Hi all,

We have a 95 Honda Accord Vtis F22B1, driving home from work a couple of weeks ago, the CEL came on, and about 10 seconds later, the engine cut out and wouldn't restart. The next day, it started fine, then the next time we tried, it wouldn't start at all, and so on.

When we turn the key, the check engine light either stays on, and the engine will crank, but not start, or the light goes off, and the car starts - but usually cuts out anywhere from 10 seconds, to 10 minutes later.

We replaced the main relay, but same problems. Occasionally when the check engine light is on, the relay will flicker (click really fast). Fuses seem ok. Have checked the grounds that I can find, although I can't seem to find the main one near the thermostat that people have mentioned. Any ideas? Thanks is advance.

 

We pulled out our ECU and found this... our problem? Repairable?

 

What's the CEL code, if any?
There's a loose wire connection somewhere, and there's a high number of connections that would do this. Battery terminal, ECM power and grounds, the ECM itself...
I don't believe there's a ground at the thermostat. There's one straight from the battery to frame, under the battery; and one the DRIVER side of the intake manifold, as well as driver side engine mount.
Do the lights (interior or exterior) die when the engine dies? Then I'd suspect the positive lead for the battery.
Has the CEL code cleared? I'd suspect the positive lead OR the ECM power, both positive and negative.
Try to get more info when it 'acts up' and bring it back here. Good luck!

 

No CEL code, lights didn't die, although the CEL flashes occasionally when the main relay clicks. We pulled the ECU out last night and had a look at it, and found that there are 3 blown capacitors... that will probably do it? And sadly, no one seems to have a replacement.

 

Find your part number (e.g. HondaPartsNow ) and confirm it from the ECM you have. Then start Googling junkyards. I got a replacement ECM for $40 within a 45 minute drive.. The one I got had been stored on a shelf, not in a wrecked car missing the glass.

 

What exactly are we looking at in this photo? What is it that looks wrong to you? It's hard to see.