The Destroyer

Lately my car has been having issues starting. When it does start it runs perfect.

Sometimes the pump wont prime and it will just crank. I have checked all fuses and even tried swapping out main relays to see if maybe mine was on the way out.

Now I this morning I tried to start it different. I usually wait until the fuel pump primes then start it. But lately since it hasnt been priming I wait about the same amount of time and then try starting. Instead I just left the key in the on position and about 1-2 minutes later it finally primed.

So what im asking HT is does anyone know what might be taking so long for the pump to prime?

Former User

A few possibilities:

-Corroded or loose ground on the thermostat housing.

-Failing fuel pump.

-Bad ECU.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Well my uneducated guess would be since the main relay is good and it eventually primes that the pump is going bad.

The Destroyer

The pump was replaced about 3 weeks ago.

And at the same time, I think these things going bad would affect the cars performance. As soon as the car is running it runs fine.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Ron gave 2 more options. Hope it's just a grounding issue.

Former User

Also check the main relay connector terminals and ECU connector terminals to the main relay for damage or corrosion.

The Destroyer

Ill take a look at them in a bit.

I just find it weird that everything else works, and that there is a delay for the fuel pump to prime.

The Destroyer

Anything else?

pvt_awol

I worked on a main relay problem/ fuel pump problem for weeks. In the end, I swapped out the ECU, and everything worked.

If nothing else, at least try a different ECU.

jooky5

fuel filter clogged?

91lx

You say that once it starts, all is well.

Sounds like the same problem I ran into this spring.

At first I'd only have a problem with warm starts. Eventually it got to the point where it wouldn't start most of the time, even cold. But, once started, it ran flawlessly.

My mechanic replaced the distributor which, was on the way out. On the way home, I stopped at the store. Wouldn't restart for about 5 minutes. When it did start, I brought it back.

This time he had his more experienced mechanic look at it. As soon as I described the symtoms he said "fuel pump relay" without even looking at it. And, of course, he was right.

I kind of kicked myself afterwards for not realizing this since it is the classic mechanical relay symptom.

Mechanical relays that are getting tired fail at the moment they energize since this is when the coil is working hardest. Once the coil pulls the contacts together, it's fine and will stay fine as long as power is applied.

Sounds to me like you are experiencing the same problem. This relay is up under the dash somewhere.

When you say you wait till it primes, I assume you are listening for the pump to turn off? I find that my accord's pump is extremely quiet. Quieter than any other FI fuel pump I've heard. So, it might be that the pumps not coming on in the first place.

The Destroyer

I can hear mine. I have also swapped out main relays with a known working one and the same symptoms occur.

Muad'Dib

we are having issues as well. cant hear the fuel pump prime. when we feed it 12v directly, the car cranks up. We checked the fuses and couldnt see anything wrong with them and they clicked and all. we even took the fuses from our 96 to the 99 and nothing. any ideas would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

nhamilton122

im having the same problem but my dizzy dont send no spark out the dizzy but gets full power also the fuel pump dont prime .. good thing todo is try the ecu or check and make sure the relay is good by testing it .. ive gone through so much **** n myn still dont start

Muad'Dib

we tried different ecus and none of them seems to give suffice power to the pump to keep it running. Is it the ECU or is it the Wiring?

Former User

Do you also lack spark? Is the CEL on?

Have you sanded/cleaned the critical ground connection on the thermostat housing?

Be sure to double check hood fuse 44 and dash fuses 13 and 31.

Muad'Dib

no, its got spark. as i mentioned before, the car cranks and run IF we continue to give the fuel pump voltage directly. the CEL WAS on before we did the swap now its not on.

no sir. I'll have to do that.

will do. thanks and I'll report back. Thanks for all the help, my dad truly appreciates it.

Former User

Have you already ruled out a bad main relay?

Muad'Dib

yessur, this was the first thing we swapped.

EJ1 LS guy

Bump..Im Having the same issue...My car just died on me as I went to go on a green light and now I don't hear the fuel pump priming...I've changed the fuel pump and it's still not priming....fuel relay?..ecu?..fuses?...

Former User

95 Civic, right? The fuses you need to check are 31, 24, and 18. If those are fine, then resolder or replace the main relay.

EJ1 LS guy

Yes 94 civic...I've checked fuse 31 its good even replaced it anyways...but ima check the other 2 right now....but where exactly is the main relay located..? Heard diff. Places wanna be sure...

jyacoba2009

try replacing the fuel filter, thats what i did and my car started right back up.. but than it died [blew a headgasket, never even knew]

Former User

EJ1 LS guy

Okay I checked the 18,24 fuses...they're all good....I jus have to find a known good relay to switch mine out with...but it looks all good...is there a way I can bypass it to make sure that's my problem..? But the fuel filter being dirty can keep the fuel pump from priming..?