Symptoms:

Car would just not start on random days, usually very cold days. When I put the key in, the cluster lights and everything would be very dim as if battery was completely drained. So i replaced my compact Odyssey Battery with a regular sized BRAND NEW EXCIDE. Problem solved. Did not have a problem starting it at all.

Car sat for 3 days due to a snow storm. I tried to start it, and nothing. DOESNT CRANK, starter does not click at all. THE CAR SHOWS NO POWER WHAT SO EVER WITH THE KEY IN ACC.

I CHECKED THE BATTERY WITH A METER, FULLY CHARGED.
I had a spare dizzy that I know is good for a fact. Swapped it in just to make sure it wasnt the Ignitor coil. STILL NO POWER WHAT SO EVER.

I assumed it was the Main Relay which is known to go bad on these cars. I resoldered it and BAM the car started! I shut it off and tried to start it one more time to make sure that was the problem solver...ONCE AGAIN NO POWER RUNNING THRU THE CAR AT ALL.

I picked up a BRAND NEW MAIN RELAY, installed it. BAM STARTED RIGHT UP! SHUT IT OFF...tried to start it again...SAME THING! NO POWER ONCE AGAIN!

What could be the culprit of this? Could my car somehow be blowing these main relays instantly???????????

IM REALLY STUMPED! PLEASE ANY PUT FROM YOU ELECTRICAL GURUS WOULD HELP!

Just to recap...FAIRLY NEW ALT. NEW DIZZY. NEW BATTERY. NEW MAIN RELAY...but still NO POWER...can't turn the lights on, put windows down, radio..NOTHING.

 

Edit, i visually inspected all my grounds...all seem to be fine and in place.

 

so many members...not one suggestion yet?! damn...

 

Well, to isolate the main relay, just go find another OBD1 Honda and put your suspected bad main relay in it. If the car runs, it's not popping the relays. If it doesn't, you're gonna have to start troubleshooting the wiring. I know you checked your grounds, but there are MANY, and to be honest, that's what it sounds like to me, but I'm not in front of the car either.) You might chase the grounds coming from the main relay, but if it wouldn't crank or anything, it's a bigger problem, as the main relay doesn't control the starter.

But it could also be something as simple as the terminals, or corrosion, be 100% sure on all your underhood fuses, etc.

Other than that, it's a meter, a 12-pack, and a dream, my friend. Good luck.

 

with a bit more research I stumbled across some suggestions that it could be my ignition switch because there is no power at all.

 

I know this sounds dumb but my buddys car did something like this and he hooked his battery up backwords lol. Other then that I would say wiring issue, but good luck...

 

Check the battery connections!

 

battery is installed right and connections are solid. i will keep u posted once my friend comes to give me a hand with his volt meter...electrical problems scare me...

 

is there power getting to the ECU? check the fuses under the hood?

 

I would try the main relays that are "blown" in your friends car if you dont know how to troubleshoot the relay.

Did you try cleaning the battery cables as suggested?

 

I have this exact same problem right now. It slowley got worse with not starting, until now, I have no power whatso ever when my key is in ACC. It did not do this until I had removed and cleaned all the fuses in my fuse box under the hood. All are secure and in place and seem to be fine.the car gets power and starts when I try jumping it. The battery is putting out 12v and my HO alt is sending 22v when the car is running. Its not my main relay, I tried it in my other integra and it works. I have already changed my ignition switch once, Im checking my starter relay today. I've replaced all terminals and cleaned all main grounds.

If u have you any updates on your situation please post again. it acts as my car acts. And i've been trying to solve it for a year.