Engine not running - Will not start up?

Tiny
SIGP229GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 HONDA ACCORD
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 153,000 MILES
I bought a used Honda that wouldn'd start again after it ran for awhile. It would have to sit for a good bit of time before restarting. From what I can tell the spark is being cut for some reason because I smell fuel when attempting a restart. I was told to replace the distributor and the coil to remedy the problem. There was little to no improvement to this. At first I thought I received defective units and swapped out. Still no improvement. My car is throwing a EVAP code. Can this have something to do with it? If so what portion would be causing this?
Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 AT 9:25 AM

18 Replies

Tiny
SIGP229GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
I have also notcied that if I can get the car to start the D4 light will continue to flash until it is shut down and restarted. I am getting and Evap code and a factory trans module error code.
Thanks
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
  • MEMBER
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It depends I have actually check on two occasions. The first time there wasn't any spark. This is when I first replaced the distributor and coil.

Now:
Now I do have spark, but it still wont fire off. I will definately check the spark again when it doesn't want to start.

AS we stand this is where Im at.

I apologize for the delay to my response. I never eceived notification of your response. Thanks
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
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  • 12 POSTS
I have check the last time it decided not to start and I found there was a spark.
I have had there be no spark before as well. I am really baffled on this. ANyhelp you can provide will be great! Thanks
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
Just touching base to see if there has been any progress in solving the issue with my vehicle.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Sigp229guy,

Sorry for the delay in replying. My fellow technician is on long leave and I just happen to stumble on this question so I will continue assisting you from here.

Just to confirm the data available before we continue.

1. Vehicle does not start intermittently?
2. When not able to start, you do have ignition sparks?
3. Was the fuel pressure checked when it could not start?
4. When D4 light stays on or blinks, engine could not be started? Thuis is an indication of a faulty PGM-FI main relay. Known to intermittently fail caussing non starting. Alternatively this can also indicate a faulty PCM f the Check engine Light stays on as well and does not go off after 2 seconds.

I would suggest checking the PGM-FI main relay first. Remove it to check the printed circuit board of the relay. If any solders are found to be cracked, resolder them and retest.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
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1. Correct
2. No spark when it does not start
3. No it has not been checked
4. D4 light blinks after a rough restart. The check engine light comes on clicks off and then imediately comes back on. Although I do have a code for evap. Could this be causing the light to stay on?

Where can I purchase this relay?

Thanks
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
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The relay can be purchased at any parts outlet. If you are into DIY, resoldering the circuit board should do.

When sparks are not availabe, it most probably is caused by the distributor.

However if it is intermittent non starting and the CEL is showing, the fault would be due to a bad ECU.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
  • MEMBER
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I have already replaced both the distrbuter and coil. It occured again and returned both units as faulty and replaced with two completely new units.
The non start issue and no spark only seems to occur when the car is hot and has been running for sometime. Once the engine cools to lower temp it fires right off. I have also heard the relay under the dash can be a problem. (With the hot and cold starts)If I go to the parts store what relay will I be asking for and where is generally located under the dash?
As mentioned I have a code for evap, so wouldnt the light be on due to this? I turn the ignition on and the light comes on goes out for a second and returns back on. When I plug in a computer the only code I see is and Evap code. In the case the ECU is bad after trying the relay first is this something I could easily purchase from ebay? Thanks for the help
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Sorry I missed out the EVAP part. Let me know the exact trouble code so I can get the data for it.

The relay is known as PGM-FI main relay, commonly it is called the fuel injection relay.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_PGMFIRelay97Accord_7.jpg

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
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  • 12 POSTS
I'm working on getting the code for you. I should be able to reply in the next day or so.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
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I apologize for the delay. It seems I have aquired a few other codes as well. Here they are P0118, P0441, P1792. If I remember correctly one was for cooling, another for transmission and one for the evap.
I haven't gotten a chance to swap out the PGM-FI relay yet, but I plan on doing it soon. Thanks again for the help.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
P011 = Engine Coolant Temperature sensor.
This would cause non starting when engine is hot.

P0441 = EVAP Control System Insufficient Purge Flow. This could be due to clogged EVAP lines.

P1792 = Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. This is for the automatic transmission control circuit.

You would have to check/test the ECt for proper cononection or a fault with the sensor.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
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Where is the coolant temp sensor located on that engine.
Thanks again for all the help
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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The ECT is located at top left front of engine.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_EngComp97CL6cylFig06_1.jpg

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
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I have replaced the coolant temp sensor and it seems to be working as of now. Unfortunately I wont really know until it is reaqlly hot out, but for the time being it has been working. I will keep you posted. Thanks for the help.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
You are welcomed and will be keeping my fingers crossed. Hopefully we won't have to dig further for this problem.

Have a nice day.
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
SIGP229GUY
  • MEMBER
  • 12 POSTS
So the car has been starting fine from what I can tell, but now the speedo has acting up. It will read zero while driving down the road and all of a suddon it will come to life. Could this be the pick up? If so where is it located?
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Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 AT 6:23 PM

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