I have a 1991 Honda Accord with approx. 280k on it.

Never had one problem with it until late last week.

As it is now it starts right away, runs for about 5 minutes (idles around 13 to 15k) then shuts down. When it shuts down, its like I've turned the key off.

Then when I try to start the car again, it will turn over but will not start.

If I let it sit for a few hours, it will start again with no problem, but shuts down again after about 5 minutes.

I thought maybe it was the main relay or the fuel pump, and changed the relay but not the pump since I can hear the pump come on and it still runs after the car shuts off, but the problem is still there.

The check engine light goes on and off like it is suppose to, as a matter of fact all dash lights work the way they should. The Battery is strong so I know its not that, and spark plugs are in very good condition (new)

Is there anyone who can tell me what the problem could possibly be, I'm at a complete loss.

 

First step is to isolate what's missing when no-start condition is reached; fuel or ignition.

Attempt to start w/ a long 5-10 second spray of starter fluid or throttle body cleaner into air intake at air filter.

If engine starts briefly, spark is good and fuel is missing. If engine fails to star, spark is missing and fuel is likely OK.

Once you've determined spark or fuel, repost for additional guidance.

good luck

 

Sorry for taking so long to reply, but since posting the original message I haven't been feeling well so not much has been done.


As for the problem I was having, I had 2 things done to my car.


I had my car taken to a mechanic who said the problem was my fuel pump because when I started the car, I could hear the fuel pump, then when the engine cut out, I could no longer hearing it at all. So I had the fuel pump changed.


Turns out, that was not the problem. The mechanic then told me it was the master relay, so I had a new one put in. For some reason I didn't believe the mechanic (don't know why) so I kept the old relay. Turns out, it wasn't the relay because I still had the same problem, so I tested the old relay and found it was working fine.


The mechanic then said it won't start now because of the problem with the fuel and and relay, it caused multiple engine problems which would require me to have the engine taken out and rebuilt.


I then called Honda explained the problem and they told me exactly what it was. It was the coil and the iginitor under the distributor cap. I changed both with no problems. Now my Honda runs perfect.


I took out the "new" relay and put the old one back in and still no problem (I put the old one back to see if there was a problem with it, since it was the first time I ever tested one).


So now, the car runs perfect and I now know better then to take my car to a mechanic who obviously knew nothing and was out to just make money.

 

Thanks for letting us know.

 

Im glad you found the problem.Those ignition module failures are very tricky to track down at times.


That said,Im sorry to hear you had to spend all that money chasing a ghost by an incompetent mechanic.He should be honest and refund your money or at least compensate you for wasting your time and money on parts.This happened to my buddy with a 2000 trailblazer.He spent 900 bucks in a shop chasing down a dying to no start condition and they never fixed it.

I suspected the module,so I changed the ignition module in this distributor and it fixed it.The shop even charged him an new alternator to try and correct it.Thats how bad they were.When I dont know something,I ask for help and do the best I can.Garages and shops shouldnt act like they know it all and keep money when they dont fix it.