Trying to track down an issue on my Mom's Civic.
Upon search found references to a main relay, but didn't see her specific symptoms.

After car is warm, sometimes it won't start after a short trip. Turns over, but won't start. If she let's it sit for a few minutes, it'll start right up. Hasn't happened recently (due to colder weather??)

If this sounds like a familiar problem, I'd appreciate any advice on where to look. The problem is intermittent, but don't want Mom to get stranded.
Have never seen this issue (or anything like it) on my '85CRX

TIA,
Eric

 

It could be due to a faulty TW sensor. It tells the ECU how warm the engine is. When they start to go, they report the engine is colder than it really is, enriching the fuel mixture. This results in flooding and hard starting. The condition will not set a code because the TW sensor is reporting at least something to the ECU and it's happy. There is a way to check the TW sensor with an ohm meter, but it's tedious and time consuming. Basically you connect the meter, heat and cool the sensor, and watch for a non-linear resistence reading.

 

Try replacing your PGM-FI main relay with a known good unit for a day or two.

This may not be your problem but I have found this to be a solution to the symptoms you are experiencing on a few other Civics and Integras.

-kenji

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kenji &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Try replacing your PGM-FI main relay with a known good unit for a day or two.

This may not be your problem but I have found this to be a solution to the symptoms you are experiencing on a few other Civics and Integras.


-kenji</TD></TR></TABLE>

In an Eg Si hatch..
how many main relays are there...sometimes my fuel pump wont prime and then some times it does...i put a fuel filter in like 1000 miles ago...
I was told to check my main relay...but dont know if thats it or not when it doesnt prime all it does is turn over or sometimes start up and bog down.. i wanna get this solved.

 

TW sensor? What does that stand for, and where do I find it?

Thanks for the quick response!

E

 

that happened to me.. it was faulty wiring on the distributor..i did not soddor it.. after soddering it was fine...

 

To me, it sounds like you both need main relays. The fuel pump not priming is a dead give-away. So is the not starting after a short trip.
Just take the relay out, and try re-soldering the connections. That usually always works.
PS Only 1 main relay in hondas.

 

Ok, assuming it's the main relay, where do I find one of those bad boys (online)? Tried Majestic Honda but they don't list it (not under 'main relay' or 'relay')
Do I have to leave the cyber-world to source/price one?

THX!

 

BEFORE you go by a Main Relay. I would put money on it that it is your temperature sensor. I went through this same crap all summer. 2 Mains and a used Dizzy thinking it was the ignitor. It is a $30.00 part from NAPA and takes 5 min to put in. It is CODE 6 if your CEL is on.

 

Thanks caveman -
No CEL but I figured I'd price my part swapping options before I begin.
Where is the temp. sensor located? And if that's not it, how much do you want for your extra main relay?

 

I sold my relay. The temp sensor is on the left side of the Cylinder head. it has two wires w/clip green and black. I dont have a pic. I'm sure it will fix the problem. I got stranded all the time. It cranks like it is flooded. It only did it when it was warm. Thats why I thought it was my main. Then I thought it was the ignitor because of it flooding. Not getting spark. Then I looked in the Helms manual and troubleshooted it. Has started every time since I replaced it. try that before any thing!

 

99.9% sure its your main relay.

 

I'll bet you on that .1% it's not. Mains only go out when the car is hot inside and he solder combines with other conections. I replaced 2 mains and mine did the same EXACT thing. I would try temp sensor first!! and much cheaper than a Main

 

what year is her civic?
if it's an eg/eh, it's #19 on this page.
http://www.hondaautomotivepart...IN%29
HTH

PS Like I said earlier, though, if you have access to a soldering iron you can fix the relay yourself for free, if that's the problem. If you need any instructions or advise just drop me a line.

 

Its a bet, get on replacing boy!

 

Thanks guys - odds are 100% that it's one of those.
I appreciate the detailed assistance!

E
'85 CRX Si
'91 Miata
mechanical guardian of '92 Civic
wishing I'd had a GSL-SE and a '91 CRX Si

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eric_Rowland &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Trying to track down an issue on my Mom's Civic.
Upon search found references to a main relay, but didn't see her specific symptoms.

After car is warm, sometimes it won't start after a short trip. Turns over, but won't start. If she let's it sit for a few minutes, it'll start right up.
If this sounds like a familiar problem, I'd appreciate any advice on where to look. The problem is intermittent, but don't want Mom to get stranded.
Have never seen this issue (or anything like it) on my '85CRX

TIA,
Eric</TD></TR></TABLE> Mains have the problems in the summer when it is hot. It's just my .02 for the experence that I had all summer.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Caveman74 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> Mains have the problems in the summer when it is hot. It's just my .02 for the experence that I had all summer.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I've seen it happen in cold weather, too, just not as common.
At the dealership I work at, we sell them all year long!!


Try soldering that b!tch up! It's FREE!!!!!!

 

Is there a link to instructions on this one, or do I just prod it with the soldering iron until it tells me what I want to hear?

The one hit on main relay shows a picture, but it's not obvious which, if any in particular, pegs need attention.

TIA
E

 

OK. Here's what you do.
Look very closely at the side where the 'pegs' poke out of the circuit board. Go around and look at all the pegs. What your'e looking for is a peg with what lookes like a tiny, hairline around the peg. You might find 2 of these pegs (sometimes both sides of the fuel pump circuit go). These are your problem. Heat the connections, and add a little solder for good measure, and your'e done!

If you have trouble locating the pegs w/ the bad connection, just hit them all up w/ a little lovin'

Does that work for you?

 

I can manage that -
And one or two of those

thx

 

No problem!
Let me know how it turns out.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Eric_Rowland &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">TW sensor? What does that stand for, and where do I find it?

Thanks for the quick response!

E</TD></TR></TABLE>

TW sensor is the water temperature sensor. Usually just under the distributor. My money is on the TW sensor causing your problem, not so much the main relay.

 

damn 92 dx's. I have this same prob! Thanks for the advice!