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I have a 1998 honda accord that don't won't to start all the time. I have read that other honda owners are having this problem. I have had a mechanic to look at the car and of course the car starts with him my husband is trying to figure this out. I think I am going to contact the main Honda headquarters and see if this is a problem that might need a recall. This is such a pain. I'm afraid to drive my honda. I would like to know have any one found the solution? Thanks ladyj
I had a simlar problem with my honda accord and it turn out to be the starter relay
It is funny this forum has so many people having trouble starting Hondas. Usually they aren't that bad of a car. You might look for similar problems in other threads here, maybe going back into the archives. If you don't find anything, post back with more details.
Did anyone get a fix for this. My 98 Honda is acting up. I took it to the shop and of course it started fine. I bring it home yesterday and today it won't start. Any help or direction would be appreciated
Give us more details. Do you hear the fuel pump working? Does it start for a second and then dies? Does it start in cold weather, or in the morning, and not in hot weather and after it's been left in the sun?
Well I have a 98 honda 2 door coup with a 3.2 liter V6. It seems to be a little edgy lately. For the past couple of months periodically it would start, but run rough and then die, I would give another hit to the ignition and it would start and run fine.
A few days ago I went out to start the car, and it would just crank over, but wouldn't start. Knowing the past I walked away and tried again a few more times but it still wouldn't start. I called AAA and had it towed to a honda dealership where the next afternoon I get a call telling me that the car started just fine and they couldn't find any issues with it. I asked them to keep the car another day and try again.. but again no issues the car started fine.
I then pick up the car from the dealership and drive it home parking it in the driveway. Two days later go to drive it and it won't start. Give it some time and on the 3rd try about 30 minutes later it started. That was today in the afternoon. Since then I have continued to try to duplicate the issue with no luck.
What I'm noticing:
1.) All check engine lights and dash lights function properly. The check engine doesn't stay on.
2.) The engine cranks over like it normally does, however it doesn't start. (haven't been able to verify if there is a lack of spark) But I have always dealt with electronic components that either work or don't.
3.) I can't hear the fuel pump but then again I never have heard the fuel pump before. Again I thought they either work or don't.
4.) This issue seems to have only happen on hot days ( to my knowledge)
Is anyone experienced this with another Honda?
I cannot tell this for sure, because I have no experience with any Hondas newer than '91. But if it's happening only on hot days, then it reminds me of a 88-91 Civic problems with main relay. It used to cause the Civics not to start on hot days because of it's "dry joints" that would not conduct electricity. Let it cool down and it will start.
Try this next time it won't start. Open up the hood and all doors. Allow the car to cool down as fast as possible when it won't start. Try starting it in 2-3 minutes. If it will start that way - you might have a faulty main relay. Again, I'm not sure if newer hondas even have the main relay, but you might ask the dealership if they could take the relay out (if it exists) and check it's joints.
The trick here is that the relay is inside the cabin, so opening up all doors and hood would just allow the car to cool down a lot faster, and hondas with a faulty main relay don't have troubles starting in cold weather.
I actually found this forum looking for anyone else who having the same problem I am. Yesterday afternoon, which was hot (about 96 degrees faranheit) my honda almost wouldn't start. What I mean by that is when I turned the key, the engine turned over really sluggishly and the lights in the dash were going dim, then out, then back but dimly, in the same rhythym as the engine revving. The car did start, it didn't seem to be having a problem with the radio or air conditioning, and it shifted gears and drove up hills with it's usual pep.
So I think I might be having a similar problem. ; ) My car has really shown no issues before, other than the speakers suck (which I knew the *moment* I drove it off the lot-- no one can seem to fix it).
I got home after a ten mile drive. Parked the car in my driveway, turned it off, waited a few minutes, then decided to try turning it on (hoping that somehow it was now, magically, OK). It, once again, was slow to rev, dim dashboard lights, then it started.
So what is it? A starter (which'll cost around 160$ not including labor <sad grin>), a battery (maybe 90$?), or an alternator (several hundred dollars with labor)? I paid off this car not too long ago with the intention of keeping it for a while. It's kind of ironic that it is starting to have problems (bushings, bearings, and now this starting problem) expensive enough to equal the payments on a new one. Any help for a complete non-mechanic?
-callahan
MCSE, MCSA, MCT, A+, Security+ certified car incompetent ; )
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fm1949
I have lately problem with my 1998 honda accord when I left it in the sun for couple of hours it does not start ,so by reading this forum I try to leave open my window panes little bit so the cabin temp does not go too much high and actually it works pretty good only in extreme conditions I have the starting problem now , another thing I have noticed the green light on the dashboard does not comes up when car does not satrt , so I went to honda dealership to by parts it is 29.99 plus tax(main realy) . But is there anyone can help me how to replace this main relay as dealership wants to charge 300 dollars to even look at my car . I have been to mechanic they donot have a clue so please help
P.S Is somebody mad enough to catch a top guy in honda and try to address this issue collectivly as they would not listen to one customer at all I am so mad right now I am afraid to take out my family and I think it is not fair for us to go through this mess every day (excuse my language but I am agitated)
Here's a cheap thing you can do to see if it's your battery.
Take your power cables, connect your battery to a known good battery in another car, and try to start your car. If everything runs normal (does not turn over sluggish, lights are normally bright... ), then it's most likely your battery.
As a matter of fact, a friend of my suggested that very thing. He's coming over tomorrow to check it. If it is my battery, we're going to run out, buy one, and replace the bad one. If it isn't, well, I think AAA can tow me to the dealer come Monday. ; )
Quote:
Originally Posted by CroCivic91
I did already check that battery is good it is some connection in ignition circuit like main relay or satrting coil that get dis-connected with heat and stop the whole ignition process.
To rule out the main relay - take it out and resolder it. See if that helps. It's also a very cheap thing to do.
Don't go out spending a lot of money until you try the cheap things.
This is all pretty interesting. I have a 92 Accord that has trouble starting sometimes. It's happened again the last two days here in New York and it has been very hot out, 100 degrees yesterday. I walked to work this morning (3 in the morning) and went by where I had left the car, and it cranked right up. After leaving work (vey hot out) it would not start. I'll try the same thing in the morning and see what happens. Anyone know where the relay is inside the cabin?
Thanks!
Check the FAQ post in this forum for Civic problems. You'll find a link that will show you where the relay is (in a 88-91 Civic, but yours shouldn't be much different).
By the way, this sounds JUST like the main relay problem (outside heat related to starting).
Thanks for the reply. I walked by the car this morning on the way to work, and it started right up. It was cool out today (about 80) when I left work and it started right up again. Great!
I'll change or solder the relay at first chance. This thread probably saved me a bundle if I would have taken the car to the dealer.
Thanks again,
Bill
A similar thread on this forum helped me do the same thing - resolder the relay. Glad I could help someone else with the same advice! :)
Is it actually called the main relay, because my mechanic said there are many relays down there. Or is the whole thing? Could someone explain this to me?
It is a "Main Relay". Written so on the relay cover. Check the link in the FAQ for Main Relay fixing, and you'll see what it looks like.
I started having a stall problem on my 98 accord,which has 136,000 miles, about a month ago.
I was at a stop light and when the light turned green and I hit the gas the engine stalled. I was able to start it up again right after it stalled.
Over the weekend I started up the car and after about 5 minutes of just sitting in idle waiting for someone the engine stalled. I could not get it to start up again until I came back fifteen minutes later.
Could this be related to the main relay? Any help would be appreciated
Noob
This does NOT sound like a main relay problem. Do like this:Quote:
Originally Posted by Grokr74
Turn the key to "I" and prepare yourself to listen for a humming sound in the back (you're listening for fuel pump working). Turn the key to "II" and listen if you see a humming sound from the back of the car. If you do, your fuel pump is working. Humming sound should stop with a click from under the dash. If there is a click - your main relay is working.
It would be best to get your car to a shop, to get it connected to a diagnostics tool which will read out errors ECU has stored. It can give you a better idea of what is going on with the car.
When was your fuel filter last changed?
Thanks. I followed your instructions and heard the sounds you described.
The check engine light does not come on when I start the car normally. I followed the procedure in the Haynes repair manual for my car to read the OBD codes by putting a jumper on the DLC connector then turning the car on and checking for check engine light flashes to read the code. The check engine light comes on with the jumper installed in the DLC connector as described in the manual but I don't see it flash, which according to the manual means there are no stored trouble codes.
I never had the fuel filter replaced. I asked a couple of places to do it but they all said that in my car it is located in the fuel tank and they cannot access it.
-G
7 years old fuel filter doesn't sound good.
Ok, in order for the car to start - it must get both fuel and spark. Here is an easy way to see if you're getting gas. Have someone crank the car while you "sniff your car's ". Don't laugh now. You have to get close to the exhaust and smell for gas. Though, don't stick your nose inside the exhaust. If you smell it - it is getting through the injectors and that means your fuel filter is not clogged. If you don't smell it, pop the hood and smell there while someone cranks.
Or you can pull out the fuel rail with injectors and electrical connectors still attached to the rail, and point it to something that will not ignite the gas (if they squirt gas out), and have someone crank it while you check for injectors squirting gas.
Other than that - I have no idea what to check for, other than checking whether you're getting spark (refer to FAQ for instructions how to do that).
Thanks for your advice!
I noticed that when the car is in idle the tachometer would usually be about 660 rpm but it would fluctuate down to about 500 rpm periodically when in idle.
I checked my records and I had not done a fuel system cleaning in over 30,000 miles. I had Firestone perform a fuel system cleaning. After they did the cleaning the tachometer was solid at about 660 rpm when in idle. It seems like the car is running better and it hasn't stalled so far.
Glad I helped... enjoy your ride!
I have a 98 accord that was doing the same thing. I just got a new engine installed for other reasons but when I got it back it still would'nt start every time. I left it at the shop to see if they could fix it and they told me I needed a new ignition. They installed an ignition from a '00 accord and it starts up every time now. They charged me $100 for the ignition and installation.
Please let me know if this is any help.
After they finished with my car my stereo was locked and I can't find the code. I called the dealership but they said they could'nt help me because I did'nt buy my car there. I have a stock accord CD player but from a different accord, it was given to me by a friend who got a newer stereo installed in his car. Can anybody help with this code?
Help! I have two Honda Accords (1990 and 1995) Both have similar problems in very cold weather. Either I can't turn the key in the ignition at all, or I can't get the key out of the ignition when I need to leave the car.
Sometimes if I wait just a minute or two, suddenly it turns completely freely. This is very distressing in cold weather when you risk being stranded, or when you need to leave the car and can't do so since the key won't come out.
It happened to both cars during the very cold season this past winter.
During the summer I have no trouble at all.
Does anyone else have this problem? Can anyone help? Thanks!
Mom has a 98 Accord. Car dies intermittently, and then won't start.
HOW IT DIES: The RPM's gradually drop (at random) until the idle no longer keeps the engine running. If you notice it dropping, you can give it gas and "ressurrect the idle" - which seems to be fine for awhile after.
AFTER IT DIES:
After the car dies (at random), it will turn over with a healthy crank, but not start unless you let it sit for 5 minutes or so. So far, this has happened in relatively warm weather (75+).
AFTER IT RE-STARTS:
No check engine lights are flagged, and the car runs fine for an indefinite amount of time (sometimes days).
My theory is, it has to be related to Engine Management (sensors, OBD, etc), Fuel Delivery (pump, relay, filter) or Ingition (spark, distributor, etc).
Has anyone experienced this? Dealership says they can't find out what's going on...
Many thanks.
I have experienced the same problem with my 99 Accord. It only happens when it's hot (70+) out and the dealer can't figure it out. The car will start up but then die... I swear I can tell right when it starts up each time it will happen. It happens both after a drive or if it's been sitting for hours. Then I just wait about 15-30 minutes and it starts right up. Have had it in four times now with no help.
I still have bumper to bumper warranty but it's no help if the dealer won't attempt to fix it. It totally sucks. I think I'm done with Honda.
On edit: just happened again but it's a hot one (90F) and it had been 1.5 hours and it still won't start. Turns over great though! Too bad the dealer isn't open today cause it's Sunday.
Did you all try resoldering your main relay? Problems with starting a Honda in hot weather is most likely related to a bad main relay.
I've heard of main relays prohibiting a car from starting, but has anyone ever had one linked to the car dying while driving - and then not restarting?
My car was doing the same thing. I have a 98 Accord that would'nt start every time when it was hot and would sometimes die while I was driving.I got a used ignition installed from a '00 Accord and none of that happens anymore.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DMF
My 89 Accord does this. I think I have fixed the problem but will not know for sure until this winter.
Following would occur after parking when the temps get below freezing for last 4 winters:
1-key stuck in ignition, will not turn
2-car stuck in park
3-gear selector indicator lights on dash OFF even when engine running
It looks like 3 was the key. Car does not know it is in park so it will not let me take the key out. After a few minutes with the heat blasting, the "P" light on the dash comes on again and then all is well.
Took apart the center console, found a little spring loaded ball that hits a detent for each gear. The assembly is swimming in dusty grease so thick that the spring can barely push the ball into the detents to make contact. I verified that the ball not sliding into position prevents the indicator lights from coming on.
So I cleaned it all up, regreased it, stretched the spring a little so it will have more tension and in a few months I will see if that worked.
Cheers
Said the starting problem has been coming up a lot lately and they resoldered the main fuel relay. Hasn't died since but it's only been a few days. Not really too hot anymore either.
My 99 Accord began to have the 'hard-to-start problem' this July (2005), and since then it would happen occasionally (once every two weeks). And I noticed that it would only happen on hot days as well. I took the car to a Honda dealership, but they couldn't do anything to it, saying that 'they couldn't reproduce the problem'. But three days after coming out of their shop, I had problems starting the car again. Two days in a row!
Just like others said, the car sounded normal when you first tried to start it, but then it just cranked, and wouldn't start. I had to turn off the key and turn it back on, and repeat the step several times, and crank the car several times, and every time when I was panicked, the car would start.
In the latest occurrence, I noticed my car actually first got started, and then in a second, it went dead, and then it was the 'fully routine' of turning the key on and off, on and off, hoping the car would start.
I am getting frustrated, and at first my husband wouldn't believe what I said about the car. He thought I didn't start the car right. After I found this link, he started to believe me, and we thought it might be caused by a dirty fuel filter, since we have never had it cleaned or replaced.
I am very disappointed by Honda's service. If so many Honda cars (especially Accords) are having similar problems, the dealer's service department should have known better than just saying that 'we couldn't reproduce the problem'.
I wonder whether all of us here should write a petition together to send to Honda's headquarter, so that they could take the problem seriously, so that they could train their technicians better and fix the cars for us. The biggest fear I have now is that my car might stop dead right in the middle of the road!
Just didn't expect a car from Honda with problems like this. Very disappointed!
Read the FAQ on information how to resolder your main relay. It is a known problem with Hondas.
To make sure it's a bad main relay, do like this:
Turn the key to II, listen for a humming sound from behind you. It is a fuel pump working. You should hear a click from under the dash after it. It is a main relay click. If you do not hear a click, your car will not start. If you do hear a click, your car will start.
Fix is to take the relay out, resolder the joints and put it back in.
Thanks! We will look at the time relay this weekend. I will update the result, if the problem is fixed.
No problems... just one thing: it's a MAIN relay, not a TIME relay.
It's so nice to know that I am not alone with my 89 honda accord turning over just fine but not starting my question is where is the fuel pump relay and whad do you mean by "soldering the joints"
Read the FAQ. Everything is in there. 90% of information (if not more) about Civic's problems are the same for Accord problems (of same years).
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