1990 Acura Integra Trouble starting the car

Tiny
MEL3355
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 ACURA INTEGRA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 175,000 MILES
I have been having a very strange problem for over the past 4-6 months. It all started with what seem to be a dead battery. Got it jumped turned on just fine. But the problem kept occurring, but only in interesting situations. The car would cold start just fine. After driving it for about 30 minutes for about a distance of 25 miles (my work commute) it would not start after driving it for anymore than 15-20 minutes should I turn the car off and try to turn it back on. After a few hours it would start just fine. If I was to drive the car for a short time and distance for example to the grocery store and come back withing 15 minutes I would be able to turn on the car, any longer, no dice. I finally took it to a mechanic and he said it was the alternator. Got it swapped with a rebuilt and I put in a new battery. The car was fine after that. Two weeks later I started to get the same symptoms as stated before. This time with one more funny thing. I could no longer turn on the car even with a jump on a cold start but in warm to hot weather. I finally got it to turn on with a push start and the engine was starting to sputter. Took it back to the same mechanic and he said it was a fuel relay. Got it running again just fine for a month and a half. Present day now and I'm getting the same symptoms back again. New issues though. On a cooler morning the car would not turn on and run on the first, or second time. It would start sputter and shut off. This has been occurring for the last five days. Tonight after resting for about 8 hours I had to jump it to get home. I don't what else could be wrong. All other electronics work. Once the car turns on it is fine. Additional notes. The mechanic told me that all electronics and charging systems are ok. Any ideas?
Sunday, September 26th, 2010 AT 11:42 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi mel3355,

Symptoms indicates a possible fault with the PGM-FI main relay ( fuel relay) or the PCM.

Was the PGM-FI main relay replaced? If yes, with a new or used unit?

Is the Check Engine Lamp indicating while driving? Does it turn on and goes off after 2 seconds when ignition switch is turned ON?
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Monday, September 27th, 2010 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
MEL3355
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I don't know if it was the PGM-FI relay. Is there more than one fuel pump relay? I should have been more specific on the relay. The fuel pump relays was changed. However, I also do not know if it was new or not. If it was a used relay could it have been faulty? The check engine light does turn on and turns off after a few seconds after ignition. The light does not stay on at all while driving.
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Monday, September 27th, 2010 AT 2:22 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The PGM-FI main relay is commonly known as the fuel pump relay. This component is known to fail intermittently, especially during hot weathers.

Used or even new relays can fail and the best way to go about is to remove the relay and replace the solders on the circuit board. Repairing is a better option than replacing.
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Monday, September 27th, 2010 AT 2:45 PM
Tiny
MEL3355
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks so much for your help. I live in Souther California in the inland areas and the last week we have been in triple digits. Would you know ball park on the cost of doing such a repair?
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Monday, September 27th, 2010 AT 3:02 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
The diagram shows the location of the PGM-FI main relay.

Removal and installation of the component should be 1/2 hour book time. Repairing could be another 15 minutes.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_PGMFIRelay90Civic_5.jpg

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Monday, September 27th, 2010 AT 3:27 PM
Tiny
MEL3355
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Fantastic! Thank you so much for your help.
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Monday, September 27th, 2010 AT 3:41 PM

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