Ok, my prelude died a couple days back. It ran fine but when I turned my car off and tried to get it started again it turns over then dies.

I replaced the fuel filter and is getting gas so i don't think it is my pump or filter and i am up **** creek without a paddle because I have no idea how to get this thing running.

If you need any info on my car to get me some help just post here or drop me an IM.

Thanks in advance.

 

Haha. How does it turn over, but not start?

Check for spark
check your battery
check your starter
check fuel
last but not least - check compression only if those tests are okay.

 

It wont stay running, it turnsover then dies.

Fuel, starter, spark and battery are ok and how would i check comrpression

 

You can buy a compression gauge at most parts stores around $20-30, sounds like a fuel pump relay maybe, im not familiar with 3rd gens at all.

 

Check your battery voltage, alternator. Maybe it's one of those two. If it's not one of those two, than check for dirty/oose connections/hoses.

 

i think its either your spark plugs or fuel supply.

to check your plugs are getting spark:
-remove one of your spark plugs, doesn't matter which one.
-plug it back into its wire
-with the spark plug reconnected, hold it in the air and have a friend try and start the car. you can set the plug down on the valve cover if you aren't comfortable holding it. just make sure that nothing will be harmed by the spark.

if your spark plugs are working you should see electricity on the spark plug. if you're getting fuel you should smell it coming from the open spark plug hole, or see smoke shotting from the spark plug hole. i've done this and can tell you nothing will happen from pulling a spark plug. you may get a misfire CEL, but just reinstall everything and reset the ECU and you'll be fine.

 

Also check all of your fuses.

 

Could also be a main relay, ignition switch, igniter. Invest in a decent digital multimeter and a shop manual. In fact I have a 3rd gen shop manual I could sell you. PM me for details.

 

Ill try all those as soon as i get to my car ( its stranded about 5 miles north of me ). When you mean fuel pump relay what do yo mean? The filter is getting gas so i dont know if it is this fuel pump.


Fuses are ok.

I dont think it would be the spark plugs because my car is electricallu starting it seems like but then dying like its not getting any gas.

I asked some friends that are going to a votech school for auto and they said it sounds like the pvc valve(s), not sure if they said if there are more than one because i dont know lol.

Thanks for all the suggestions....more wouldnt hurt....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Impulsed &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">they said it sounds like the pvc valve(s)</TD></TR></TABLE>

i doubt it. if those lines were blocked off, then nothing would happen. if the lines were cut, then your car would run, but VERY crappy.

just becuase your other electrical parts are running right doesn't mean that your spark plugs are getting power. maybe a ignition wire is bad somewhere. try the advice i gave earlier and see what happens. hopefully you will know whats wrong after you do that.

also, does your car actually start? does combustion actually occur? or does it just sound like the starter it trying to start the motor forever?

 

Chiltons $20 covers 3rd and 4th gen ludes

 

it sounds like it is about to idle but then dies

 

I got a shop repiar manuel, ive done the ignition test and it says that there is suppose to be a blue/white spark but the spark was yellow....not sure if that matters.

some people said you can hear the fuel pump start when u turn the car on but i cant but it may just be too quite

 

Bump!

This is a very old thread but I am now having the same issue with my 91 prelude si 4ws

Sounds like it is going to idle then dies pretty quickly.

 

 

I warned you but I guess you did not take my advise...

 

I had the same problem with my 91 Prelude 4WS, I replaced everything fuel pump, fuel filter, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, rotor, checked compression, checked spark, still would not start, I did notice that when I turned on the key it wouldn't go to the accessory position but straight to start, it would turn over but as soon as I let go of the key it would die then a friend told me to replace the ignition harness, I thought he was crazy until I did it, fortunately I have a 91 Prelude parts car and when I installed the new harness and turned the key I had accessory and it started right up.

My suggestion, replace the ignition harness.

 

BUMP! So I am having the same trouble with my 91SI but it just sounds like it's trying to start the motor forever?
my fiance and I have checked the spark plugs, the battery, fuel is good (just changed filter and i can hear the pump turn on). We are gonna check compression next but any ideas would be greatly appreciated.