[gsinnette]

I have a 1998 Honda Accord LX Coupe. I have been having problem with the car starting. The battery, starter, and timing belt is new. The car turns but not catching. Sometimes, if I just wait after trying to start him it will start. It has been doing this for about a year. The mechanic thought it was the starter and replaced the starter, but the problem continued. I had a major tune up about a 8 - 10 months ago, where a new timing belt was installed, but the problem continued.

I was told it might be the alternator, but the car is turning something is just not catching. The car is full of gas. Sometimes, if I just hold down the gas and wait the car starts. When a friend tried to start is yesterday, I was looking at the engine and the belts and everything was turning, but the car would not start.

If it goes too long, the car will start if we use jumper cables. But, the battery is not dead.

I was told it might be the PGM main relay. Could this be the problem? If so, other than the dealership where can I have this replaced without costing a fortune.

[TxGreaseMonkey]

Ensure that the spark plugs (NGK only) have been replaced in the last two years. Use the same plugs that originally came in the car.

Thoughts:

. It's dangerous, on most modern cars, to jump the battery. Voltage spikes can damage the ECM (computer), alternator, sensors, and other electrical components.

. Since the battery is new, but the car starts better when jumped, it appears something is wrong. I would remove the battery and fully charge it--most auto parts stores will do this for free. If the battery is low, it indicates there might be a problem with the alternator. Most auto parts stores will also test alternators for free. Ensure battery terminals and cable connections are clean and tight.

Does the Check Engine Light come on for two seconds and then go out, after the ignition switch is turned to ON? If so, the ECM, fuses, main relay, and ignition switch are likely fine. Main relays are suspect when the car starts in the morning, when it's cool, but won't start in the afternoon, when it's hot. If the battery and alternator are good, and the problem persists, I would replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and coil:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post265896

These are the two most problematic components, on Hondas of your generation, that directly affect starting.