92 Si H23 Won't start when warm after short drives - Honda Prelude Forum

y2kflh · 10-05-2010, 08:39 AM

I hope someone can help me. My 92 Si has the H23A1. When cold or running the thing is completely reliable, I commute 100 miles a day for work. However if I jump into it and ride just far enough to warm it up, then shut it off, probably 2 out of 5 times when I go to start it back up a few minutes later, it will start, sputter then die. It will turn over fine but not fire after that, but eventually it will start.

The first time this happened I went back in the store and bought dry gas, put it in and it started. The next time it happened I thought it probably wasn't the dry gas but perhaps relieving the tank pressure by taking the cap off. That seemed to work at least once but not 100% fool proof.

So I'm thinking it is fuel related, it never happens where I have tools to troubleshoot. Perhaps the fuel pump relay is acting up? Or some form of vapor lock in the FI?

Any input will be greatly appreciated!

spin_r_g · 10-05-2010, 09:08 AM

Check your main relay.

indylude18 · 10-05-2010, 09:55 AM

^That.

y2kflh · 10-05-2010, 11:26 AM

Thanks guys after reading back through some older threads I figured that was the easiest most sensible thing to check first. My local auto parts store is showing a new one for $90 (ouch). Think I'll check the solder joints first. Seems I remember checking the main relay on a 92 Accord years back.

Rexcarnage · 10-06-2010, 02:14 PM

I had the same thing. I pulled the relay and resoldered all the joints - haven't had an issue since.

Same thing applies to the climate control console - my air conditioning wouldn't always work but sometimes if I banged on the dash it would start to blow cold air again. I removed the console and resoldered all of the contacts (you can see the hairline cracks in the solder) and haven't had an issue since. Now if I can only get more of those little light bulbs!

1996PreludeVTEC · 10-06-2010, 04:02 PM

those things are hella expensive for what they are if you get em from honda. i still gotta resolder mine. hopefully i can find that writeup again

indylude18 · 10-06-2010, 05:23 PM

^Your sig is way too big.

My main relay fix and Info

iidieiv619 · 10-07-2010, 12:52 PM

MAIN RELAY!!!

I experienced the same symptoms and I replaced the Main Relay n now WALAAAH!

preluder1989 · 10-08-2010, 01:24 PM

main relay, or fuel pump going out.

y2kflh · 10-09-2010, 05:03 PM

Happened yesterday and was able to verify the relay was missing the second click. Yanked it and needed a magnifying glass to see 3 or 4 hairline cracks in the solder joints. Amazing a few thousandths of an inch can create enough resistance to stop the relay from working. Resoldered all the joints and all seems well so far.

dshaw450 · 10-11-2010, 06:47 AM

try to get it from napa or somewhere other then auto zone bc they dont know what they are talkin about they should just shut up and sell the parts

jsmooney · 10-22-2010, 12:48 PM

I am surprised the main relay fixed the problems, I always thought it was the main relay IFF it was hot outside and had nothing to do with short trips. I stand corrected.

I am about to purchase a car that is experiencing similar symptoms. I'll hope it's the main relay and not the fuel pump...only 130k on the clock.

I'll go pull a few main relays out of the junk yard next time I go....they go for $25/ea on ebay.

indylude18 · 10-22-2010, 05:51 PM

Why does everyone always think it's the fuel pump? Honda fuel pumps last almost forever...

Rather than getting a handful of old relays from the junkyard that may or may not work, consider resoldering the old one. That seems to be a pretty reliable solution and costs nothing.