I have the common problem of my '94 Honda Civic DX starting sometime only. I am zeroing in on the main relay diagnosis but it is frustrating when the car does start after turning the key and leaving it on until I hear the "click" of the relay. The car has never left me stranded but I've had to wait and try and retry the ignition until it finally does start.
Today, while testing fuses with a test light. I touched the "starter signal" fuse in the under dash fusebox. The second I touched the fuse, I heard the click of the relay and the whir of the fuel pump. What exactly is this fuse for? Is it possible that I grounded it and that enabled the relay to do its job? (maybe a bad ground on whatever this fuse goes to) Or is it just a fluke that the relay kicked in the moment I touched the fuse. Also the fuse looks fine and the light lit up.
Thanks in advance

Run through the tests suggested in sections A and B below:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-honda-civics-46563.html

It should help you solve the problem.

I believe you grounded the ACG (S) fuse, which controls power to the main relay. In essence, you bypassed the ignition switch, actuating the main relay, and provided power to main relay terminal 5 and the fuel pump.

Be sure and run the K-Test. Keep me posted.

Txgreasmonkey,
Much thanks and will follow through and post what happens.
:D

I had the same problem with a 92 honda civic. Sometimes you heard the fuel pump when you turned the key, other times you didn't. Finally it wouldn't do it anymore and I had to replace the ECU. No problems at all since. Found a used one off a Del Sol for $100. Trust me, I replace the fuel pump, fuel relay, finally the ECU...

Thanks Steve and Tx. I did do all of the tests and everything seems OK. Of course, the car has been starting enough to give me that false sense of security again. I just always wait for the click and whir of the fuel pump. Its doing it almost always on the first try . I have had to turn the ignition a couple of times before it finally clicks only rarely lately.
I think you are right and I need the ECU. Do you know what vehicles I can salvage from?
Did you salvage yours?
From a wrecked Sol?
Thanks

Following section S, in the link below, you need to get the Honda Part No. off your ECM:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/faq-how-troubleshoot-repair-maintain-honda-civics-46563.html

I bought a Cardone remanufactured ECM, from O'Reilly Auto Parts, with a lifetime warranty for around $250.

94 honda civic ex... wont start. Battery good, new starter... will roll start and run fine... all visible fuses good... is it the relay and how to test it. ( key on all dash lights work but no clicking sounds at all) was arcing the starter for a while to start it but crossed polarities and now won't