So lately my car hasn't been starting. I first thought starter and solenoid, had those checked out, and they were fine. I checked the battery, that was okay. I checked the main relay, it was burnt out (it was probably been burnt out for a while), changed it, still nothing, changed the four prong relay, nothing, changed the ignition switch, still nothing!

So I am posting to ask what possibly electric component I need to investigate. The only thing that works for the car is if I manually touch these two pieces together in the relay pictured (I'm aware the resistor is missing, I thought it was that initially, didn't put back in for the picture).

I have taken a voltmeter to the spade connectors going into the relay and only two of the four work:

[ X 0 ]
[ 0 X ]

The diagram above is the plug going into the relay, and where the zeros are, the voltmeter doesn't read anything when the ignition is turned, however, where the X's are, the voltmeter reads 12v if I make a circuit between them.

The cord I am talking to is the one plugged into the relay in the attachment. That's the eBay picture. I thought since the relay wasn't connecting that it'd be a simple fix, but the one I replaced isn't working with it either. Neither relay's smell burned so I don't know what the problem could be...maybe the guy on eBay sold me a bad one?

Any help would be much appreciated, going on two weeks without my wagon.

 

Typical relay operation -
Power and ground are applied to two prongs to charge a coil.
The coil creates a magnetic field which pulls a "switch" which connects the other two prongs together.


What is that relay supposed to control?

Where does that relay get power/ground from to actuate?

 

have u checkd main relay?

 

He stated that he did in his original post.
Actually, he said he changed it.

Hmmm... Did he get a new or a used one?

 

Thanks 4drEf,

I thought the two prongs not charging was was a normal operation -- that's what prompted me to open it, but I wasn't sure, thanks for confirming that.

The 4 prong relay I changed out was bought used from an ebay seller and it was for an Odyssey -- it was used. The main relay I changed was bought at an Advanced Auto parts -- BUT -- the box was opened and it looked like it had been used before.

The paint was worn off, so I was skeptical, documented its condition and decided to keep it on anyways because my previous one was in terrible shape.

From what it looks like, it looks as if the first step after the ignition is engaged is this relay I have described and pictured. I'm going to order a replacement I guess and try to deal with the guy on E-bay. But it doesn't smell burned or anything?

This diagram is from an 94 D15B2 but I think it's compatible:

 

Where is the relay 4 prong relay in that diagram?

 

The four prong relay is the one next to the M/T, underneath the ignition switch circle. When the key is turned to the ST (I assume it means start) It then is linked to the clutch switch (which had been disengaged/modded in this car when I bought it, I am going to investigate), then to the M/T relay.

 

Ooooohh.
So clutch safety switch goes to that.
When you press the clutch all the way down, it closes the switch and that closes the relay to allow you to start the engine.
Take a look under the dash at the top of the clutch pedal and make sure it makes contact to click the switch when you press down the clutch.

 

Whew, finally an afternoon off.

Well good news, I took your advice and inspected the clutch saftey connection switch. I just had minor neck surgery so getting my head down there was a bit tough. I was lazy and just decided to take the wire from the switch out and by pass it -- sure enough it worked!

I blew a fuse though connecting things back up. Gonna return the spare ignition switch to Advanced Auto parts and call it a day. Writing up a for sale ad right now for the car, thanks so much guys!