I have a 99 Accord EX coupe, 4 cyl

For the past few weeks, I've had a strange problem with starting the car. If I shut the engine off, leave it off for only 5-10 minutes, then try to restart, the engine won't turn over. The starter sounds completely fine, just won't turn over. All I can do is let it sit for another 15 minutes, then it will turn over fine on the first try.

If the car has been off for several hours, I never have a problem starting it up on the first try. I know very little about cars. What could be wrong?

I'd REALLY appreciate any advice.

Thanks!!

 

*bump*

Anybody? Any ideas?

I should add that it seems not to happen on cooler days.

 

You say it 'won't turn over'; does that mean the starter cranks but the engine doesn't start?? A bad main relay is a common problem that acts like you describe.

But still, next time it fails to start, check for fuel & spark. Once you figure out which is not happening, then we can go from there.

 

Thanks for the reply, Jim

Yes, the starter cranks fine, the engine just won't start. So a "bad main relay" could be the problem, as you say.

I'm just wondering what it is about this 5-10 minute window. It probably has to do with something getting too hot maybe, and needs time to cool down?

As simple as you make "check for fuel and spark" sound, I must admit I'm too car-stoopid to know how to handle that. I assume it means checking for blockage in the fuel line somewhere, and making sure the spark plugs are working, but still, I wouldn't know where to start. h:

If something needs to be replaced, I'll have to have someone else do it. I just wanted to have an idea what I was in for before I took the car in for service.

 

Honda's 'main relay' is a combination relay, actually a couple relays together in one case. Provides electrical power for the ECU, fuel injectors, fuel pump, few other things. They're legendary for getting flaky when they're too hot. Located a few inched above the hood release lever, above your left knee somewhere. I suppose the worst time would be after the car sits for hours in the hot sun & it's 400deg. inside??

Pull a spark plug wire out, find any old spark plug, plug it into the wire. Lay the threaded metal part on a good engine ground like the lifting lug. Watch while someone cranks the starter. The spark should be strong & blue. Weak yellow spark is not too swift. No spark at all is, well, not good. You can use a screwdriver & hold it with a gap, but you might get a good shock. (You don't have a pacemaker or anything???)

When you first turn on the key ("ON" not "START") the fuel pump should run for 2 seconds then quit. It's not real loud, so turn off all the fans & stereos before you try. The pump is in the gas tank so you can hear it better at the fuel filler cap. This doesn't prove that your injectors are actually firing. There's more sophisticated tests to do next...

If you're not planning to repair it yourself, some mechanics don't like to take your word for it, even if you've checked out this stuff. But it's always good to have a coherent explanation about what's going on.

 

Thanks a lot for all the info, Jim

Yes, a coherent explanation is exactly what I was looking for.

I'll try to get a car-savvy coworker to give me a hand with the steps you've outlined above.

Thanks again, you've been a big help.