Last summer it didn't start- it did it about four times all summer. When it did it, it would crank and crank but not start... Each time, a few minutes later, it started and ran fine from then on.

Now- I've been driving it about two months and it hasn't done that again BUT on three occasions it tried not to start. Like it'd crank for 2-3 seconds and then sputter and die... All three times it really didn't take long for it to come out of that, at all, and once it does it is always fine from then on. It's like a little 20 second incident- nowhere near as bad as the few times it did it last summer when it would crank forever and not start.

I thought it was the infamous main relay, but, it does not seem to be related to temperature.

Today I changed the fuel filter, and the old one WAS pretty dirty, so maybe that cured it.... but could a dirty filter cause such an extremely occasional problem? What in the world caused the problem to get better on its own in terms of not being as bad as it was last year? Before I changed the filter?

 

Two possibilities are likely; Main Fuel Relay or Ignition Switch assy. Both can be highly intermittent.

Suggest waiting until things get worse, as you can only replace and hope you fix the problem. You won't know for some time.

good luck

 

I see what you mean- it's so confusing that the problem got better on its own, though. Like a loose solder joint healed itself during the winter, or something.. I guess I will only find out for sure what has been going on, like you say, when it becomes more of a pronounced issue.

 

Well, it did it again four times last week.. this time it was very very stubborn but it DID start after sitting for 2-3 minutes. I don't understand this at all. It hasn't done it for about a week now. I can't tie it to ambient temp, humidity, anything. I recently changed the fuel filter and the oil.

Any ideas?

 

No change from my original suggestions; MFR or ignition switch.

Can you hear the fuel pump come on when no-start occurs and you turn keyswitch to ON? If not, MFR is more likely but could still be bad ignition switch. Bad ignition switch usually shows w/ no Check Engine, Alt, Oil pressur lights coming on when keyswitch is turned to ON.

good luck

 

I feel stupid now, but I didn't listen for it.. I will, next time!! Is the MFR the infamous "main relay" I always read/hear about that ends up with bad joints in it?

 

MFR = main fuel relay

Yes, cracked solder joints is the common problem with that relay.

 

AH! That's the little rectangular goiter sized little bastad way up under the dash!!! I was TRYING to get that out when I changed the fuel filter, but, I didn't have any luck. There's a big step by step guide somewhere I am sure I can find that ..... Maybe I will get it to unmarry the car and take it apart and resolder some things or something. What the hell, right?

I just can't stand when I don't know what is causing something. If that stupid relay was upset, I'd think it'd be more predictable.. but, who on earth knows.

It did this yesterday and I don't think the fp came on, then it was just cranking, then I turned the key on and back off several times before trying to crank it- that time it took right off

The stupid part is, any time it ever does this, it may start for a second or two and die, then just crank and crank, I guess because it just burns what's left in the system.. right?

Then- as soon as it does take off and run- it's fine. NEVER stalls at lights or anything. I guess once the relay lets the pump come on, it's on after that and won't just shut off?

Sorry for rambling I've been awake for decades

 

That DOES sound kinda like the main relay problem.

 

Okay so anyone think this was related to this? https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...y-ideas-56338/ (Car recently would not start at all, ignition module fixed it, then a day later it did this no start but starts up and is fine a few minutes later routine)

PS: Always seem to have fuel pump coming on, relay click, CEL out+click and all of that like normal

Thanks