troubleshooting occasional no start condition

[scott1989]

Please Help!

I have an occasional no start problem that is becoming more frequent in my 1991 Si Prelude with an automatic. I beleive it must be a sort of relay problem or trans electrical. Other posts suggest a main relay problem, but do not exhibit my same symptoms. Here goes-

On occasion it would crank but not fire at all. If I turned off the key and tried again it would fire right up. It progressed to trying the switch a few times and now many. I have also realized that before a successful start(when ignition switch first turned on) the "S3" shift indicator light comes on breifly with the other lights and then goes out. When it does not start, the "S3" light comes on then continuosly flashes. Whenever this light flashes the engine will crank but never fire. I now find myself turning the key on and off numerous times until the light goes out instead of blinks, then it will start right up. This has begun happening daily and takes 5-15 mins sometimes.

Another symptom or problem may or may not related, but be of help in diagnosis. A very few times in the past the car would start then slip terribly in gear. The "S3" light was then flashing also. I would pull over, shut off the car, and then restart it. It would then drive and shift normally.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks--

[futball22]

If you want to check if it is a relay problem, usually it happens when the car is hot. And when you get a no start condition, check to see if you are getting fuel pressure. If you aren't then finde the thread on here about fuel shut off relays, or it might be main relays, and it should have all the answers for you.

[chucksnee]

It's your main relay, check to see if your check enigine light goes out when you turn the car to start if it stays on then it is your main relay.

It's very common in out 3rd gen. the main relay is located on the left hand side of the fuse box as you are sitting in your car!

2 things you can do, buy a new one or you can re-solder the old one. if you do #2 take the relay out take the cover off and re-heat each little solder back there and maybe even add more and that will cure your problem!!

Or $60 bucks at the stealership!!

1 more thing the main relay is the fuel relay!!