Mr. DNA

Hi everyone.
I've checked out this forum here for a couple of minor issues but my Accord has presented me with a problem I can't figure out.
First, a little background. It's a 2000 Accord SE with 336 000 miles. Despite the distance this car has driven it runs spectacularly, giving me up to 35mpg on the highway and not ever requiring me to add oil, even in extended intervals. I'd like to keep this car running for as long and as cheaply as I can. Put simply, once it gets too expensive to fix I'm getting a different car.

So here's the problem: Three times in the last two years the Accord has refused to start. Each time it has exhibited the classic "bad main relay" problem- cranking with out running. However, bench-testing the relay proved that it was fine. It was only after fiddling around with the fuel pump plug would it start and be fine for months.
Yesterday it did the same thing, except that it will not start at all. I bought a main relay, which did nothing. I checked the voltage at the fuel pump and I'm getting power to the pump for two seconds when the key is turned to "run" but it does not get power when I turn it to "Start". All dash lights appear to be working normally. I tried jumping the 8 and 15 pins on the OBD plug but I got no results. I'm not sure if I'm using the right plug but I was unable to find anything else that looked like a diagnostics plug.

Sorry for the long first post. I'm not new to working on vehicles, but everything that I have had in the past was older and simpler. I am at the point where if this is not a simple or relatively inexpensive fix I'm selling the car for parts. For reference, $500 is too much for me to put into it. A fuel pump is not.

Thanks for making it this far and for whatever help you can provide.

poorman212

Have you checked the ign switch (elect part) to be sure the contacts are good?

accord99power

if your stating that its cranking without running then you have 1 of 2 problems fuel/spark. If it was ignition key the starter wouldnt turn(crank) motor over at all. If you hear the fuel pump then i would look at spark test. if spark test checks out then check out a fuel pressure test.

poorman212

Oh what the heck. There have been issues with Honda's where the engine cranks and starts when turning the key all the way-to start or III, but as soon as you release the key from start to on (II) it dies......Please help me understand how your theory explains this known fact-EDIT add quote" If it was ignition key the starter wouldnt turn(crank) motor over at all"? And I think this gen had an issue with the switch.

You are correct, fuel or spark. However since no one else gave the OP a suggestion when they stated that the fuel pump is not getting power in the "start"/"III" position I thought I'd at least try...Have a good day.

Nicefeet

IMO I would replace the main relay anyways.

Unless you’re bench testing it under the right loads it might still look good, when it reality it’s no good.

Unless you’re paying someone to do all the work, you could shotgun a main relay, ignition switch and a fuel pump and still come well under $400.

poorman212

The OP already replaced the main relay.."I bought a main relay, which did nothing"?

accord99power

I believe the op said it doesnt "start" but just turns over only correct?

OP POST- Each time it has exhibited the classic "bad main relay" problem- cranking with out running.

so could you explain why your diagnosing an issue with engine cranks and starts?

TO THE OP-However, i didnt see about no volt readings off the fuel pump in start position. I would still do a spark and fuel test as a starting point. But takin this in cosideration the igntion switch is a good suggestion as well.

poorman212

Hey, we're cool, all I was suggesting is that a key switch can be bad and the starter still turns...If nothing else, you and I are they only ones posting, the OP is no where to be found.....

accord99power

that is the truth lmao, its already hard enough not seeing the problem let alone the op not reporting back to help them out right. cheers man, have a good new year.