Just the main relay failing
Steve
"John" <john@nospam.net> wrote in message
news:4112A6F2.12CB3981@nospam.net...
> My friend's Honda civic won't start when it hot outside. He believes
> the main relay is not closing (no clicking) when this happens. He
> removed the relay and we checked it on the bench. It closes reliably
> with 12 volts even after baking in the oven a while. The solder
> connections look find but we retouched them anyway. He's putting it
> back to see. I expect the problem will return and the relay seems
> solid.
>
> When he has the problem, it seems that there isn't even a sputter.
> Completely dead. If he lets it set a while it starts okay then. He
> believes the main relay doesn't click and fuel pump doesn't do the usual
> start up noise. I'd check for fuel pressure on the rail, but there
> isn't any access port. Is there an easy way to check this?
>
> I've read elsewhere that the ignitor can be a problem. Someone else said
> try a new reluctor. However the problem seems to relate to outside
> temperature, not to under hood temperature. I was thinking a crank pos
> sensor. We have no diagnostic tools to check these things.
>
> I guess I should also mention it is cranking nicely, just not starting
> or even stuttering. If it starts, it runs just fine.
>
> He's worked the ignition key when this happens, so we don't think the
> ign switch is bad.
>
> Are there any other common issues with this model that cause it to not
> start when the cabin of the car is hot?
>