A few weeks ago, my 99 Honda Accord-V6 did not start after leaving it outside in the sun all day long. That evening, I went back to the car and it started right up. It started and ran great until this weekend. I moved it from my driveway to the street and tried to move it again after cutting the lawn-again in the sun. It did not start. I will try starting the car this evening after the sun goes down. I'm assuming if the car starts after the outside temp goes down, that it could be something I could fix myself.

After reading many posts, it seems that the Main Relay or starting coil or fuel pump relay might be to blame. From what I've read, it seems the main relay acts up when it gets hot outside.

I'm a pretty handy guy and would like to see if I can fix the problem myself-assuming I can fix/check using my tools that I have.

Question: How do I check these systems to see if they are going bad?

Thanks a bunch

Not sure if thermal intermittent, Hot/cold expansion of connection. Or moisture involved.
Pull each relay, and look at terminals and sockets for dark or corroded contacts.
A test light can tell where power stops, when failing.

Remove main relay; then, desolder and resolder the "cold" joints on the circuit board. Otherwise, just replace with a new relay.

I checked my main relay yesterday and that seems to be OK. My next step will be to dbl check the fuses and then recheck the fuel pump. Hopefully it's just the fuel pump or a fuse. Otherwise, it'll have to go to the dealer :mad:

Remove main relay; then, desolder and resolder the "cold" joints on the circuit board. Otherwise, just replace with a new relay.


I checked my main relay yesterday and that seems to be OK. My next step will be to dbl check the fuses and then recheck the fuel pump. Hopefully it's just the fuel pump or a fuse. Otherwise, it'll have to go to the dealer

There is a very large recall on Honda's. Call Honda corporate and they won't even let you finish your sentence! The problem is the Ignition Switch and the Ignition Interlock. I extremely irate and I am going to contact the BBB. I took my car in three times and they could never "duplicate the problem". Please raise hell if you are having the same issue and mabye we can get some results.

Does the Starter turn engine over?

I am not sure what you are asking?

When you turn the Key, do you hear anything? a click? the engine rotating? do the headlights work? Bright?
The Main relay or any relay can be tested with voltage and when voltage to coil is present a voltage needs to be present All the time, Ignition switched or something, then Power tested out of relay. You also have shift interlock besides ignition switch to check also.
A service Manual will tell what color the wires are and where they go. They save Time/Money. Let us know your recent test, turning over?

The dealer has my car right now and is supposed to be fixing it. There has been an open recall for several years and they missed it all of this time. I will check your solution if my car comes back and isn't fixed. Thanks for the reply.