92 Accord Will Not Start

Our 1992 Accord LX (4 door automatic) starting turning off while driving about 2 weeks ago. One minute you were at 70 mph, the next nothing, no engine, no electrical. It would then not start for about 30 minutes. It would crank, but not turn-over. Eventually it would start. Sometimes it would run for 15 minutes, other times it would die after 3 minutes. Our mechanic had it idling in his yard for 3 hours before it died.

Our local mechanic tested it and found that we had spark, but no pulse at the injectors. So we began replacing these items:
* check all fuses
* new distributor cap
* new distributor body
after this, it started and was idling last Sunday, but died after 30 minutes. It has not started since.
* new ignitor
* new injector resistor
* new main relay
* used ECU
* used relay (that is bolted on the silver cruise control box under the dash by the main relay)

Nothing is working. What am I missing? When this first started happening we had warmer (low 70s) weather, but now it is cool and rainy. I am at my wits end. Your suggestions are needed and welcomed.

check the fuel pump, and I dunno, no electrical and stuff would almost sound like something wrong with the electrical system - ie the alternator or something similar? Oh, there was also a time I saw something similar happen, and it wound up being a frayed wire in the trunk of all things....or so that's what the mechanics told my friend, I never bought it myself.....

- Nathan

Our 1992 Accord LX (4 door automatic) starting turning off while driving about 2 weeks ago. One minute you were at 70 mph, the next nothing, no engine, no electrical. It would then not start for about 30 minutes. It would crank, but not turn-over. Eventually it would start. Sometimes it would run for 15 minutes, other times it would die after 3 minutes. Our mechanic had it idling in his yard for 3 hours before it died.

Our local mechanic tested it and found that we had spark, but no pulse at the injectors. So we began replacing these items:
* check all fuses
* new distributor cap
* new distributor body
after this, it started and was idling last Sunday, but died after 30 minutes. It has not started since.
* new ignitor
* new injector resistor
* new main relay
* used ECU
* used relay (that is bolted on the silver cruise control box under the dash by the main relay)

Nothing is working. What am I missing? When this first started happening we had warmer (low 70s) weather, but now it is cool and rainy. I am at my wits end. Your suggestions are needed and welcomed.


ok now IM having the same problem.. one day goin to work i stoped for coffee, i started my car, but 3 seconds later it died... and hasnt started since... NOW here is the thing, an hour befor i went to get coffe , i took big, wide fast few dougnuts in the parking lot, possibly churnig up all the stuff in the gas tank ??? (I only had a 1/4 a tank of gas) Could i now have a clog in the fuel line some where?? I just had the fuel filter replaced a few months ago, and i even added some really potent fuel cleaner and let it sit for 2 days... still nothng, it will crank, and crank, but no start.... what could be the problem with this thing??

It's back at the mechanics. Seems to be an issue with the injector harness. While cranking it, he wiggled the harness and got some life, then nothing. Also one of the injector's ohm reading was a little weird. Next he is going to track down the ground loop for the harness. He is closing it on it.

Problem resolved. It was most likely the distributor. There was some frayed wires that were probably the original problem. Somewhere along the way, the security system kicked in and would not allow the car to start. So our mechanic by-passed the security and it now starts and runs just fine.

I'm having somewhat of the same problem. The difference is that, If I wait 5 minitues I'm able to start and turn over the engine.
Did you replaced the igniter?
Did you need special tool for this?

I'm having somewhat of the same problem. The difference is that, If I wait 5 minitues I'm able to start and turn over the engine.
Did you replaced the igniter?
Did you need special tool for this?

we changed the ignitor, but probably did not need to. All you need is a phillips screwdriver for the ignitor and to remove the distributor cap. No need to remove the distributor itself. Make sure you mark your wiring so you get them back on the right spot (1-3-4-2 clockwise starting from the 9 o'clock position if you were looking at the distributor head-on) good luck that is an easy fix.

5 minutes might be an overheating problem. Check out the main relay also.

Thanks for the Tip!!!
Since you did NOT have to replace the igniter, I go ahead and check the MAIN RELAY and see if this is the culprit.
BTW, If the car cranks but does not start (turn over) will there be an ERROR CODE displayed?