99 sedan, auto 1.6 sohc *girl friends car*

So the car has an intermittent starting problem and has even lost all power and had to be pulled over on the freeway.

Issues: NO cel light. Sometimes when you key on the car the CEL lights up. This is when the car will not start. Other times when you Key on the car the CEL will not light up and the car will start.

I thought it was spark but since I could never get the car to do it with me driving it I replaced the Distributor to make sure that spark was happening. Im reading on here to check the Thermostat housing ground wire and go from there.
Also From reading Alldata Im also thinking I might have some luck with replacing the fuel pump relay. I hate to throw parts at it like a dumbass. but at 90hr rate at the honda shop I would like to try a couple cheap things first.


Thanks alot guys.

 

Intermittent problems are tricky. Is this a no-crank or a cranks-but-won't-start problem? If the latter, then listen for whether the fuel pump primes and whether there is spark at the plugs when the engine won't start.

 

crank and no start, no fuel pump prime

 

clean your battery posts and cable make sure they are tight also check clean/replace grounds......my car had a similar problem with it loosing power and it turned out to be to my battery terminals were corroded

 

Go to your local Honda dealership and buy a new main relay 60-70.00 remove glove box and it will be on the right hand side bolted to the dash. Problem solved. Hondas are known for this problem.

 

Thanks. thats the plan and from what I read the common issue like you stated.

 

6th generation Civic main relays are not highly prone to problems like the 4th and 5th generations were. You might want to try swapping in a known good ECU.

 

replaced the relay for 27 dollars from rock auto and so far so good. Hearing the relay click and fuel pump prime is a good feeling, Im really sure it was the relay now.