I have been having problems with my 98 LS swapped civic burning up main relays and I have no idea why. They all make a crackling/popping noise when they blow. I've gone through three so far. What could be causing this?

 

Do you have the proper amp rated fuses installed for fuse 44, 13, and 31?

 

What fuse is 44? My fuse diagram doesn't have a 44. I have the correct amp fuses on 13 and 31.

Whenever I try to start it the CEL gets very dims and flickers.

 

If fuse 44 is the FI E/M fuse then yes I have a properly rated fuse in that spot too.

 

Curious could you need a different main relay since it is a swap? I am guessing here.

 

Problem solved, turns out the ground for my engine harness on top of the thermostat housing wasn't tightened all the way down.

 

From what I have been told the main relay doesn't need to be swapped when swapping in a new motor.

 

A bad ground would not burn up main relays. Your relays were almost surely fine.

 

Well I burned up one a while ago, replaced it, burned up another one. Just replaced my hacked up engine harness and I thought I burned up a third one, but it was just the ground. I think it burned up the first two because of a short in the previous engine harness, there was bare wire showing everywhere, and the swapped plug wires were crappily spliced together.

 

Ok well now the main relay stopped clicking, but the battery light is on. The car will turn over, but will not start. What does the battery light mean?