Hi everyone, I'm having a problem with my 89 Civic you might be able to help me with:

4 times out of 5 the car will start, but it usually turns over for longer than it should (5 seconds or so) before starting. But sometimes it won't start at all. It will turn and turn for a few seconds, then the check engine light comes on, then I stop turning it. I'll wait a few seconds, then try again. It always starts eventually. This usually happens after I've been driving for a while, stop the car, then try to start it again within 2-3 minutes.

This may be part of the same problem: It hasn't done this in a while, but sometimes when I've been driving it a lot and/or it is really hot outside, the car will get a little sluggish while I'm driving it. If this happens while I'm driving down the highway, my only choice is to pull over, stop the car, and start it up again. Otherwise, I can never get back up to highway speed.

I've checked the fuses, and they seem to be ok.

What do you think?

 

i have the same problem

 

sounds like a coolant tempurature sensor problem. turn the key to the on position and pull the cover off the ECU adn see how many times the light blinks to get teh code and go from there

but also check the connector for you Coolant temp sensor, alot of times they will get corrosion and gum up the connection there. its the 2 prong sensor under the distributor, usually its a green sensor but not always

 

It could be a fuel pressure problem. Check your two way valve. Mine does it and that's what we concluded it to be.

 

classic main relay symptoms.

for the next while, EVERY time you go to start your car, listen for the clicks that happen when the CEL comes on (during fuel prime).

if u hear no clicks and/or the CEL does not come on then replace the main relay.

The main relay turns the fuel pump on, so if the pump gets no signal it will not start.

Do you notice that sometimes it starts then stumbles and dies, then it wont start at all for a few tries. Then out of no where it runs fine?

if so, thats DEFINATELY the main relay. $60 or so at the dealer only.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crx_88_si &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">classic main relay symptoms.

for the next while, EVERY time you go to start your car, listen for the clicks that happen when the CEL comes on (during fuel prime).

if u hear no clicks and/or the CEL does not come on then replace the main relay.

The main relay turns the fuel pump on, so if the pump gets no signal it will not start.

Do you notice that sometimes it starts then stumbles and dies, then it wont start at all for a few tries. Then out of no where it runs fine?

if so, thats DEFINATELY the main relay. $60 or so at the dealer only.</TD></TR></TABLE>

He's right. Sounds like all of you guys have either bad main relays or bad pumps (main relay 95% of the time).

They are 45$ at NAPA, 60$ at the dealer, and you will NEVER have to replace it again because they redesigned them, so they don't die like ours do.

 

Napa sells them!? DAMNIT those lying bastards

 

If your car starts 4 out of 5 times, you may have a dead spot on your starter. When was the last time it was replaced? I have this same problem on my car where it starts up fine like 9 times out of 10 and then there's that 1 time when I have to get out my hammer and bang on the starter.

The next time it doesn't start, bang on your starter with a hammer like 2-3 times, then try to start it. If it starts, then you have a dead spot on your starter and you should replace it.

 

Forgive me, but where is the main relay located?

thanks!