I've got a '89 civic hatch std, completely stock. It will decide not to start sometimes. 90% of the time, it starts right off the bat. Sometimes, it will crank over and over and over, but never start. If I wait long enough (usually 5-10 minutes), then it will start up.

When its not starting, I get a solid CEL, but the LED is not flashing at all. I don't know how to begin diagnosing this problem since I can't pull a code, and its not consistent in the sense that it usually starts. Any leads?

 

Sounds like a main relay to me....

Blaze

 

I second that...do you ehar the fuel pump prime?

Check the voltage gooing to the pump when you turn the ignition...should be 12

 

I'll check that when I get home tonight.

The strange part is that if you get the car started, it's fine... it will not ever die. Could this still be the main relay?

Thanks!

 

I had the same problem..though I don't remember what the guy said the problem was. I remember him telling me that it happens often and it only cost like 12 bucks to replace the part. I think it was the main relay...not sure. I'll try and find out for you.

 

Yippers....the relay isnt closing to prime the fuel pump to start the engine

 

Yes, it is definitely the main relay...I had this problem in both my 88 dx hb and my 89 civic wagon...car will turn over and over and *ucking over and not start BUT after say 5 or 10 minutes, the thing starts up without a problem, like nothing was ever wrong. The part's cheap and not too much of a pain to replace. Good luck!

 

Over here its like 48$ canadian to replace :s

solution is to open up the relay and resolder all the joints....they are notorious for crackign.