My little 89 Honda Civic had been running fine.... then suddenly a few times it felt like the fuel delivery was getting weak, then it'd perk back up.

I parked the car for a few days and drove my main car. I went back to the Honda after a 5-6 day hiatus - and it won't start. It turns over, but I can clearly not hear the fuel pump engaging.

I took it to my friend who is a mechanic and he says he tested the wires up to the pump and they are simply not getting juice. This guy works on older hotrods, so this little Honda isn't his thing. I was told by an guy that does work on Honda's that the "fuel pump relay" under the steering column may be the culprit.

Any advice that can be offered on this?

I'd appreciate any help!

Thanks
-Mid

txgreasemonkey

Assuming the camshaft is rotating (timing belt OK), and the check engine light comes on and goes off, then replace the Main Relay. It's located about where the driver's left knee hits the side wall. To assist in locating it, turn the ignition on and off and hear the relay click. The main relay bracket is usually attached to a support brace with a 10mm hex bolt. To gain access, remove the under-dash fuse box cover and lower dash cover.

CroCivic91

I'd suggest reading the FAQ and resoldering the main relay. It is supposed to give your pump the "juice", but since it's bad - it isn't giving anything.

Midnight70

I forgot to update - Yep, I went and bought a teardown manual for it.

So - it says "test to see if there is power to fuel pump" ... hmm, k, check - no power there. Then it wanted me to test the main relay - unplugged it, jumped it with a 12V source and found no continuity in the pins it said I should have. Got a new one at the Honda shop for $58 .. she's runnin like a charm.