My civic fails to start sometimes

[unclel]

Can anyone help me. It is turning over but sometimes it won't start and other time it will. I changed my fuel filter, spark plugs, spark plugs wire and distributor cap about 4 months ago. It feels like it's not getting fuel but I don't think any of the above should be the problem(and yes I do have fuel in the car )....any thoughts?

[superbluecivicsi]

if you did all that, i assume you checked the ignitor, coil, rotors, and gapped the plugs to specs?

[unclel]

yup

Originally Posted by superbluecivicsi

if you did all that, i assume you checked the ignitor, coil, rotors, and gapped the plugs to specs?

[superbluecivicsi]

no vac leaks? vac and fuel lines not mixed up? what engine is this?

[sonofdaviddavis]

i had the same problem with my 93, and tried all the same things. it turned out i had to replace the entire distributor, not just the cap. what sucks even worse is that after two weeks, it starting doing the same bs again. i was fed up and didn't know what was wrong, so took it to a mechanic, and it turns out that it was my distributor once again. the part was under warranty so i got it exchanged at the part store i bought it at, but i still ended up having to pay for all that unecessary labor.

[94hondaacc]

sounds like a main relay problem. is there spark going to the plugs, if there is its not the distributor. could be your fuel pump, but i think its your main relay.

[dave15401]

Yep Main relay is my guess also cause i had same problem run fine then i shut the car off and try to restart it it wouldnt start let it sit for about 5 mins then ran fine again and mine was the main relay

[unclel]

This seems to happen just on hot humid days....once it goes though I can turn it off and it'll still start. but let it sit for about 10 hrs. and it'll take a while till i can get her started again

[superbluecivicsi]

do you have a digital voltmeter? if not, itll be the best $20 you'll invest from walmart. you get to test all sensors with it and check for shorts and bad grounds

start checking dizzy, ecu, and main relay for shorts and bad grounds with the voltmeter. wouldnt hurt to check injectors, timimng, and get some compression results while your at it.

[94hondaacc]

Originally Posted by dave15401

Yep Main relay is my guess also cause i had same problem run fine then i shut the car off and try to restart it it wouldnt start let it sit for about 5 mins then ran fine again and mine was the main relay

I AGREE TOTALLY SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME AND IT WAS THE MAIN RELAY. IT ONLY COST LIKE 80 IN THE DEALER.

[superbluecivicsi]

Originally Posted by 94hondaacc

I AGREE TOTALLY SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME AND IT WAS THE MAIN RELAY. IT ONLY COST LIKE 80 IN THE DEALER.

i believe they should be $30 - $40 for a civic from honda.

[prototype80]

i have the same problem with my 92 civic dx. the thing gets spark has new plugs wires fuel filter and battery but sometimes doesnt want to start even though it is getting spark and is turning over fine. i have to mash the gas while cranking it, then let it sit for 3 hours till it restarts or longer if needed. what is this relay you guys are speaking of and where can i get one

[brainstormz]

try check ur main relay first under the driver dashboard.check the soldered components on that relay circuit.

[prototype80]

Originally Posted by brainstormz

try check ur main relay first under the driver dashboard.check the soldered components on that relay circuit.

alright ill give it a shot and see what i see

[unclel]

ok so is main relay something simple that i can do or should i go thru mechanic. plus what does it look like