All of a sudden our 2001 Accord LX V6 auto has begun to be sometimes difficult to start after being parked for a short time after a drive to the store. Air temperatures 100 - 108 degres F. Will crank, tries to start, but fails to start. If leave ignition on for a few minutes, then will start. This sounds like vapor lock to me, based on prior experience with other, simpler , cars in years past, but has not previously been a problem with this car. Any suggestions for what might suddenly be causing this problem and recommended solutions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Critter

 

vapor lock? wtf is that?

 

Vapor lock is when the fuel in the lines vaporizes due to heat so that there is no liquid fuel for the injectors to squirt into the cylinder. Much more common years ago, pretty rare these days in automobiles, which is why I am puzzled. Years ago we would insulate the fuel lines where they were getting hot to prevent it.

 

needs main relay

 

Could you possibly elaborate just a wee bit as to what the "main relay" is and how this causes the problem, and if there is a way to confirm this is the cause prior to replacing it?

Thanks,

Doug

 

in this case, i really think it's vapor lock, and not a faulty main relay. my 99 has done it a couple times, back when the summer temps used to hit 105 degrees.

i wish i could help, but i'm not sure how to stop vapor lock from occuring.