Engine will not start and run?

Tiny
MARC MARTIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
It was running perfectly, I put a new radiator after it had been in an accident it ran fine for a month then started stalling while I was driving down the road. It only happened once or twice and then it got to be more and more to where it wouldn't start. After taking it to a shop that I'm saying it's my motor mounts and battery cable still was not fixed after $250.00 charging me. So I replace the main fuel relay. I replaced the ignition switch. I replaced most of all my fuses in both fuse boxes. I tested the spark plugs the distributor it works fine. My RPM's go down to 500. When I hit on the gas and let go it stalls right away. I'm so confused of what the problem could be. Can anybody that has had this problem help me? I've looked online everywhere.
Sunday, August 4th, 2019 AT 4:05 PM

62 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have a timing belt that has let go. To be sure can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response. I need to hear the engine crank over so I can tell. Please let me know.
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Monday, August 5th, 2019 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
MARC MARTIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Downloading two videos; one is restart after shutting off, other is engine running from cold start then shutting off.
Videos (Click to make bigger)
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Monday, August 5th, 2019 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Thanks for the video. The timing belt sounds okay, I would now think the engine has no spark like the distributor has gone out. To be sure lets check the system. here is a guide to help you check for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Tuesday, August 6th, 2019 AT 10:29 AM
Tiny
SEANA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 180 MILES
I just replaced my main relay. The car started after a few cranks. I tried again and she started right up, ran for ten minutes, and stopped. No she wont start at all! She cranks but doesnt catch, just like before I replaced the relay. When the key is in the on position I hear the relay click but I dont hear the fuel pump turn on. What could be the problem?
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Check and see if you have spark? 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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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SEANA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I actually do hear the fuel pump turn on. Yes it has spark.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the fuel pressure with a gauge if its within specs and also the engine compression-
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HONDAGUY80
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a 93 honda accord and I had the same problem check to see if there spark in the spark plug while u crank the engine if theres not that means its your distributor
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:52 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TINA BOGART
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 97,000 MILES
Turns over, no spark. Well very little.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
The nice thing about OBD1 cars (pre-1996) is that you can pull trouble codes without having a scanner. Following is a how-to guide for pulling codes from a Honda: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/honda-car-1990-1995-obd1-code-retrieval-procedure-and-definition-table

See if there are any codes and report them back here and we'll go from there. Hopefully it will narrow things down a bit.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TINA BOGART
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Hey guys I just got anew dist, cap. Roaders. Starter, harmonic balance all new belts, thermostat, new radioter my car still wont start it turns over theres spark the fuel pump is working it has pressure and I have a new batterie tina 1990 Honda accordnow what do I do
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TINA BOGART
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Also it seems my spark plugs seem to grt flooded out when I try to start it why is it doing that any ideas
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Have you tried pulling trouble codes yet? If not, please do so we can move past the "throw money at it" method of repair. It's clearly not working.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PHIL TOMLINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 148,000 MILES
My 1990 Honda, on hot days, will not start. It will crank, but sounds like it isn't firing. If I cycle the ignition ket 4 or 5 times, then it will start. I have haeard two different reasons for the proble: 1) the fuel pump is bad or 2) there is a circuit board under the dash that controls the fuel pump relay that has a problem due to the thermal cycles of heating and cooling for the vehicles age. I'm wondering if the problem is the fuel pump relay itself possibly having burnt contacts due to the age and needs relpacement.

What is the correct answer? How hard is it to repair? Where would I find instructions on how to complete the repairs?

Phil
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Phil,

The cause should be the PGM-FI main relay located under dash. Quite often the soldered contacts of the circuit board of the relay cracks causing intermittent failure. Unplug the relay from its housing and resolder the contacts.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_PGMFIRelay90Accord_1.jpg

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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
PHIL TOMLINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you for your response. Do you know how difficult it is to get to the relay? I probably won't get it repaired for awhile, since it is working now.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi Phil,

It really is not that difficutt to get to it. Just have to move the seat as far back as possible and crawl under the dash and look up.

It would only be intermittent failures most of the time but sometimes it would just fire up and then stall. Under such circumstances it might not start until you wait some time. I would advise getting it done as such electrical faults are rather unpredictable and we do not know when it is going to fail or work.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DSTAMPER
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I had the same problem this summer. The mechanic replaced the fuel pump, but that did not fix the problem. He then replaced the distributor cap, and that did not fix the problem. Finally he replaced the main relay and the car has not had a problem starting ever since.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:53 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ALIAS20RIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 1990 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 178,000 MILES
I was driving my car and while I was driving I felt a little pull and I took my foot off the gas and I went to accelerate and I noticed nothing happened. My radio and everything in my car still was on. I pulled over and tried starting my car it cranks but wont turn over. I have replaced my alternator and battery when I bought the car last April I have also replaced the timing belt and balancing belt last September my mechanic replaced my fuel pump and fuel relay thinking it was something with the fuel system neither worked. My mechanic is telling me something with the cars computer meaning I would need to take it to a dealer and hook it to their computer and see what it is, which would cost a lot of money. Since having this car I have put almost $1,500.00 in repairs such as replacing parts. I do not know what it could be that is not letting my car start. If anyone might have a clue let me know. I need my car it is my only transportation and it is difficult with a family.
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,321 POSTS
Hello,

I have seen this problem before, remove the distributor cap and look for rust colored dust, this is letting you the distributor is going out and needs to be replaced, it happens all the time on that car.

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 AT 10:54 AM (Merged)

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