Hard start, replaced relay, pump, and regulator - Accord 2002 SE 2.3L
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Hard start, replaced relay, pump, and regulator - Accord 2002 SE 2.3L
Hi, I am having some trouble with my 2002 Honda Accord SE (2.3L, 4cyl). The engine has a hard time starting, though it's not the battery/alternator because it cranks well - just the pistons don't fire for a while, and when they do, it still takes a bit for them to start going so I can let starting mechanism.
I read on here all about the issues with main relays, so I went ahead and replaced the following to knock out a good chunk of fuel delivery culprits:
• Fuel Pump Relay (main relay)
• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Pressure Regulator
The car runs nicely now, but the hard start is still there. Another thing I've noticed that may or may not be a secondary symptom is that the vehicle has a hard time shifting (automatic), particularly from first to second, second to third. It just hangs for a little while, and then drops in with the RPMs a little higher than you'd want for a smooth shift.
I've read that the Accord ignition switches were recalled, but I want to get some insight from more experienced people before I go pulling my column apart. Is it just the electrical portion of the ignition switch that's the issue, or the whole mechanism needs replacing? Are there some other possibilities I'd want to eliminate first or is the ignition switch the main suspect now?
I previously read about someone resetting their car's computer by disconnecting the battery while it's running and letting the computer 're-learn' the car. I also read something about turning the key on and off a few times to do something or other with the fuel pump when it's replaced. I'm just wondering if any of this might be part of the process for replacing a main relay, because I really felt like that was the issue.
My fuel pump does not make a sound My fuel pump DOES make a sound when I turn the key to run mode (power on), I just checked again and listened closer. My check engine light does not come on when I have the key turned so the power is on, but it does appear whilst I'm starting it (which I'm guessing is standard). Does any of this help?
Anyway, any help is appreciated!
I read on here all about the issues with main relays, so I went ahead and replaced the following to knock out a good chunk of fuel delivery culprits:
• Fuel Pump Relay (main relay)
• Fuel Pump
• Fuel Pressure Regulator
The car runs nicely now, but the hard start is still there. Another thing I've noticed that may or may not be a secondary symptom is that the vehicle has a hard time shifting (automatic), particularly from first to second, second to third. It just hangs for a little while, and then drops in with the RPMs a little higher than you'd want for a smooth shift.
I've read that the Accord ignition switches were recalled, but I want to get some insight from more experienced people before I go pulling my column apart. Is it just the electrical portion of the ignition switch that's the issue, or the whole mechanism needs replacing? Are there some other possibilities I'd want to eliminate first or is the ignition switch the main suspect now?
I previously read about someone resetting their car's computer by disconnecting the battery while it's running and letting the computer 're-learn' the car. I also read something about turning the key on and off a few times to do something or other with the fuel pump when it's replaced. I'm just wondering if any of this might be part of the process for replacing a main relay, because I really felt like that was the issue.
Anyway, any help is appreciated!
Last edited by jtbennett; Feb 17, 2018 at 05:22 AM.
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