I'm trying to troubleshoot my 88 Honda Accord lxi. It starts up when cold and dies after about 3 minutes. The idle was fluctuating between 2 and 3 at startup previous to this problem starting. I've read it could be the Fuel pump relay but when the cab gets hot it still starts up. Could this be a distributor problem or some sort of sensor?

 

When engine warms it transfers from open loop (preset fuel/air mixture map) to closed loop (O2 sensor measures o2 level and ECM adjusts fuel delivery to achieve proper air/fuel mix).

From your description, the A/F mix is going too lean or too rich when closed loop begins. This can be caused by improper inputs to the ECM; engine coolant temp, air temp, etc.

Is the check engine light on? If yes, you will need to extract the DTC's and post them for help.

good luck

 

There's no engine like on. Thanks for the input. We bought this car from someone who had just replaced the water pump and the timing belt. It ran 500 miles and started acting up.

 

If the CEL is not coming on, try cleaning the TB, IACV and the FITV.

Can we assume the cel comes on for ~2 seconds when the key is turned to "on"/position II?