A friend of mine has an 89 LXI that starts fine--except when it is parked in the sun with the windows up and the interior gets hot. We have checked for spark and it is fine. We are thinking it is a fuel problem caused by an electrical part getting hot and not working. Any ideas or sugestions are appreciated. Brian

 

could be the ecu, vapor lock, a whole host of things. have a mechanic look at it when it is hot like that they should be able to find the problem

 

It has fuel injection so I doubt that it is vapor lock, but thanks for the reply. Brian

 

When it is hot do you hear the fuel rail charge? If not it is most likly the main relay for the fuel pump. When it is hot it most likly sticks and will not send the signal to the fuel pump to charge the rail. I just went through the same thing with my 92 accord EX. When it was in the garage it will charge up every time I turn the key. But if it is at work in the sun it will get to hot and it won't start. Make sure you listen when it is cold if the fuel rail is charging. It should sound like a light hissing sound and then stop.

 

yup get a new main relay.

 

Where in the car is the fuel relay located? Brian

 

I just replaced the main relay in my 89 LXi recently. Oh the lower dash, you will see the fuse tray/cover/lid thing that folds down and pops off. Take that off and you will see the main relay stuck on the side body. I wish i had a pic. Have fun and great tidings getting the 10mm bolt on and off, i ended up using a long extension with a 1/4" ratchet.