Comitizer

Hi,

My car is having intermittent starting issues. I have reviewed the page:

http://techauto.te.funpic.org/ignition.php

I was just wondering if any of the issues on this page would cause an intermittent issue. Basically, I had thought that if it was the distributor or something that it would be always broken.

I can hear the main relay click off when the check engine light clicks off so I don't think it is that.

I don't know if it matters but it is cold this morning. Can anyone point me in the proper direction. I have a '93 Accord. Was the ignition switch recalled on that model?

Thanks for any help. I have to get my car fixed or I won't be able to get to work.

Comitizer

Comitizer

By the way, I have been reading and I have heard that a failed ignitor happens a lot in this car. Would that be an on again off again issue?

NYCsnowman

dude... more info plz.

year / make/ model

i would take a closer look at the starter and fuel system.

Comitizer

Hi,

Sorry I guess I didn't provide enough info.

It is a '93 Accord.

It isn't the starter, the car cranks over with no problems. I think I may not be getting spark but I am waiting for a buddy to come over to give me a hand checking it out.

Like I had mentioned, I read the information on this page:

http://techauto.te.funpic.org/ignition.php

I just wanted to know if anyone could tell me if a coil or distributor or igniter could be an intermittent problem. I had thought that when an ignitor or coil went, it would be broken for good.

I don't think it is the main relay because I hear a clicking when the "check engine" light goes out.

Thanks for any help

Lookalike

I know a common problem of 4th gen accords is the main relay. You hear it clicking even when the car wont start? If not maybe this is it.

What you can do is take it off and open the box. You will see 8 welds on the back of the circuit board. Just melt the 8 spots and if there are any cold welds (wich is the cause of intermitent starting with the main relay) they will ben soldered back like new.

Like I said it may be something else, but main relays often fail ont 4th gen and cause intermitent starting. And if that is not the problem and you resolder everything back, its not lost work, cause your accord would have probably had this problem later on.

Comitizer

Ok, I might give that a shot. The webpage said that if you hear a click that the main relay is probably fine. But you have had cases where it will click and still be bad?

I had some trouble a while ago where my car wouldn't start when it rained. I am think that this is that problem only worse.

Is there something that would break when there is moist weather out?

Is the main relay hard to get out?

I'm not sure if it matters but I have a remote car starter installed. Could this be causing issues?

Comitizer

Hi everyone,

I checked and I have a spark. Also, I am pretty sure that I hear the fuel pump.

So, what is the next thing to check? Should I get a main relay and replace it?

Does anyone have any ideas? PLEASE!!

hondamaniac1

Mine's been having the intermittent starting problem as well (though it last happened in September when the sun was out more and the weather was hotter). Can anyone here enlighten me on how to remove the main relay? Car is a 1992 EX 5 speed sedan.

Comitizer

I'm not sure but based on the reading I thought I wouldn't have any spark if the main relay was the issue. Is this true?

If not I'll go and get one.

BTW: Here is a link to finding the relay (for hondamaniac1)

http://techauto.te.funpic.org/mainrelaydefine.php

Comitizer

I pulled out my main relay (which was pretty easy BTW).

I don't think I have the skills to solder it so I am thinking of getting a new one but they are $100 (and I am poor).

Should I try and fix this one? Is it easy? Is this even my problem? So many questions!

I noticed that the relay has a brown film on it (hard). Is this bad? It is really dark and collects around all of the solder joints. It kinda looks like rust.

welldun

make sure that your dist. cap doesnt have any hairline cracks in it. most of them will start to crack from the vent hole. a cracked cap will give you spark but its sparkin when it shouldnt be. i had a cracked cap from power washing my motor. the fuel pump and main relay arent your problem. pull the vacuum hose off your fuel pressure regulator and apply 8hg of vacuum and see if it holds if it dont its bad. do the same with your egr valve.sometimes sludge can hold them open a little. also check the pigtail wiring connectors in your dist. -use a ohm meter. also check your ground wire on batt. and your thermostat housing. you can use a timing light and make sure its firing on #1 cyl while cranking it. and just for the hell of it ..replace your fuel filter. hope this helps

hondamaniac1

Thanks for the link!

welldun

forgot to say that its not your ign switch either..if it was it would run between start and on position but die as soon you went to on position.