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

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.

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.

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 running like a charm.

:)

My relay is working fine and none of the fuses or burned... I can't hear the gas pump start... should I get a new pump or is there something else that I should check... thanks

Bb, see if this link helps:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1245523

It would only really be 1 of 2 things the main relay that goes bad in every honda sooner or later lol or the fuel pump it start with a new main relay but a good way to check is the relay cuts off fuel and spark so check your spark and then check to see if you can hear the fuel pump turning on and pumping if neither then it's the relay if you still have spark then it would most likely be your fuel pump.. I had this same problem with my 91 Honda Prelude and took me for ever to figure it out. Hope this helps.. (W3TP3ANUTBUTT3R)

I'm having the same issue too. I replace the main relay and still nothing. It cranks like it wants to start but it won't. I don't hear the fuel pump so I check and there no electric current going to it. I'm now stuck on what to do next any suggestions? ECU?