Hey guys. Question is about my 88 Civic Wagon RT4wd. Motor is a D16A6 stock, only K&N drop in filter.

Have had problems the last few weeks with the car starting. Sometimes it fires right up, and some times it wont; it will just keep turning over. Happens a lot after the car has been running for a while first. It never dies outright while driving, but it does feel like it’s stumbling a little. I have changed the plugs, wires; cap, rotor, and fuel filter so far. It’s not tossing any codes.

The other day I sat and listed while turning the key into the “on” position. Sometimes the Pump wouldn’t start. I have been told that rather than this being the fuel pump at fault, it’s actually a solenoid under the dash, does this sound right? I can’t find any information on it after searching.

Please help. This is not something I will have the room to correct myself, and when it’s in the shop I would rather not have to pay to have both the tank dropped to change the fuel pump and take the dash out to change a solenoid. Both are time consuming and will cost me a lot. Again, no room to do this myself right now, so please don’t tell me to do it myself!

Thanks for any constructive help!

 

You are correct that if you dont hear the pump priming when you turn the key to the 'II' position, it's the thing under the dash. It's a relay, not a solenoid.

It's called the main relay, you can find it in the driver's side footwell, you may have to remove your coin tray to get at it. Most of the time the solder joints go bad on the connections in it and it needs to be resoldered or replaced. If you need instructions or pics just search 'main relay' in this forum and you'll get plenty of answers.

Good Luck!

 

See thats why I love this site.

Thanks for the answer, Ill try and get this changed this weekend and see what happens.

Thanks again!

 

have you replaced the main relay? they usually go bad and cause a problem like what you're experiencing. They usually go bad over time, just replaced mine a year ago.

 

Replaced main relay the other night, really seems to have fixed everything.

Thanks for the help guys! If it comes back, Ill post it up!

 

Well the wagon seemed okay until I really got on it and pushed the car. Went for a 15 minuet drive at highway speeds then parked. Left the car off for about 10 minuets. After that, went to fire it back up, and it started, but then seemed to stutter an die almost right away. After that it wouldnt start again and it sounds like the starter is toast. It wont even turn over now, just clicks from the starter like crazy.

I guess I replace the starter and see what happens. Any other thoughts on what else it could be?

 

Still having the same problems guys. Any ideas?

At this point, I have changed the starter with a tested unit.

I Turn the key, and at this point I get nothing. No noise no nothing from the starter. However, you can jump the car, no problem and it will fire right up. What is the problem?

Any ideas here? I’m getting ready to start pulling out my hair.

 

could be your battery or your alternator thats is bad. I had about the same problem. went to jump start car and it fire up but when i remove the jumper cable my car die...so it was the alternator...then one day driving my car just dei at the stop sign...got new battery and car ran good after that no more problem...and when you stater is clicking when trying to turn it over is not enough juice from the battery...

 

It could be the battery, alternator or either the starter isnt getting power or it doesnt have a good ground

Buy a multimeter or get one from a friend and push start it
When the car is running, check for voltage at the battery
You should get 13.5-14.5 volts white it running
You can also take your battery to autozone or kragen and they will test your batter for free, but i would still do the voltage test on the battery

If you dont, either your battery is weak or you need another alternator
If your car passes the voltage test, then put an extra ground on the starter
If this doesnt turn your car over when its not moving then make sure the wire that goes from the fuse box to the starter is tight
Check the screw at the fuse box and also the bolt at the starter