Hey guys, I have an 1989 Civic CX and about a little while ago it developed an intermittent starting problem. It would turn over but not start half the time. There was a CEL. I started putting the key in the ON position and listening for the fuel pump every time I went to start it, and sure enough, the times it wouldn't start, the fuel pump was clicking on. I unplugged what I'm like 90% sure is the main relay (it's right above the hood release lever) and plugged it back in and everything was fine until today, when I went to fill up. The pump wasn't working so I went to move to another pump, and the car wouldn't start again. I had to pull the connector out and plug it in again, and it started and shut off immediately, I did it again and it was fine, but I didn't want to turn it off again to fill up so I left the gas station and went home. I started it up twice just fine after that. Then I went and got gas and once again it wouldn't start and I was stuck in front of the pump lol. I should mention the connector is really stiff and clicks in and doesn't at all appear loose when this problem occurs. Anyone know what could be going on here?

 

Okay, so turns out it's not the main relay. I just assumed it was based on people's description of where it is located and because of the fuel pump issues. So, here's a picture of what I'm actually unplugging:

 

Turns out it wasn't the main relay at all but I ended up cleaning the connection to whatever that is, and it didn't help, so I located the actual main relay and re-soldered it. It started several times cold, so I went and drove it around until the engine was nice and hot and it still started, so it looks like I fixed the problem!