So, a few nights ago, my CRX started sputtering and the engine light flickered off and on. The car would start after the first or second try but would again sputter and flicker and then die. I was able to get it home and let it sit. My brother in law was able to come look at it and we found that the main relay was only getting 10 volts, thus explaining the sputtering and flickering.

So, he tinkers with it for a bit and he's able to solve the problem of the voltage shortage but now there's a new problem. Now, the main relay won't kick power to the fuel pump. It can be bypassed and will kick on but now it won't turn over at all.

So, I'm looking for any help I can get as to what anyone thinks it might be. My father in law is looking at it since he's great with most cars and with electrical stuff, but he's not too experienced with imports. My brother in law is great mechanically with imports, just not with most electrical stuff.

If anyone can throw me some ideas, that would be great, thanks.


Just for the record, it's a 1991 CRX, running a DOHC ZC motor, with a 14b turbo. We've checked it with another relay and it works, so does the ECU/CPU. It's getting fuel and spark also.

so get another relay?

so get another relay?


Why? The old one and the replacement are both good. They are both getting 12 volts and there's nothing wrong with them that we can tell. I'm actually about to pull the one from my old Civic and try it just to be sure.