I luv my 92 prelude SI. It has been almost a problem free car. Recently, the car for some strange reason just will not start. It happens sometimes when hot, and sometimes when it is cold. When it happens it sounds like it wants to start and even has a strong spark but doesn't run. I can let it sit for 5 minutes to an hour and it will start up and run fine. Has anyone else had this problem?

Thanks for all your help,

Wesley

 

Sounds like you need to replace the Main Relay. The solder goes bad on the chips and causes ignition or fuel pump type problems with age.

 

Highmileage is spot on--However, it isn't always necessary to replace the relay. I've had great results by simply popping the circuit card out of the relay and resoldering ALL the joints. Don't try this unless you have some skills in circuit card repair though--it's very easy to damage the card if you use too much heat!

 

My wife's 89 Prelude has the exact problem. Intermittently doesn't start, but starts after 10-15 minutes of sitting around. Guys have any idea what the Main Relay costs and where it's located? Sounds like, worst case, I can order one and easily swap it out myself.

 

What is this relay specifically called? I have asked at autoparts stores and none can find it in their listings. Is it a fuel pump relay or a shut off relay or something else?

 

I had the same EXACT prob with my 92 Accord. Main Fuel relay--sounds like a Honda thing

 

it is a honda thing, or at least on preludes
when mine acts up, banging the dashboard lightly usually gets it to start, or cycling the ignition

the key is to listen for the click
when you first turn the key the relay charges the fuel pump for about 2 seconds, this is identified by a click (on), and then another click (off) when the ecu light turns off.
this is the fuel pump charging.
if the ecu light goes on and off without hearing the 2 clicks, then the car will not start because it doesnt have fuel pressure

you can either lightly bang the dash right below the cruise button (on 4th gen lude), or cycle the ignition until you hear the clicks

~boom

 

My 92 honda prelude has the same problem and I will change Main Relay(I am ordering now. it costs $65 ). I think supernova right because I read the information from the sites below:
http://autorepair.about.com/library/diy/bl_hmr-1.htm
and
http://www.markl.f9.co.uk/howto/elec...main-relay.htm
If the admin of this site not allow to post anylink on the forum please accept my apologize and delete the post thank you

 

I am sorry highmileage not supernova.

 

I have actually have a similar problem on my 93 Prelude Vtec where it wouldnt start without sitting for a little while, at first i figure my cap and button button were dying, and then i unpluged the main gas feed into the fuel rail and turned the ignition on, no fuel, so then i unplug the fuel line running from the fuel pump to the fuel filter and gas goes everywhere, so check your fuel pump, it sounds like thats the problem, if you disconnect the hose going to your fuel rail and turn the key to ignition, you should have a nice amount of fuel come out if it is working correctly