I own a 1990 Civic, and here's what I do whenever mine does that (which it
still does, once in a blue moon) Turn the ignition switch completely off
and remove the key. Wait for about five seconds, then as quickly as you can
in one motion, put the key back in and turn the key all the way to the
"start" position immediately (DO NOT pause at the "on" position) Then,
theoretically, it should start up. If it doesn't, I'd say you probably do
have a bad fuel pump.

Jonathan

"Tony Muller" <tonymullerREMOVE@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:tonymullerREMOVE-817D15.11054209082004@news6.west.earthlink.net...
> (Also posted to rec.autos.makers.honda)
>
> HI All - new here, and I've learned a LOT by reading back articles for a
> few days; thanks! I've got a problem with a '90 Civic Wagon AWD.
>
> Symptoms - the car would not start when 'warm', and this started a
> couple of months ago, as the temps started to climb here in SoCal. It
> would run fine, then... after a quick stop, would refuse to start. I'd
> wait a few minutes, and almost always, it would re-start and run fine. I
> _never_ had any problems once the car was running - ran smooth, no
> 'missing', etc. SOMEtimes, the car would "try" to start - fire, and
> vroom up for a split second, then die. But woyld then "really_ start
> after a few minutes of waiting (cooling?)
>
> The other day, I did a quick errand, came out to start the car, and all
> it did was crank and crank... wouldn't start. THIS time, even after
> _several_ attemps, I had to call for a ride. Of course, the car failed
> AWAY from home (but only a mile or two) Still, I'm getting VERY tired of
> going back and forth, diagnosing and 'testing' various theories!
>
> After reading lots of great info (thanks!!) I assumed the Main Relay.
> Finally found the sucker and took it out. Resoldered and tested the
> relay per instructions in a Haynes manual, and it tests fine. All
> switches seem to swith, as tested w/12V and continuity meter.
>
> Plugged the relay back into the car - no go. Cranks like crazy, but will
> NOT start/run.
>
> So, I turn to the fuel pump. PREVIOUSLY, I _thought_ I could hear it
> whirring. Now, it doesn't seem to 'whirr' when the key is turned on-??
> Also, prior to this , there WAS the starting issue, but nothing else.
>
> Questions for you Gurus and more experienced mechanics -
>
> ? Can the Main Relay "test" OK, but still not work?
>
> ? How often do Fuel Pumps fail & do I _really_ need to remove the tank
> to get at it??
>
> ? Can the fuel pump fail 'intermittenly'? (seems like it would either
> work, or NOT work... this is - or was 'til the other day! - an
> intermitten problem.
>
> ? Could it be the Coil? There IS spark at the plugs, but I read
> somewhere this isn't fool-proof.
>
> So... do I buy a new Main Relay (I'd rather NOT spend the $60 -
> especially if I don't need to!) Do I replace the fuel pump? Help!! :-)
>
> If I can't get this fixed soon, I ned to tow the sucker home to keep
> diagnosing and testing... I fell like I'm close, but I'm hoping for some
> wisdom & advice! :-)
>
> Thanks,
> Tony
>
> PS - If you don't mind, please send replies as e-mail AND posts to the
> ng.. remember to remove spam blocker - thanks!
>
> --
>
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>