this car does start, but not all the time. sometimes it might start on the second try...and sometimes it might take 5 or 10 mins to start it.

i have researched and i've tried replacing the main relay with a known good one and the fuel pump has been replaced along with filter. the ignition seems healthy.

the problem is that the relay/pump seems to work intermittently. when i turn the key to the on position, the relay and pump may or may not come on. if i can hear prime the pump then i try to start it, once it fires it sometimes takes a little throttle to keep it running.

once i get it started it runs fine with no problems at all. but if the relay doesnt make its sound then there is more than likely no fuel pressure and NO way its gonna start.

any help is appreciated

 

track down the wires to the fuel pump make sure there are no breaks in the wires

 

Could it be the main relay?

 

If there's a problem with the wires directly from the pump being open or shorted then wouldn't it interfere with the car running altogether?

And the relay itself more than likely isn't the problem. Cold or hot isn't making any difference and the condition is the same with new or old relay. I popped the relays out of their covers and inspected them as well.

 

don't like saying it.. but check into your ecu. I had the same issue on an 89 hatch, ended up being the ecu had gotten static burnt at some point. maybe your prob too. toss in a friends or something and check it out, cant hurt to check

 

no always if it has a slight break in it...it could be connected good sometimes but if the wire moves and makes a break in the wire it might not have enough volt. running through...its prly not the issue just threw out an idea gl

 

I don't happen to have an extra ecu for a prelude and I don't have any friends with a fourth gen. My buddy has a fifth gen automatic but I don't think that's gonna help at all.

How can I confirm whether or not that is the issue.