Let me tell what the specs on the motor/car, symptoms, and what I've done.

Car/motor:
Car has 260,000 miles but motor (rebuilt by ComtechUSA street/refresh build) has 40,000 miles.

Symptoms:
Car would have a hard time start, cold or warm, and would sometimes sputter off a stop light. It's not the starter or battery cuz it does make the noise but does not turn over. This problem started a year ago.

What I've done:
Change the fuel filter roughly six months ago and that stop the sputtering off the stop lights. It also somewhat stopped the hard starts...for a while. It started happening again so this time I changed the ignitor. That seemed to cure the hard starts for a while. Problem came back just last month and now I am stumped. I would have to say is is fuel or spark/ignition related? But very intermitant. What should I do?

Thanks

 

Replace the cap rotor wires and plugs and see if that helps

 

Search for main relay. Resolder it, the tools are cheaper than the replacement (if you don't have an iron already).

 

Ak_ef9
Going to change that today. Thanks

downest
Will do. Can you tell me more about the main relay problems? I will also search. Thanks

 

the main relays that came in our ef's burn out after awhile...just do what downest said and open up your main relay to resolder. my old car seemed like it would just start whenever it felt like it and i just used another main relay and worked fine after that.

 

What do i "resolder? That is pretty much my symptoms too. I just changed my cap, rotor, and plugs today. First turn of key didn't start. Second turn, started right up. We'll see how it holds up this week.

HOw much is a new main relay? Is that a OEM product or is there aftermarket ie kragen?

I tried searching and no write up on "how to fix" main relay. Any links to one?

Thanks

 

dammmit!!! Okay I started or tried to start the car today and it worked fine to go to the honda dealership(buy parts for my pilot). When I tried to start the car it wouldn't start. Kinda ironic...and funny too...mechanics where all looking at me trying to start the car. After about 5 tries and 10 min past by it finally started. Jack@$$ service writer asked my if I wanted an appointment. Kinda funny.

This is what i've done to help you guys. Good luck to you.
Changed ignitor, cap, rotor, plugs. fuel filter. Still didn't fix the problem.

Next is injectors, main relay, then fuel pump.

 

anybody that has had an ef should know the main relay. its located on the drivers side of the dash, kind of hard to see, but its on the side, behind the coin tray area. either replace it or resolder the circuit board, you can pop it apart and easily fix it.

 

Okay seems like everyone is saying its the main relay. They say to fix it or replace it. Now how to fix it people are saying "resolder" it. So what you are saying is that the solder has come off?

I will try and resolder it next week and see what happens...if I mess it up I guess I'll buy a new one.

 

Okay I don't have time to check the main relay because it seems to be a little bit involving. I did change the battery because it needed change anyways(i checked the date and it was like over 4 years old). The car did crank faster and sounded stronger but still no turnover until like 3 times. It does stumble though like there is no fuel getting to it.

Any tips on how to check fuel pump working?

Thanks

 

everyone here says main relay. but instead you want to replace all the other parts that are easier to get to and not broken. keep guessing instead of pursuing a common problem spot on these cars.

 

The reason why I haven't checked it yet is because I can hear it clicking(so I am assuming it is working). If it didn't click I would check it out. I see your point...but everytime I changed somethink besides the relay it gets better but not perfect that is why I am resisting the relay. Before all this it would take 4 to 5 time to try and start and 50% of that time it would not start. Now it takes only 1-2 times to start and has a 75% chance of starting after that.

 

I'm having the same problem with my car. New relay and all? All I could think of is the ignition switch. Just haven't had any time to go to the dealer to get a new one.

I also have new plugs, plug wires, ignitor, ground wires, cap and rotor. Not to mention the relay.

Although, I haven't tried replacing my fuel filter? I don't think its that though. I'm almost certain its the ignition switch.

Hope this helps. And once I solve my problem, I'll let you know.

BTW - From what I've read and experienced is that the main relay is usually a problem when the cabin of the car is warm. So, if you're having problems starting the car when cold (like myself), its probably not the main relay?

This might help you if you're willing to replace or fix the main relay...
http://www.crxownersclub.com/f...c=423