When I switch the ignition to ON, the check engine light comes on. I know it's supposed to, but every once in a while, and more frequently lately, it STAYS on. The car, a 96 Accord, will not start while it's on. After anywhere from a few seconds to 20+ minutes, the check engine light goes off and the car starts.

When it just took a couple minutes, it was a minor annoyance, but now it's a big big hassle. The last few days, it's taken 20 minutes or so every single time.

My plan is to take it to autozone for the free check. (NO, I haven't done that yet. Doing it today. I'm a procrastinator.)

No other probs with the car, but this is a little odd. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like a bad pgm-fi main relay. Next time it happens kick your foot up in the dash straight up just to the left of the brake pedal. The relay is located there. Sometime you can hit it just right and the car will start. You could also remove the relay and inspect the solder joints on the pcb. You should be able to find a cracked cold solder joint.