1989 Honda Accord - Automatic - Fuel Injected;

This car is a mystery to me. When the weather conditions are too extreme (hot/cold) the vehicle tends to have difficulty starting. The engine turns over, but does not catch. I've been down the road of the basic diagnostics, replaced the "quick fix" parts, 02Sensors, Relays, Spark Plugs/Wires, etc. and still find myself sitting in the heat with my head on the steering wheel. My suspicion is that the increased (when hot) and decreased (when cold) pressure in the system, is affecting the fuel pump. But then, I'm more IT than Mechanically inclined. Any/all information would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Fourth!

 

This sounds like a main fuel relay. Not sure if you replaced that yet.

Here is a simple test. Turn the key to the II position, but do not try to start the car. While the check engine light does the bulb check, you should be able to hear the fuel pump turn from the back seat area. Turn off the radio, blower, etc and listen carefully, because the sound is a faint buzzing/whirling sound.

That sound should be present when the car is starting. Get in the habit of listening for this sound. Let us know what you find when the car is not starting.

 

Also look at the dash while doing what PA asked. The CEL should come on for a few seconds, while the pump is priming and go off when it stops.

 

what if it doesnt have a main relay?

 

If this is an 89 Accord and does not have a main relay then you have a DX/LX model with a carb.....totally different.

If your car is a DX/LX - has a carb - then I suggest you start your own thread and give the details of the issue you are having.

 

I have gotten rid of the car since the post; in October of 2011 the starter went and the consensus was that it was not worth replacing (again) as it did not help the issues of starting. The starter would make the sound for the starter. It would turn over, but no spark would catch to ignite in the engine. I would be sitting in the car for over an hour, attempting, until either it would bite, or the battery would die. A jump would provide the power to the car to turn over, but it still did nothing to the issue of ignition. Thank you though.

 

What kind or make of car did you replace it with this time.?

WheelBrokerAng

 

I feel sharing that information may compromise the integrity and respect for my (tongue in cheek) person, and could result in my loss of Honda citizenship, as well as socially marking me as a spy.

I thoroughly enjoyed being an Honda owner. I can quite easily by-pass the single issue that offset the car (being the inconsistent starting) and recognize the features of a well crafted vehicle. I purchased the 89 Honda Accord from a professional gentleman who said he was all set attempting to diagnose the vehicle, it being over twenty years old.