98 Accord EX V6, car in park, 1/3 tank gas, 80* outside:

2 days ago: I put the key to ON, electronics light up fine, I turn the key, engine turns and turns but never fires up successfully. I replace the starter motor and solenoid. I clean the battery terminals. Still wont start up in the same fashion as before.

1 day ago: I put the key to ON, electronics light up fine, I turn the key, engine turns and fires up although not as smooth and quickly as normal. Engine runs for 2 seconds then just kinda dies down and stops. I crank again and again and it never fires up again ala "2 days ago". I ask the local autostore monkey and he says check the battery then the alternator. I dont know... sleep on it.

Today: I read a few posts and got a few ideas. I turned the key to ON, electronis light up fine, listen for the click of the relay when the maintenance light dims, I hear it fine. I fire up the car and it starts although kinda weak, not like normal. It idles real low at about 700-800. I dont touch anything and let it run for 5 mins. Then I give it some gas to 1500 rpm and let it go, when it drops back down to idle, almost dies but barely stays alive. Again, this is not normal. I start the car 8x and it fires up but again, still weak. Not confident to drive it anywhere, thinking I'll get stuck somewhere.

Side note: I don't know if this is normal or what.... When applying throttle from the engine bay, as I give it more throttle, I hear a sharp gas release sound (kinda like a turbo blow-off sound) then when it goes back to idle, I hear a soft but distinct pop coming from the distributor cap area. Every time. Again, not sure if this is normal or perhaps something related to the above?

Desperate plea: Please use your collective expertise to diagnose what has up until now been my flawless car. This thing is in immaculate condition and has been serviced and taken care of since day 1. Please help.
MikeM

 

I suspect that you can eliminate from the discussion the starting/battery/charging systems; my thoughts are pointing more towards fuel delivery or a maintenance item thats' been overlooked. IE:

1) Low fuel delivery pressure.
This would effect injector nozzle patterns, fuel quantity, and low enough might starve a cylinder or two (skip)
2) Dirty / Lazy / binding IACM (Idle Air Control Motor)
Probably the single most common player for poor idle, stalling and hesitation complaints on EFI cars. gets fouled by a combination of PCV vapor and ingested dirt and dust from the intake tract.
3) Dirty Throttle Body Butterfly Valve.

Let me give it some additional thought.......

P

 

I suspect fuel pressure regulator. Check fuel pressure, if you can.

 

i have seen a couple of 98 accords have bad main relays ... you might want to chk it out ..