QuestionQUESTION: I have a 4-cylinder, '94 Honda Accord EX in Florida.
The car will usually start in the early morning or after dark and then run fine. However, if I start it for the first time in the heat, it will not catch. If I'm lucky to get it to catch and I rev it for a while---it usually conks out until the engine temp rises.
I've had the fuel pump relay replaced and that didn't solve the problem. I broke the starter trying endlessly to get the car to start (another expense).
Now my latest mechanic, based on diagnostics, is 90% sure the computer is bad. He can't explain why it runs fine sometimes and other times it won't start. Do these symptoms indicate a different problem? Is there a budget-friendly way to see if I need to replace the computer before I spend A LOT of money on this? What are some options, please!!
ANSWER: LJC, not to say that your mechanic doesn't know what he is talking about but, the ECU (computer) is not the likely source vs. the symptoms you are describing. If anything i would consider replacing the fuel pump and fuel filter. Before doing that though you should evaluate and clear all the codes in the ECU.
Have your mechanic or yourself create the problem. Start the car and allow it to warm up to engine operating temperarure. Keep starting the car until it fails. When the car does fail it will show a check engine code. Read the code and this will guide you in the right area which needs to be further evaluated.
This could be as simple as a sensor in the cooling system or fuel component failing under operating temperature. This is the only way to be 100% certain that you are focusing on the problem at hand and/or further problems.
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QUESTION: Thank you for your quick response!
The mechanic wanted to check the car when it wasn't running, so I waited until evening (it started right up), left it overnight at the shop, and walked over at mid-day with the key (knowing it wouldn't start).
I figured if I had started the car first thing that day, it would have run fine, making it difficult to figure out what was wrong.
I've checked the Internet and have read A LOT of theories about this problem: fuel pump, fuel filter, distributor, choke/throttle, main relay, ECU, wires, sensors, etc.
(In one case, the owner put the computer in the fridge for a half hour, then tested it.)
The "main relay," which I believe involves the fuel injector, comes up quite a bit for "it'll start and run when it's cool outside, but not when it's hot" scenarios. Based on the symptoms, is this another possibility?
In the past two months, I've blown my savings on various car stuff: radiator, tires, axle, rack and pinion, starter and fuel pump relay---so I need to be cost-conscious about this problem that has stumped several mechanics. (One of them supposedly checked the fuel pump.)
I'm kinda nervous about this, because like you answered, the problem doesn't fit the classic computer problem---which means it's something else.
A different car isn't an option, so I need to keep doing CPR on this one!
If you have any additional imput based on what I've added, I'd surely appreciate it!!
Thanks again, LJC
AnswerYes main relay is a classic case and scenario start there and start cheap. Then replace the fuel pump and fuel filter. Fuel pump is easy to replace. Remove lower part of rear seat which exposes the area for the in-tank fuel filter. Pull it out and swap it for the new unit done takes me about an hour. The fuel filter is mounted near the firewall passenger side. Acouple of wrenches and a 10mm bolt. Done. This will eliminate future problems for you as well when your car gets above 120K and could possibly leave you stranded out of nowhere on the freeway, etc.
