Car wouldn't start! HELP!!! - Honda Prelude Forum

ViperSilver94Si · 06-26-2003, 07:23 PM

Hey I have a 94 Si with an H23, and when I got off work today I went to go start it, and it wouldn't start. It sounded like it was sparking but not igniting(you know the "dahhht dahhht dahhht daht" really fast). After a few tries it would start but then immediately die, even if I tried to give it some gas. Well I finally got it started and it drove just fine as always and I drove it home. Any ideas as to what may be the problem? Distrbutor cap maybe? Spark Wires? Also it was like 102 outside so maybe that had something to do with it? I'm really bad at diagnostic so any help is appreciated, thanks!
-Dave

MR.CLIFFORD · 06-26-2003, 07:27 PM

Did your Check Engine Light come on?

How many miles are on your car? Have you done any regular maintenance to the car?

ViperSilver94Si · 06-26-2003, 07:45 PM

No CEL, and the car has 188k but the motor has about 55-60k, and about 8k since it was rebuilt, and I am due for an oil change but other than that regular maintence should be current. I put new spark plugs in about 5 months ago, new oil pan, knock sensor, etc., any ideas??

fourthgeneration · 06-26-2003, 08:21 PM

hows your battery and alternator?

preyluder72 · 06-26-2003, 08:45 PM

this is happening to me... happened today! when u turn your car on and u would normally realease the key dont let it go back all the way hold it a lil bit. if that works honda says its your main relay aka power relay. i bought one for my car today but cant try till saturday but ill let u know. if its not that than i dont know... get it into a shop cuz it seems we are gonna be having some hot days coming up soon.

ViperSilver94Si · 06-26-2003, 09:54 PM

The battery and alternantor are good, I'm pretty positive thats no the problem, I'm not really sure what preyluder is trying to say? and more input? thanks,
Dave

MR.CLIFFORD · 06-27-2003, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ViperSilver94Si
The battery and alternantor are good, I'm pretty positive thats no the problem, I'm not really sure what preyluder is trying to say? and more input? thanks,
Dave

if you search for MAIN RELAY you will find that many people have had this problem before. It has been the culprit with many people here.

http://www.preludeonline.com/search.php

iamlost · 06-27-2003, 06:30 AM

definitely the main relay. Honda tech told me that when it is hot and the relay is bad the contacts come apart. After you open the doors/windows and it cools a little the contacts reconnect and you can get it started. I'm getting mine replaced Monday so I am familiar with your problem.

preyluder72 · 06-27-2003, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by iamlost
definitely the main relay. Honda tech told me that when it is hot and the relay is bad the contacts come apart. After you open the doors/windows and it cools a little the contacts reconnect and you can get it started. I'm getting mine replaced Monday so I am familiar with your problem.

yea thats what i was tryin to say. sorry

nate

Qveon · 06-27-2003, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MR.CLIFFORD

if you search for MAIN RELAY you will find that many people have had this problem before. It has been the culprit with many people here.

http://www.preludeonline.com/search.php?s=

Yep i had the same problem. only does it when it is hot.

BTW: you don't have to give a fuel injected car "gas" when you start it.

madpriest · 07-02-2003, 10:37 AM

my car does this as well but doesnt the main relay "click" when you turn the key to the "On" position? doesnt that mean it is still working fine?
mine clicks but the problem still happens but with same characteristics as this