position thing that you describe seemed to help in my car as well wipeout, I thought for a long time that my issue was fuel delivery related. I looked around on the internet, and the main relay issue is just too common. I haven't had a single hard start since resoldering my main relay.
It could be the fuel system, but I would give 10:1 odds that it is his main relay.
yeah, if this guy would say he lived in arizona, souther cal, florida, texas or nevada I would definitely agree with you. Car were just not made for that type of heat which is why honda had such a hard time with the ignition modules for so many years. I hope all these post can help this guy but it would be so much easier to diagnose in person. The relay of course does control the fuel pump but a car that has been sat for a while with gas in the tank can cause havic on fuel pumps too.
it would be much easier if we knew the history of car...
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Intermitten No Start problem, plz help the noob, and yes I searched!!
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