The reason I'm asking is due to a weird problem with my 90 teg (155,000 miles)
Recently it doesnt want to start. So far its done this to me about 5 times in the past 2 weeks. The last time it did this I pulled the pressure release bolt of the fuel filter and no gas came out. Then I tried to start it the following day and the car started on the first turn. Also I don't hear the fuel pump come on when I turn the car on.

Lemme know if any of you have had a similar problem.

Thanks

 

Haven't had a similar problem, but the pump's pretty hard to hear. On my '95 it runs for about 2 seconds when you first turn the key on. You can hear it much better with the gas cap off, so have somebody stand there & listen. Of course, when someone's listening it's never going to fail...

 

OK, I am getting tired of posting this, so this time, I am going to start carbon copying it.

THERE IS A MAIN RELAY ASSEMBLY IN JUST ABOUT EVERY HONDA.
This assembly makes the fuel pump run for about 2 seconds before/during the startup sequence. It also continues power to the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the front of the car into the filter, (which can clog). To diagnose the main relay, move the car to a QUIET SECLUDED place. Fasten the seatbelt so that the idiot chime doesn't interfere with your ability to hear it.

Turn the key on. If you hear a click under the dash, then you know that at least HALF of the realy assembly is working. You should hear what sounds like 2 clicks at the same time, if you can distinguish this. Try this:

CLICK THE KEY ON/OFF RAPIDLY LIKE 10 TIMES IN A ROW. Then, turn it on, not starting the car. Watch the check engine light on the dash, and see if you hear a click when it goes off. If you do then your relay is working. It may still be the problem. I have taken these things out over 1,000 times, cleaned the contacts, soldered the braided connecting wire, and resoldered the legs back to the circuit board that they desoldered from and have used them indefinitely.

The Main Relay is under the dashboard in a VERY hard to reach spot. On 1988-1991 Civics and CRX the bolt is at the very bottom of the dash, and you have to use a 10mm ratchet, extension, and swivel socket combined with prayer to get it out. Every time you do it, it will get easier, because you break a small piece of dash off which will allow more hand room.

I can swap one of these in about an hour, and I would be willing to bet it is the problem before the fuel pump.

Have someone check it out, if you aren't up to the task. 9 times out of 10 I have seen bad relays, not fuel pumps.

Take it easy man!
Scott


[Modified by CRneXt, 5:25 PM 4/3/2003]

 

Thanks I will make sure I check that relay out.

 

ive replaced the relay in all 3 civics ive owned

 

Great, looks like this could be the problem.

BTW how much is a new relay?

Thanks,

Frank

 

around 55 dollars from honda

 

how can u tell by looking at the relay that it is bad? should I take it out and clean it and solder it anyway if i can't see anything? my car kinda sputters sometimes and will die and be hard to start only after it died. other times my car runs fine so I am kinda stumped.

 

Yes, i've replaced 4 myself The best is when you shut off your car in the drive-thru or at the track in the lanes and the car won't start again Nothing makes your day like that!

 

Thats the kinda **** that was happening to me

 

what if i have those symptoms but can still here the click when I turn my ignition on, doesn't that mean the relay is still alright? also, my car died and wouldn't start but a guy offered to jump start my car and it started right up, why would that help? has anybody had experience with bad ignitors in the distributor?

 

Semper Fi......

USMC-MOS 0300 ..............soon to be 0321 RECON!!!!!!!

OORAHH

 

My girlfriends 1993 Civic EX had the same problem. It would randomly not start sometimes. Replaced the main relay under the dash and that solved it