sf@rx7

long story short, i got this car from a friend with the problem of "running like shxt" with no overheating

1994 accord 2 dr LX
184000 miles
the car will start fine every morning within 6-7 crank. once the car is heated up to normal running temperature and drive about 3-5 minute. i was driving at about 25-35 mph at about 3000rpm and the engine just died. try to crank and restart the engine, it crank and will not start. waited 30 min and the temp gauge went to cold, the car start again and drive. same problem happen after the car is warmed up again.



this is what i have done so far
cleaned throttle body (engine won't stay running during warm up, and by cleaning the TB fixed it)
replaced the ignition coil (did a search here and thought it was the problem, turn out it's not.)
checked distributor and looks like it has been recently replaced (timing turn all the way to right side, not sure advance or retard),
checked cap, wires and rotor and spark plug and found they are in working condition.


any idea?

sf@rx7

by the way, it passed smog at April this year with some timing adjustment

brakedrum

If the startup self-test of check engine light shows that the light is working, does the check engine light light up before it cuts off or once you get it running again? If so, you need to check what code is stored. My initial thought leans towards MAP sensor, but it could be a lot of things.

sf@rx7

the check engine light didn't light up and didn't store any code
the ABS light does light up after restarting but goes away the next morning

brakedrum

Where is the temp gauge on the dash when the car cuts off?

sf@rx7

the temp gauge is right in the middle

brakedrum

You said the check engine light does glow briefly during startup to let you know its working, right?

sf@rx7

that's correct

brakedrum

Any noises, very rough running, severe misses (bad enough to make the car buck) just before it stops running?

brakedrum

With you facing the distributor point into the crankcase, timing turned all the way to right side is retarded timing (extremely). You might want to get an old fashioned timing light and check and set the timing. Perhaps your friend was running 93 octane and decided to play around with trying to go back to 87.

What does your friend think is wrong with the car? Any known issues with the engine, like a problem with a valve that only shows up when warm, etc?

sf@rx7

the first time the engine die there is no noise
before it died this morning there are 3-4 clicks from the underneath of the car
my friend know nothing about cars. it was his mechanic who did it.

germany

Check the main relay.

sf@rx7

ok here is the update
i have checked the timing with the timing light and it was fine(right at the mark)
the car still dies when it is warmed up
and today i decided to test the spark after the engine died, there is NO spark nor fuel in chamber.
so i disconnected the battery trying to reset the ECU
it crank and started and then died again after i try to rev up the engine. it won't start again after that
do anyone know if the bad main relay does that or i need a new ECU or other part that i need to check
any help will be great appreciated

germany

Yes the main relay will cut spark and fuel if it is bad. I have had 2 honda's do this.

Bird333

This.

erk89

X2 and wouldnt start until it cools down, does this happen more frequaently when it is warm out?

sf@rx7

the main relay is not the problem
just put in a brand new main relay and still doing the exact problem.
my last resort, Ignition Module. if this doesn't fix the problem i really do not know what else i can do


erk89, it happens every time cold or hot

Bad_dude

It might be a failing starter. I had that problem on my 87 Corolla. It would not start until cooling down. After my friend helped me rebuild the starter, it's all good and dandy.

brakedrum

Naah. Not symptoms of a failing starter. OP, you have one of those strange problems. I think you should have the ECM looked at. Perhaps it is unable to tell you that the MAP Sensor is bad. A bad or malfunctioning MAP sensor will shut you down when it gets hot and then let you run again when it gets cool. You said earlier there is no code. How about the "no-code" that lets you know the ECM is defective? Your ECM should have a fuse, but I don't know which one it is. You might need to buy that one hour with a Honda mechanic who has one of the big machines to hook it up to and can also test your ECM and MAP. Still hoping for the best for you. Nobody wants to drive something that only runs til it warms up.

HONCORD

I have same problem with my 95 Accord, havent messed with anything and only have 112,000 on it. Fine when cold, 15min driving cuts off and wont start till cooled down. It started doing that yes2day. Main relay...doubt it, Map Sensor and ECM makes more sence. Someone told me to check Temp Sensor as well. I havent checked if I have spark or not, kinda hard doing that by yourself in the middle of a highway, lmfao. I'll keep this post updated as well, since I have same problem.

daddyo476

I have a 90 accord that died on me when heats up .. Starts when it sits ..cools down. Replaced Main Relay, Coil ( Internal ) , Fuel filter, Oil Change, reconnected battery cable will not start now and the green "S" light is blinking I don't think it would be speed sensor I checked spark Before I started all this I guess I am left with MAP sensor, ECU, and ECM any Ideas? .... I have no hair left!

1990 Honda Accord LX A/T