MitchG

Okay guys. Another problem, bad week for me... Anywho, This morning, I took my car out to go to the hardware store. Everything was fine. But today at lunch, when I wanted to hit the grocery store, it wouldn't start. It would try, it just wouldnt turn over by the sounds of it. So my question is, why would it not start now, and did earlier, without any signs of failure before hand. And, what is the problem do you think? Dizzy? Alternator? Fuel? I dont know anymore. Thanks.

imported_plzbeleiveit

Main relay is my guess, if you never reaplced it before.

MitchG

I let it sit while i walked to the grocery store, and tried to fire it up when I got back. The car kinda just fizzes out after awhile.

I have not replaced the relay before. Can someone tell me how to check the ECU codes without a reader (i.e. the budget way?) I know there is a way, just dont know how.

imported_plzbeleiveit

Answer this: when your turn key to accessory do you hear the car prime and a click than the engine light turns off?

MitchG

my radio will work, in position II, sorta, it will turn on, but no sound for some reason?

imported_weiRtech

you're check engine light would be on if you're ecu was throwing a code. no point in checking it if you aren't getting a cel.

when was the last time you did a tune up? sounds like the car is in rough shape with all the problems you've been having.

your engine is just an air pump. usually when an engine won't start it is one of two things: spark or fuel. it needs these plus air to start and air is almost never the problem. it could be any number of things. you just need to start with the basics:

1. check the battery with a multimeter to make sure it isn't low.
2. check to see if you are getting spark at the plug when you turn it over by grounding it to the engine and turning the engine over.
3. listen for your fuel pump to come on when you turn the ignition on but don't crank it right away.
4. pull a plug after you try starting it and smell it, is it wet? does it smell like fuel or is it dry?
5. pull the distributor cap on to ensure the rotor hasn't come loose.

if the car does nothing when you turn the key odds are it is the battery or alternator.
if the car turns over and doesn't want to fire then it is most likely fuel or spark.

imported_plzbeleiveit

You shoul hear a click when the key is turn to ascessory, other wise your car isnt priming for the start. Main Relay would cause this.

MitchG

my car used to (when it would start) throw a code, in like, 3 gear or higher.

MitchG

what if the CEL doesent come on? I read that write up, and it said its toast it the cel comes on? Coudl it still be the relay?

MitchG

So I'm pretty confident its the relay now, thanks for the help. I'll let you guys know how it ends up.

imported_plzbeleiveit

Yes, their 78.00 at honda.

You will find the relay under the steering column. There are 4 screws holding the panel up, 1 in the coin pocket and 3 across the rest of the panel. Remove the screws and the front of the panel will drop down.
The indicator relay and the main relay are held on by the same 10mm bolt, remove the bolt and unclip the main relay. Clip new one in and try it out.

They well look like this.


however, older relay if it was never changed before are brownish color.


* I knoew you orginally pm me on where it was but i thought id post incase someone else has the same problem.

Cynikal.Mindset

your head gasket is pooched, stop mickey mousing around and fix your damn car...jeezus!