89 civic

i was given a 4dr civic from my mom on saturday, she told me it sometimes has starting problems. but sparatic. always starts when cold, some times she'd stop someplace and come out to start it again and it would just turn over, sometimes she'd have to wait for a few mins some times a few hours for it to start.

i'm new to hondas i want to know what to check. could it be a distributor, or fuel pump, relay. i'm not sure where to start. so far i've driven it alot and i've had no problem.

the other thing is before she gave me the car. she had the a/c retrofited, fixed and charged. i went to turn it on yesterday and i didnt hear the clutch kick in like always, definatly not working. what do i check for that. the blue light on the button still lights up.


thank you

i'm a af newbie.

dario

find the fuse box in the engine bay on the left side. check the fuse thats labeled condenser fan. if that's not it, check the fusebox under the steering wheel and look at the fuse labeled rear defroster relay. let me know how that works

the starting problem sounds like the main relay that controls the fuel pump going out, its a problem almost every 4g i have seen has had.

thank you both!!

sounds simple enough. where is that relay located on the car.


i will check both fuses in the morning.

thanks again.


dario

The main fuel pump relay is located next to the fender wall/kick panel under/behind the change tray. It's easier to access by removing the change tray. Basically, the soldering points can get loose from heat. I've had issues with starting on really hot days before but never actually replaced my relay... I simply moved it out of the spot behind the fender wall so it wouldn't be so exposed to outside elements like dirt and excessive heat.

My A/C was yanked prior to my ownership of my crx but checking the fuses sounds like a good start. Also, there is a relay next to the battery right by the fans that you may want to investigate the wiring anyway...

GL

There could be a few things stopping your ac from coming on. those fuses mentioned, but also it could be the compressor relay (mounted just behind the right headlight) the dual pressure switch (attached to the lower ac line running from the evaporator to the front of the car) and the thermostat switch which is mounted to the side of the evaporator behind the glove compartment. These can all shut your ac off.

i checked both fuses and they were good.

i found the a/c relay, it is in a rubber boot bolted to the fender. i havent checked it. i'm not sure how. i didnt find the dual switch or thermo switch.


is the main fuel pump relay a honda only part?

thanks guys.


dario

Ill try and find pics of them, my cameras memory car "mysteriously" disappeared.
and Ill find the flow chart if I can to troubleshoot the whole ac system, once I stop being so damn lazy. :P

Your starting problem may be as simple as bumping the gas pedal before starting. The only time my 90 DX has failed to restart after it has been warmed up is when I touched the gas before turning the key. Usually had to wait 5-10 minutes before it will start. The AC problem sounds like fuses or a relay, as mentioned above....good luck....Pappy

That's a new one ^^ :lol: But I still say main relay...

If your car still starts when it's cold then your relay can be salvaged. Do what I said in my previous post before you go spending money on a new relay (like $70 at Napa)...

I know your starting problem all too well as it's inherent to the EF series.

The EF's distributor & rotor tend to crack very easily, promoting condensation build up. Inspect the rotor/coil for cracks or rust and replace the whole ignition system if anything; rotor, distrib cap, and spark wires. Relatively inexpensive and your car will love you for it.

Another cause could be a blocked up air filter, but that's a long shot and probably not what's causing it. Nevertheless, it's cheap & easy to replace and should be done anyway.

So with that done, if the problem persists even though you're sure that the ignition system is flawless and the car is breathing proplerly, then it's time to inspect the charging system (namely the alternator) and the fuel system.

Have the charging system tested -- it's probably the alternator. If that's okay then your problem is definitely the fuel system.

Good luck!

The cold starting/hot turning over portion of your problem is almost 100% the main relay, its located just behind the change holder on the left hand side of the steering wheel.

My vote goes for main relay. The symptoms you've described lead to a bad main relay - or one that is going bad. It's a VERY common problem in these cars.