Hello,

I have a 1990 Honda Accord DX. The problem I'm having seems to be mildly intermittent. It happens most often on a hot day recently after the car has been driven (approx 10-20min after turned off). The car will start for about 2 seconds and then die. Any attempt to start after that and the car will just turn over or sputter a little. After leaving the car sit for anywhere from 5-15 min, it will start and run just fine. Could anyone help me with fixing or troubleshooting this problem?

Thanks!

 

main relay

replace it or if you know how to solder, take it apart and resolder it.

 

Its inside the dash drivers side left of steering wheel not the first switch you see but the one up higher find a pic of it somewhere online (ROCK AUTO.com)maybe so you know what your looking for I soldered mine years ago they came out of the factory with whats called a "Dry Socket" meaning one of the solder joints wasn't kosher look at the board with a magnifying glass and you'll find it.

 

This sounds more like a bad distributor. Mine did the same thing. It got worse over the course of a few weeks. It would not start at all if hot.

 

I removed the main relay but none of the solders are cracked. I'm guessing that the best way to test it is to wait until it won't start, remove the relay, and test the continuity of certain pins?

 

Here's a link to a site that talks about testing the unit. Be sure to look at the picture to determine which pin is which, and maybe even label with a sharpie to make life easier.

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/troub.../aa010301c.htm

If this unit checks out, could be distributor.

Also, another thing to check - when the car is not starting, turn the key to the "on" position and listen for the distinctive clicks and fuel pump running. Also watch for the flashing "S" on the dash. These conditions are also indicative of a main relay problem.

 

you will not be able to see the cracks. Resoldering the unit is pretty straight forward

 

if it's not the main relay, test the coil and ignitor.

 

thanks! I'll try to test this weekend and let ya know what i find

 

Here is a good site for locating the main relay and fixing it.

http://techauto.awardspace.com/mainrelaydefine.html

 

SEARCH!!!

 

it was definitely the relay. thank you all so much for the help!!

 

Its not a crack its a "space" around the pin and yes it can be seen with a magnifying glass I found mine this way and fixed it years ago.