Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    honkeycat's Avatar
    honkeycat Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 14, 2010, 09:48 AM
    93 del Sol fuel pump takes 10 minutes to kick in so car will start..
    It starting taking longer and longer to start the car then just cranking, no starting. Replaced the fuel pump and the main relay, now it starts but I have to wait for the fuel pump to run. In the morning this can take 10 - 15 minutes with the key in the run position, then the 2 second buzz from the pump and the check engine light goes out and it will start right up. After driving it, the pump comes back in about 10 - 15 seconds but the longer it is off, the longer it takes to start.

    Does anybody have any ideas? Please, help. I have stumped 4 self proclaimed Honda experts, 3 of which used to work for Honda!
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 14, 2010, 09:54 AM

    You have not stumped this Honda expert. Your problem is simple to diagnose and fix:

    . Clean the main ECM ground, located on the thermostat housing.

    . Replace the ECM, if it fails the K-Test. In fact, I'm so certain of the diagnosis that I would just replace the ECM, if cleaning the main ECM ground doesn't solve the problem.

    If it solves your problem, let me know if you think it's worth a tip. Please play fair.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Jul 14, 2010, 07:30 PM

    Please don't do a disappearing act, like many others, where you stand in judgment, get your free information, and run. You must have something to say.
    KBC's Avatar
    KBC Posts: 2,550, Reputation: 487
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #4

    Jul 14, 2010, 07:43 PM
    You know how they all run:(

    I liked your answer(does that help?) :D
    honkeycat's Avatar
    honkeycat Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Jul 17, 2010, 12:40 PM
    We had tried the K-test, I ran across that answer brfore and it has a reliable 5V on the MAP sensor. I wasn't sure if that was a positive indication of the health of the whole ECM module or just one part of it.

    I will look at the ground on the thermostat housing. Is it just a wire on the housing bolt? Or is it inside? I replaced the radiator along with the upper and lower hoses a few weeks ago, is it possible I did something to the ground while replacing the lower hose?
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #6

    Jul 17, 2010, 12:45 PM

    That's very possible. Look for a 3-wire brass connector. Remove it and clean with abrasive cloth.
    honkeycat's Avatar
    honkeycat Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #7

    Jul 18, 2010, 07:59 AM
    Comment on TxGreaseMonkey's post
    No luck. There are 2 flat blade connectors bolted to the thermostat housing, each with 2 wires. They are tight and clean. I cleaned every connector and checked the fit. There is a brass looking cylender about 3 inches long protruding through the...
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #8

    Jul 18, 2010, 11:49 AM

    If you have cleaned the main ECM ground, the problem is with the ECM. I've seen dozens of instances of intermittent ECM failure on older Hondas. Your slow to energize main relay is a classic sign of this, since grounding to main relay Terminal 8 is controlled by the ECM. Sometimes, the K-Test will show nearly 5 volts; other times, 0.3 volts. Try substituting a known-good ECM. I recommend replacing ECMs on Hondas every 120,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. They are far from bullet-proof. The Honda dealer near me has a bin, in the back right-hand corner of the garage, filled with bad ECMs. Here's how to replace the ECM:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post235038


    This link may also help you come to the same conclusion:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1245523
    honkeycat's Avatar
    honkeycat Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #9

    Jul 22, 2010, 07:29 PM
    OK, a new ECU is in the mail. Thanks for all the details leading me to my resolution. I believe I found a good deal on a chipped ECU. The web site is Phearable.net - Electronic Fuel Injection Tuning Solutions - Hondata, Neptune, Crome, Uberdata, Ectune, AEM, Honda Tuning, Widebands, Fuel Pumps, Intercoolers, Turbos, LS/VTEC, ECU Chipping, Chipped Ecus, P28 just in case you are interested.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #10

    Jul 22, 2010, 07:41 PM

    Good deal. I think you are going to be a happy camper. Let us know if it solved your problem, even though I'm sure it will.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #11

    Aug 3, 2010, 07:40 PM

    Did the new ECU solve the problem?
    honkeycat's Avatar
    honkeycat Posts: 7, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #12

    Aug 3, 2010, 10:36 PM

    Yes it did, thank you. I didn't want to jinx it by saying anything too soon, but the car has been running great.
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #13

    Aug 4, 2010, 06:18 AM

    Nice job.
    joshsexton89's Avatar
    joshsexton89 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #14

    Jun 5, 2011, 01:28 PM
    Thanks you are truly an expert fixed the problem
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #15

    Jun 5, 2011, 04:37 PM

    Thank you, joshsexton89. Yes, this thread is a "saver."
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

94 Honda Del Sol won't start [ 1 Answers ]

Hi, I have a Honda Del Sol 94 model 1.6 single over head cam v tech. When it is humid or raining my car will not start. I can turn the key on and leave it for 5 minutes or so and it will eventually start. I have replaced the distributor cap and fuel pump. Any other suggestions?

'93 Honda Del Sol won't start [ 4 Answers ]

I have a '93 Honda Del Sol that will not turn over. I have checked the battery, fuses, starter, all the connections from the battery to the starter and it will not turn over. The guages come on, I hear the fuel pump turn on, and I hear a click from the front, but that's it. Any suggestions:mad:

94 Honda Del Sol won't start. [ 2 Answers ]

My 94 Honda Del Sol won't start. First we thought it might be the Main Relay but that was fine. Then we thought maybe it was the fuel pump but that was fine too. I am at a complete loss and I don't know what to do. PLEASE HELP ME!!

Del sol no start. [ 5 Answers ]

I have a 94 honda del sol, with a 93 civic 1.5L motor with a 1.6L v-tec head. It cranks but won't start. I've checked all of the wiring,everything is receiving power. The main relay is good and working. Using a jump wire and grounding the fuel pump on the relay causes the fuel pump to come on. The...

95 honda del sol won't start [ 2 Answers ]

I was in a fender bender a few months back that broke the radiator. Before I knew the radiator was broken I drove it home, and while it was not in gear it would rev up and down on its own. On the way home the temp was really high but it never stalled or broke down.a few months later after replacing...

View more questions Search