brendagoodnight

Can anyone tell me what might be wrong with my 1997 Honda Civic EX? Sometimes it will not start, it will crank over, but not start, then if I wait 10 minutes or so it will start right back up. I thought it was the fuel pump, cause it sounded like the fuel pump was not engaging so I replaced the fuel pump, but still it does not start sometimes, just cranks over. I have had it in the shop and the guy says he has checked everything out. There are no codes or anything. He said his guess is the main relay is going bad. I have searched online and discovered that it could be the main relay or something on the distriburator cap going bad. I also read that you can resolder the main relay, but from what I see for the main relay on the Honda Civic it looks like it is all enclosed so that someone can not get into it. Is that true, or can I pull it and just resolder the joints?

Any help on this would be great! I love my Honda Civic! It is one running SOB! I have almost 300, 000 miles on this car and love it to pieces, for the most part it has been a very reliable car.

Also, I have replaced the speed odometer cable thinking it was bad cause my speed odometer works sometimes and sometimes it doesn't. Still my odometer only works when it wants to. Is that something in the dash, that is not connected? I can pound on the dash board and it seems to help make the odometer work. Is this another soldering issue with something underneath the dash for the odometer as well?


Please help point me in the right direction, if you can.

Brenda Goodnight

Liberphile

the same thing was wrong with my civic and we got a new speed gauge, but later found out that we just need a new gauge cluster.

ej1b18c1

You can fix the main relay but you can get a replacement at any parts store for $30-50.

The speedometer is most likely just not getting a proper connection between the harness plug and sensor. Take the plug out and inspect the wiring, most likely the pins are corroded and just need a cleaning to get a proper connection.

ej1b18c1

Also the shop shouldn't be guessing your issue, rather a proper diagnostic would be well worth the money paid instead of throwing parts at it.

I had a similar issue and all fingers pointed at the main relay and it was a faulty fuel fuse not all the way burnt out causing intermittent fuel pump failure. I replaced my main relay anyway because after checking it was on its last limb so just replaced it rather then fixing.

Former User

A 97 Civic doesn't have a speedometer cable, so you'll need to clarify that statement.

You also need to employ basic no-start diagnostic tests. Answer these questions, when the engine won't start:

1) Does the fuel pump prime for 2 seconds when the key is turned from off to ON(II)?

2) Is there bright white spark at all 4 spark plugs?