I just had this problem start today so bare with me.

My car (92LX, f22a, 5spd) has been running just fine recently, until I get into my car after work. I crank it and it turns over, just won't catch and start. I let it sit for a second, then crank it again and it starts, then dies. Finally, the third try it starts and I make it home (10 minute drive). The second I get home I turn the car off and immediately try to start it again. No dice.

So I'm thinking it was the distributor or the coil, but I'm getting spark in all 4 cylinders. Plus my wires and plugs aren't that old (6 months at best).

I let the car sit for a few hours and try to just turn the key and let the fuel pump prime. Then I realize I don't hear the fuel pump priming at all. I tried starting the car anyway, didn't start (of course). So my heart sinks thinking I'll have to drop the tank and get a brand new pump out of nowhere. However, further research online helped me discover that it could be my Main relay. However, here's some addl info:

1. The car was directly in the sun after work, so it was hot when I got inside (I read that could cause the problem), but it's 60 degrees outside now and I left my windows cracked when I tried to start the car the second time when I got home. So it's plenty cool inside. Damage already could be done to the Main Relay?

2. No CEL. I read somewhere that the relay could cause it to stay illuminated.

3. Never had a starting problem before. Smooth idle. Plenty of power (lol). I usually never let the gas tank get under half full. I read that it is rare for a fuel pump to just up and quit. I realize the car is old, but is this true?

I'm just looking for a glimmer of hope before I reach into the wallet to replace the pump. Any suggestions? Anyone agree with the relay problem?

Thanks

 

yes sounds like a main fuel relay.i would check that first.

 

I'm hoping that is what it's going to come down to. It seemed strange that it would come out of nowhere like that. My first thought was the distributor actually. Oh well I'll get one tomorrow and see what happens.


*EDIT*UPDATE

I just went outside and it's pretty cold outside now, and I turned the ignition and heard the fuel pump prime.......barely. The car tried to start, but I didn't really stay with it. Sounds like the pump is struggling to get power. I'm assuming since it's now cold outside and the pump magically (sorta) works, it's really time to get the relay eh?


Modified by zennx2k3 at 6:54 PM 9/22/2008

 

if you remove the relay and open it up you will see the solder joint and where it is come unsolderesd .

 

Yeah I read how I could open it up, but not having any soldering experience, nor any of the appropriate eqipment, it's gonna be a ~$60 trip to Napa or AutoZone. Much better than the hundreds for fuel pump replacement i guess.

 

no no not a krappa or vatozone part. safe your self the head ache and get a factory one.

 

I woke up this morning to find your relpy. So, if I'm not getting a crapzone part and getting a factory one instead, do you have a link of where to order one? And I'm assuming it's gonna cost me.

BTW Other then it coming from the zone, what would be the problem of buying a relay from them? I mean, I need my car to start today. Anything wrong with buying one of those in the mean time while I wait for a factory?

 

i would suspose the relay from them for a temp fix would work. i would suspect most honda dealers would have the main relay in stock and they are about 60 bucks