I've got an 88 accord LXI that doesn't seem to want to start when the engine is warm. It cranks fine, but just wont turn over. I can smell the gas after trying to crank it for a little, so i know its getting fuel. The odd part to this is, when the engine is warm and doesnt want to start and i keep cranking it, if the check engine light comes on when im cranking it it will immediately start. If the check engine light doesnt come on when cranking, i it wont start. Also, as far as the check engine light goes, if my car does start without the check engine light on it idles at about 1200 or 1300 rpm for a minute or 2. Soon after this, the tach makes a quick drop to 700 or 800 rpm's and the check engine light comes on immediately following this. I've already replaced the main relay. Any ideas on what might help?? Thanks

 

Get the flash codes out of the ecu. More than likely you're going to have a code for one of the following: TDC, CYP, or CKP sensors, they are all in the distributor. The sensors aren't sold individually, you'll end up having to buy a distributor. If it traces to that, find out if Honda still has it available, the aftermarket remans are nothing but crap.

 

Yeah I'm thinkin this is my only option also. I was trying to stay away from it because the mechanics in my town want no less than $75 just to run diagnostics on the check engine light. I'll probably do it myself. Is there any way to do this without taking the drivers side seat off? The ECU is located below it. Thanks for your help.

 

The flashing ecu light can be seen from underneath the seat back. There is a small plastic flap that flips down to access the blinking light without having to remove the drivers seat, the most you might have to remove is the rear floor mat to see the blinking red light. I used to have a 89 LXi coupe and my main relay was a problem in the warm weather, but the red light never blinked for this,and on another occasion, I was flashing a red code and the check engine light never came on. Never really figured that one out.

 

I went out and found the red LED. Is it supposed to flash as soon as the check engine light comes on? Do i need to hook anything up to make it flash, or will it just do it on its own? Sorry, this is the first older honda i've ever owned.

 

you might get more help from www.3geez.com

 

I cant get registered there. does anyone know the cheapest way to make the ECU give me the code?

 

The led will flash once when you turn the key to the on position, and then if it continues to flash, then it's giving you the code, but if it just flashes one time, then there are no codes to be displayed.

 

I just looked online and found out that code 6 is a ECT Sensor (Engine Coolant Temperature)
defective circuit or unplugged / defective sensor .I did some more research and am almost positive this is my problem. Does anyone know how to locate the ECT Sensor in an 88 accord lxi? thanks in advance

 

I don't have the 89 Accord service manual, but I did replace the ect sensor on my 89 LXi. There are two sensors, one is located on the bottom of the radiator and the other one (the one I replaced) is located on the thermstat housing.