Hey guys, I am new to this forum and wanted to see if any of you could point me in the right direction. Here is what is going on with my 1996 Honda Accord:

When I turn the car on (so that the lights on the dash come on), it takes anywhere from 3 to 30 seconds for the fuel pump to come on. When it comes on (accompanied by a Mmmmm and the D4 (drive light) going green for a few seconds), the car will crank right up. Otherwise, it will turn over all day long, but never start. However, once the fuel pump comes on for that second or so and I get the car started, the car runs fine - no stalling or anything like that.

Back a few months ago, it got to the point where it would not come on at all (especially after a really hard rain). So in an attempt to fix this, I have got a new distributor cap installed, new main relay put in, and I just recently replace the ECM.

Any ideas why it may be delaying like this? I am afraid it is just going to refuse to come on at all... What else could be wrong here? It also seems to sometimes delay even longer when the car has been out in the sun for a few hours...?

FYI: My mechanic checked the Fuel Pump, and it was good. I also had to get a new electrical connection for the Ignition Switch installed about 2 months ago because the car would not stay on (had to hold the key in place after starting the car, or the key would roll back and the car would shut off).

Thanks so much for your help!

 

Was the electrical portion of the ignition switch replaced?

What happens if you turn the key to the II position and do not try to start the car? Does the check engine light do the bulb check for about two seconds?

 

Yes the electrical portion of the Ignition Switch was replaced. Yes, when I turn the key to position II the check engine light does come on for about 2 seconds. However, I just checked it to confirm and the car is currently working so it is getting fuel. Not sure if this would come on when the fuel pump is not kicking on.

 

The fuel pump on my 94EX developed a "sticking" tendency which may be your problem. I discovered as you have that w/o the humm of fuel pump and CEL going off, no start. I found that "hammering" the sticky fuel pump w/ repeated on/off/on/off... would eventually cause the pump to run.

If you confirm that power is getting to the fuel pump, and it's not kicking off, this may be your problem.

The delay in the fuel pump could also be the Main Fuel Relay (poor connections on relay circuit board). This is easier to replace than fuel pump, so some checks to see if power is getting to the rear when fuel pump refuses to run are indicated to isolate the defective component.

good luck

 

When you say CLE what do you mean by that? Is that when the check engine light or D4 light glow for a few seconds after you turn the key to position II?

If so, my problem is that the CLE either does not come on or delays for a few seconds when I turn the ignition to position II. If the CLE light comes on, it will start every time.

This seems like an electrical issue to me, not the fuel pump itself. Correct?

 

CEL=Check Engine Light. From your description, main fuel relay (MFR) seems more likely. Failure of MFR will prevent CEL from coming on for 2-3 secs, then going off.

good luck

 

Ok, thanks. However, I just recently got my mechanic to replace the Main Relay, so I would think this would rule out problems with the Main Relay correct? Could anything else be causing this problem?

 

Power is coupled through ignition switch and MFR to fuel pump. ECM provides a ground path to enable MFR to close and send power to the fuel pump. ECM interupts ground after 2-3 secs and pump shuts down, CEL goes off.

It could be the ECM has a cracked circuit. I had to replace ECM in my 94EX due to problems w/ code 9 (CYP sensor). If you're sure ignition switch and MFR are good, ECM fault seems likely.

A used ECM can usually be found for $25-$50 using car-part.com to locate one in salvage yard or on ebay.

good luck

 

Thanks for the advice. Actually, I already replaced the ECM last week. Do you have any other ideas?

 

No, time to do some diagnostics.

good luck