Sometimes my car doesn't start. I noticed that when it doesn't start, my SAFC doesn't turn on and my fuel pump doesn't make that noise when I turn the ignition on without cranking the motor. What can be the problem? Wiring?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by faSHOwidIT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What can be the problem? Wiring?</TD></TR></TABLE>Yup. Or main relay. Or ignition switch. Got a multi-meter?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JimBlake &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yup. Or main relay. Or ignition switch. Got a multi-meter?</TD></TR></TABLE> I can probably get one. How do I check which one is messed up?

 

Your spark plugs may be rotten! Try taken them out from the distributor TURN THE CAR OFF...Then rub them together and put them back in. If that is not the problem its Your distributor its not igniting the engine. This could mean trouble even though you can get it replaced for not that cheap. Same problem happened to me and it cost about $350.00 to get it fixed. On a 95 integra GS-R

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by faSHOwidIT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I can probably get one. How do I check which one is messed up?</TD></TR></TABLE>Get a wiring drawing, too. I don't even know what year your car is...

Based on my '95... ??
Black/yellow wires at the distributor get battery voltage from the ignition switch at 'ON' & 'START'. If they're dead, it's not the main relay's fault.

Main relay supplies power over yellow/black wires to the ECU & injectors & fuel pump. Check whether they're getting power.

How's your SAFC getting power? From the ECU's power circuit? If so, then you probably aren't getting the ECU to power up. Turn the key 'ON' but not to 'START', watch for check-engine light to come on for it's self-check.

Battery & oil pressure idiot lights get their power from the ignition switch, NOT thru the main relay.

Get it? You gotta learn exactly what's getting power & what's not. Then look on the wiring drawing for what part of the circuits are common...

 

Have a 91 integra. SAFC is getting power from the ecu. Also this doesn't always happen. Happens probably once every 20starts. Have to wait and keep trying till the SAFC turns on then its good again.


Modified by faSHOwidIT at 10:09 AM 11/12/2004

 

Different generation vs. my '95, but the general idea should still be good.

Until you figure it out, make a habit of turning the key to 'ON' but don't go all the way to 'START'. Watch the idiot lights do their thing, so the next time this happens, you know what's missing. Like for example whether you lose the power windows or the oil warning lamp along with the ECU.

 

Alright, so what can cause the ECU from getting power?

 

If the windows & other things still have power, then the main relay.
If everything is dead, then the ignition switch.
If it's a strange mix of some stuff working, some not, then you'll have to use the wiring drawings to see what the circuits have in common.

 

Yea the windows and everything else still works. Where can I buy main relays at? And where is the main relay located at? How hard is it to change?

 

bump

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by faSHOwidIT &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And where is the main relay located at? How hard is it to change?</TD></TR></TABLE>I don't have a '91, but they're usually above the left kick-panel. Sorta like above the hood-release lever, maybe towards the steering column.