Doat98

Hello everyone, I have a 98 LX and when it is hot outside it won't start up but I have found a trick to just wait until the green security key light comes on and a couple of others and then it will usually start. Yesterday I finally got the car to start then started driving it and after a few minutes the RPMs dropped and then it shut off on its own, had to wait a few minutes for the green security key light to come on then started it. I've been told it could be the main relay, what can I do to fix this? Thanks in advance.

I should also say the car starts up fine at night or early morning when it's not very hot.

TejasNW

Very common problem in Hondas. Main relay is under the dash just to the left of the steering column.

Lot's of information on the web with pictures and diagrams that are much more helpful than a description on my part. Replacing a main relay is very very simple. The only complication is having to squeeze under the dash and work upside down. Identifying the part is the hardest part. Search for pictures on the 'net.

Doat98

So the problem is the main relay? Thanks for the help I'll look into this.

TejasNW

An absolute maybe... The symptoms you describe are indicative of the main relay. Could it be other things? Of course. But I would start trouble shooting at the main relay.

In your search will find that when the main relay goes out when the cab of the vehicle is hot (even if it is not hot outside) the soldering joints inside the main relay expand and don't make contact. Stoping electricity from going to your fuel pump. You will also find the way to tell is this is what is happening.

(When you car dies, turn off the key, wait a few seconds, turn to the second position, and listen for the tell tale hum of the fuel pump pressurizing the line. If you don't hear it, the fuel pump is not getting power, and the Main Relay not making good contact is why.)

Here is a good link, however it is not from this site. If that is a violation of terms of use, moderator, my apologies. Please remove.

http://techauto.awardspace.com/faq.html

Doat98

Thank you very much I'll try some options to isolate the main relay and search some more.

Doat98

I have found a new trick, earlier today I got in the car and I figured since everything lights up when I prime it I'll just start it immediately and the car started right up when usually, since it was very hot, the car wouldn't start if I let it prime.