99 Accord Starting Problem- Main Relay??

[Grayhand]

Just got towed in for second time in last month. Some background....the problem started after car had been sitting for some time. I think I had only driven it twice in about three weeks.

Tried to start car and it turns over but won't start. Had the car towed in and it started first try for dealer of course. Let him keep it for couple days and it cranks up every time. Nothing showing up on diagnostics.

I've driven the car for close to a month with no problems. Had to let the car sit outside all day yesterday while I was in a seminar and when I go out to go home same thing happens. It would turn over until the battery died, but won't start.

Towed car to dealer again, and tried to start it as soon as the guy got it off the truck. Starts right up! I had asked them about the main relay the last time I had it in, but mechanic said they usually show different symptoms when that is going bad.

Anyone out there have a similar problem that replacing the main relay seems to have fixed? Because it's starting to look like I'm going to have to just start throwing parts at this problem.

[sam_25]

had same problem in 98 accord, i replaced the main relay, seems to be working so far....

[mpumas]

The cheapest place to start is with the main relay. You can fix it yourself by disassembling and resoldering the connections where the relay attaches to the board. That is a free possible fix. A likely solution to your problem may be the ignition coil and/or the ignitor located in the distributor. You won't be wasting your time doing the main relay fix. If it hasn't failed by now, it probably will in the future.

[Grayhand]

Thanks for the replies guys. I went ahead and replaced the main relay last week, and so far it hasn't given me any more trouble. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Good to know about the ignition coil and ignitor as a next step in case this doesn't do the trick.