LordDCLXVI

My 1990 Accord EX coupe died on me last week and will no longer start. Problems began many months ago with intermittent CEL and loss of acceleration. Acceleration problems increased over time and CEL was on more frequently. Checked the ECU and got code 43. Took to mechanic, he had it for 3 days and couldn't find an issue. When I picked it up it was running fine for several weeks, then CEL came back. This time with a loss of power (acceleration, brakes, and steering), electronics (lights, radio, etc.) fine. Continued until the car would shut off every other trip, then it cut out on me entirely and will not start back up. It will crank up every dozen or so attempts, but just shuts off again in a second or two.

Any Ideas?

I'm thinking: Main Relay, O2 Sensor, or Fule Injectors. I have no idea where O2 is located, many diagrams and suggestions online do not match my vehicle - pictures of engine compartment and Main Relay found here: http://goo.gl/xVo10

google123

Could be main relay. Also could be clogged fuel filter or a weak fuel pump. The O2 is located in the exhaust pipe below the exhaust manifold. Down close to where the exhaust pipe starts curving back toward the back of the car under the engine.

google123

Also usually when its the relay, the car will not start during similar conditions...such as on a hot day, as the relay is prone to have cracked solder joint that as it expands with heat keeps it from working. Have you noticed whether the car fails to start during times when its hot? If so, I would suspect the relay.

poorman212

I'd start out by finding out what is missing - spark or fuel?

kittchong

it sound like my accord 1992. the fuel pump sometime it doesnt work

LordDCLXVI

I'm pretty sure it's the fuel system because it can start sometimes, but only stays on for a couple of seconds at most.

I forgot to also mention two things: First, all the mechanic ended up doing was changing the oil. When I got it back it worked fine, but the gas mileage was atrocious - like Hummer-level MPGs.

Second, giving it gas when it was about to fail (when it drove) would make it die, sometimes I could coast it out and it would come back, giving it gas when it was being flaky made it shut down. Now that it's in the driveway it can start up for a few seconds every 5th try or so, but giving it gas will ensure that it won't start.

There is a click from the main relay and the fuel pump starts. The CEL goes off after a few seconds. Ignition works if the car can start right?

I found a new diagram on the forums and I think that I need to remove the exhaust manifold heat shield in order to access the O2 sensor on the 1990 EX. Can anyone confirm this?

google123

The O2 sensor I do believe is under the shield but that's only going to be related to the atrocious gas mileage, not the hard starting. If the car dies, when you give it gas, the engine is being starved for gasoline. When you give it gas, the pump is either not providing enough pressure which means its about to fail or there is a blockage somewhere in the line. Check the fuel filter.

poorman212

Have you tested the ign system? Are you due for a tune up?

I don't think you have to remove the shield, if you have the correct tool the O2 will come out.