98 Civic EX
D16y8
182k Miles

Couple of days ago I was doing a compression test on the car (documented in another thread). So I left everything as it was and then last night put the plugs in, connected injectors, connected ignition harness, tried to start it up...nope, just clicking noise coming from the passenger side, from glove box compartment.

Just to note, I've heard this same noise on couple of occasions when the car hasn't been running for a while. It would start up then after a few seconds click a few times and shut off. It would do this 2-3 times and then start normally and run without issues. Now it doesn't want to start at all. I figured the battery might be too weak from when I did comp test, so I let it charge over night. Gave it another try this morning but nothing.

I took couple pictures of the box. It assume it's some sort of a relay? Anyone know what it is called or what it controls?

 

Main relay.

 

Are there any other things to check out before buying a new main relay?

 

check all your grounds on the engine

 

Will do. Thanks guys.

 

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Updated

 

When you turn the key to ON(II), does the CEL come on for ~2-3 seconds, then turn off?

 

It does.

 

 

With the key in that position do you hear the fuel pump prime? If not I'd say main relay also, but you did state that the sound comes from the passenger side...

 

I took out the main relay tonight...with harness still connected, I put that metal tab (ground) against one of the metal pieces and was able to start up the car immediately. It looks like the spot where the main relay sits has some rust and it was losing contact. Cleaned it up with some sand paper and ran a 12gauge piece of wire from the bolt that secures it to one of the metal pieces...just in case :D

 

The main relay does not ground locally.

 

Hm, well something fixed it then...hopefully it stays working

 

Yeah, that doesn't make sense. That's not a ground strap, it's just a mounting strap. Unplug the relay, and inspect the plug for corrosion. Also, remove the box surrounding the relay and see if the solder has started to crack. Shifting the relay could have "moved" the solder back into position, but it'll only be a temporary fix.

 

I'll keep an eye on it and see how it does...if it gives me trouble again, I'll just get a new one.

 

It may not be bad.

 

At least it will eliminate one possible thing that could be bad.

 

Poor strategy. Learn to do diagnostics rather than replace parts randomly. You don't need a tech forum to help you do the latter.

 

Fair enough, but if it doesn't fix the problem I can return it and focus on other things that can be causing the problem.

 

If the problem recurs, start by buying a digital multimeter.

 

And if it does reoccur and you're in the boonies with no tools to fix it, giving it a whack when the key is in ON often helps get you on your way.