CanadianAccord1

Hi there guys!

First post here. I just had an issue with my car this morning and was wondering if any of you guys could give me some insight on what is actually going wrong, so that I could fix it. I really appreciate any input you may have. Thanks guys!!

THE EVENT:
This morning I went out to my car. I put the key to the "accessory" position, what this normally does is allow my fuel pump to turn on and prime itself/warm up, whatever it does (it seems to help), and then I turn the key all the way after like 3-4 seconds and start the car. I know to start it when the fuel relay (I think thats what it is) clicks off and the fuel pump stops humming, so that I know its "primed" or warmed up or whatever. Also the engine light is on for those 3-4 seconds when the fuel pump is humming, and then clicks off along with the fuel pump (hopefully this isn't a bad thing).

Today it did not turn on/hum/prime. The radio turned on, but the fuel pump seemed to be silent. I was able to start the car, although it seemed to take longer to crank over. I then started driving, and not 10 minutes later my car just died on me. The electrics continued working, but the engine was dead and I was rolling along the road.

TROUBLE SHOOTING:
Basically what is happening is the car has power (the accessories run, like the headlights, radio etc), but my car will not run. When I start it, it turns on (its a manual, so I'll put the clutch in, hold the brake, and crank the key all the way). As long as the starter is turning over, the engine will run (and the tachometer needle moves etc), but when I release the key it immediately stalls, like it stalls as I let go of the key. Giving the car gas does nothing to keep it running.

I have an inkling that maybe this is a fuel pump/relay/filter issue

NOTES:
1) It's somewhat cold out, but I don't think it should affect the car's performance. Last winter when it got lower than -10'C (14'F) I basically couldn't start it at all.
2) I have not changed the fuel filter at all since owning the car (have had it for about 2 yrs/20,000 km (12,500 miles), and I have no idea when it was last done by the previous owner.
3) A brand new battery was put in last year (with high cold cranking amps)
4) I've put in fuel injector cleaners/fuel line thawers about 2-3 times, but the last time I did that was last winter.
5) I have run the tank pretty close to totally empty numerous times, and only just recently realized that it is bad for the fuel pump.
6) As I mentioned above, the engine light clicks on for the short amount of time when the fuel pumps "primes" (if that is what it is doing), but disappears when the fuel pump/relay clicks off. I have previously ignored this issue and hope it wasn't a bad thing to do.

tim73

Very well may need a fuel pump. I had to replace mine about a month ago. Get some starting fluid(can use carb cleaner). Remove intake hose, open throttle plate, spray in. Release plate, start. If it fires...I'd highly suspect pump. You can pull relay and jump out pump to confirm.

GhostAccord

Check the main relay!

CanadianAccord1

Hey thanks guys. I decided I should go see a mechanic to have it done professionally. I took a look and it doesn't seem to be the fuel pump. It seems it might actually be the ignition switch is failing, which is why it stalls right away when I let go of the key. I'll keep posting when I find out more.

holmesnmanny

It could even be the lock cylinder.

MAD_MIKE

IF you have heavy charms/lots of keys on your key ring, that would pull on the ignition swtich. Next time when turning the key to II(ON) you do not hear the pump, jiggle the key around in the ignition switch. If you hear the pump come on then the switch is most likely the problem. Can also pull the lower cover off the column to access the switch. Verify it is not burnt or has damaged contacts.
Click on the 'techauto' link in my sig for further diagnostics.

trm4life

If the check engine light stays on, but after longer than normal turns off and primes it's the ECU. If you don't hear the relay, it's probably the relay. If these two things don't work first your fuel pump will remain silent. If it starts with starting fluid, it's likely the pump. If u ran low on fuel (light on often) you can over heat and kill your fuel pump. The light tells u the pump is no longer submerged in fuel, and cannot stay cool. If it starts and runs in the start position, it's likely the ignition. If it starts and runs with a little throttle, it's you're electronic idle control, or eacv, NOT iacv. If it's the iacv, the rpms will surge at idle.