belz

I've researched a lot on this. I tried the fix for the relay and also bought 2 new relays but the problem persists. The car may or may not start. When it does, it might run briefly or for like 15 minutes. It'll cut in and out and the check engine light will come on when the relay won't power. What are some things i can check. I don't want to just replace the ecu if that's not the issue. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Also would i have to find one from another car with the same engine and transmission combo or would or work from like a v tech motor?

onunezp

if the CEL is on, try to pull the codes, it would be a nice start, heres a video

belz

Thanks. I will get the car home tomorrow. Found this nifty site http://techauto.awardspace.com/mainrelay.html. I may jump the relay tomorrow to get the car home rather than getting it towed.

holmesnmanny

Main relays go bad but it would be extremely rare to have a few not work. It's possible you have an ignition issue, ignition control module or even the coil. You could have an issue with your ignition switch as well, if when the car dies the dash lights don't come on.

belz

When the car dies the dash lights are on and the check engine light comes on. The car won't start again until the check engine light goes off. Sometimes while running, It will cut in and out, at the same time the check engine light will light and go out. I tested the wires on the relay plug and the only ones cutting in and out were the ones from the ecu.

belz

Its been raining for a few days straight. I wonder if this can be causing an issue. Damp distributor cap won't start

holmesnmanny

If the check engine light is on, why aren't you trying to pull the codes ? It's likely it's a code 15

belz

I will try today. I was on my way to work yesterday and was late due to this happening. I got out of work late at night and it was raining so I left the car there. I'm going to pick it up here soon. As soon as I get it home I will pull the codes. And post the results.

belz

Okay, I got the car home and I unplugged the battery to reset the ecu so I can get some fresh codes. I didn't want to have false codes since I had cranked the car a couple of times with the relay unplugged. I checked under the distributor cap for moisture but things were dry in there and I cleaned off a tiny amount of dust in there. Hooked the battery up, have the new relay in there and crank it up, works fine. Leave it running and take it for a quick spin, she's a champ. So I check for codes anyways and the cel just stays on. That means no codes right? So now it's just a waiting game to see if it happens again.

And please, no one say it was the relay because that's the same new relay I tried yesterday and still had issues with.

holmesnmanny

You can't get false codes. If the check engine light stays on when you jumper the service connector then yes you have no codes. If the light comees on with the service connector not jumped then you have codes.

belz

I am talking about a code relating to the main relay not being plugged in when cranking. I thought this may cause more codes to show rather than if the relay were plugged in. Not sure what codes any of it sets off but didn't want extra ones from the relay being unplugged. That's what I meant by "false codes".

holmesnmanny

The main relay not being plugged in will never throw any code. The car simply won't start.

belz

Okay. So it has been driving fine until today. It started cutting in and out and the check engine light came on. The car stayed running and I was able to drive it but If I accelerated to much it would kind of bog down. When i stopped it shut off. I had to give it gas to get it started again and keep it revved a little so it wouldn't shut off. A couple of miles later the CEL light went off and it ran like a champ again, nut this was short lived and only lasted a few miles before the CEL light came back on and it was back to its tricks. Checked for codes when I got home but the CEL light just stays on and doesn't flash any codes. Any ideas on what to check? I'd also like to add that it seemed like it has to do with air/fuel, like I was giving it gas but it was only getting air maybe. I'd also say the exhaust wasn't its normal smell. Can this be an o2 sensor issue? How can I check that?

belz

Appreciate the info. I thought since the CEL light came on it would set a code. I'm still learning.

holmesnmanny

If the check engine light comes on when the engine is running, immediately but safely pull over to the side of the road and without turning off the engine, pull any and all codes while the engine is still running.

belz

Well, took the car to the bus stop this morning and while waiting for the school bus the CEL light came on and the car shut off. Put the jumper in and no codes. Started it back up and checked while running and still no codes. The only thing I am noticing is that the main relay won't turn the fuel pump on when the CEL light is on, but as soon as it shuts off, the relay clicks and the pump kicks on. I'm beginning to think it is an ECU issue. What do you guys think? Is there anything else I should be checking? Of course my neighbor tows me up the street to the house and as soon as we park, the CEL light shuts off and the car starts. SMH

holmesnmanny

I would pull the ecu and look inside it. If there are burned spots it's likely the ecu is bad.

It should be located under the carpet in the back near the middle floorboard on the passenger side. It will be attached to a metal bracket. The ecu just has screws holding the covers on.

belz

Thanks. I'll take a look.

belz

This is about all i noticed. The little brown u see there around the 1 and 12 pin and the cap in front of them. Solder points on the other side look good.