ekacpuc

My 1992 5 spd prelude doesn't start. When you turn the key the dash lights come on and you can hear the relay click on and the fuel pump do its thing but the starter doesn't turn over. I've changed the battery, starter and the little switch on the clutch pedal (napa called it a starter safety switch or somethin its 3 prong) and still nothing. I've checked the fuses under the dash and under the hood and they all look just fine. What could be the issue? Napa quoted me 300 bucks for the electrical part of the ignition switch. Could that be it and what does that do? It just stopped starting one day, I can push start it but that's it. Please Please Please help.

GldCrzy

check the main relay under the dash. i had the same issue on a 92 i had and all you had to to was put some solder on some points

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String1015

Check the main relay, I just fixed mine today. It's above the clutch. There's plenty of threads that have write-ups on how to fix. The part is about $65 if you want it new. Check the ignition coil as well.

ekacpuc

I thought that didn't affect cranking? If relay is bad wouldn't it still crank but not fire (lack of fuel)?

ekacpuc

I found a trouble shooting guide and it says to switch the key on and when the fuel pump clicks off the check engine light will to and then it isn't the relay. It also says that a sign of a faulty ignition switch is the gauges and dash lights wouldn't work and they do work so that leads me to think that it isn't the ignition. I've checked under the hood at the relays (for heaters, fans and AC) and there are fuses but all are clean and in good shape. I've taken a jumper cable and hooked up to the starter from a battery and got the starter itself to spin (more than I've seen in a long time). I've also replaced the switch on the clutch for the starter saftey and I even tried to jump the other one (for cruise control) and still no go. The fuse under the dash is in good shape for the starter signal too. I've checked the plug for the silenoid and it isn't coroded or loose. I've checked the battery for charge (12.6 volts) and the cables are tight and not coroded. What am I missing?



I'm not good with a multimeter. I'm gonna stick the red wire on the end of the little starter signal wire to the silenoid tomarrow and the black wire to the block and turn the key and see what happens... I'll also do the same where the fuse sits in each of the two plugs under the dash. Dunno if that last one will work but thats the only two places I know to maybe check.

H22Discorrd

Check all your fuses.

Seriously, take a test light and go through every fuse in the car. I had the same problem and it was just a stupid fuse.

Beyond that, not sure

indylude18

Only thing you didn't mention checking are your ground wires. The main engine grounds are on the valve cover by the oil dipstick and on the top of the transmission housing. Give those a look.

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Bluetop H23a Vtec Swapped NHBP '99 Base

GldCrzy

seriously..look at the main relay. i got the same exact thing that you got with the fuel pump making noise and check engine light going off. i had some friend put some solder on the relay and bam if fired up

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themustardtiger

I agree, main relay. Large point of failure for 4th gen Hondas.. I had to run a complete new ground and set of positives (which I put to my window regulator power :P i know how terrible that is, dont tell me).

indylude18

The main relay won't keep it from cranking. That is not the problem here.

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Bluetop H23a Vtec Swapped NHBP '99 Base

ekacpuc

He's right, the main relay assy thing doesn't do a darn thing for cranking. Also the "starter cut relay" that they list on books that's on the fuse box doesn't seem to exist on my 1992 prelude..

I forgot to post my solution.

There supposedly is a starter cut relay but the one that was shown in the manual (on fuse box) I tested and works. I tested it with power and without btw

I tested every fuse with a multimeter (plus of course visually)

Changed the clutch safety switch

Also Changed the Main assy relay (for my hot start problem) Chased the hot start problem for a couple years and it hasn't been driven much. Shop changed all my sensors and wanted to reflash my ECU for a hefty bill.. The relay did indeed fix it, totally worth $63

Changed the starter (also tested it)


After all that I got nothin! I had another look the other day and it turned out to be a wire came loose (black one with white stripe). Luckly it went to a crimp that was dangling next to it.

indylude18

Would that be an engine ground wire that was loose?

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Bluetop H23a Vtec Swapped NHBP '99 Base

ekacpuc

Uhh.... Its fixed. The hot start problem was the main relay... Been driving it for awhile and it was horrible before but now its great.



The wire that was broken was my problem with not turning over. I have a tiny understanding about wiring. It was under the dash right above the brake pedal. I didn't follow it anywhere just got lucky that those where the only two wires not connected to anything.

ndrewoods

So it is the main relay then eh. I was gonna think it could have been the neutral safety switch but it wasn't. Good job.