I was excited to find this board, as it could be the answer to my problem. I have a 99 2dr Accord w/ the 3.0 auto. Over the last two years a total of eight or so times the car just wont start. It just cranks like it has no fuel or fire. It always has gas in it so thats never been the problem. It can sit for 10 or 15 minutes then it fires right up and acts like nothing ever happened. Then it might go another 6 months without an issue. It always happens at the most inconvenient times though. Had it to the dealer twice. No issues were found because they cant duplicate the problem. It has 95k on it, and all recalls have been performed. Other than this it's always performed flawlessly. I've heard everything from the local honda gurus from the distributor, the coils, fuel pump, relays,and so on. The problem is I'd like to nail it on the first shot. I dont really have the cash to just start throwing tons of parts at it. Any help would be greatly appriciated. Thanks, Adam

 

If it happens when the interior is hot, check main relay.

Key ON (but not START).
Listen for fuel pump to run for 2 seconds then stop.

 

Where is the main relay. Advanced shows 5 choices for one, but its not in the relay box under the hood. Also how would you check it? Thanks for the reply Jim.

 

Check the main relay by listening for fuel pump like I said.

Located sorta above drivers left knee, or over towards that kick panel. Listen for it to click when itswitchesfuel pumpon & off during that test.

Common problem is cracking solder joints in the relay. Can be fixed if you have some soldering skills. Usually with cracked joints, the relay will click but fuelpump doesnt run.

 

Bad main relay is more common than bad fuel pump. But bad fuel pump can be checked by testing for power at the fuel pump wires. Got a multi-meter??

 

Wow! After a little more searching this seems like an epidemic. Ill be ordering a main relay asap, and post the news. Thanks for the help Jim.

 

Check for fuel pump running. Thats a simple check with no tools, before you throw parts at it. If the fuel pump runs & it still doesnt start, you have to start looking elsewhere.

 

I agree with Jim. Listening for the fuel pump to kick on is one of the quickest and easiest diagnostic tests for a no-start. All you need is your key and a good ear. Learn to listen for it to help out with future DIY work.