Questions and Answers
Integra Won't Start Sometimes
Q. I have the following vehicle:
1989 Acura Integra RS
1.6 liter
5-speed
156,000 miles
fuel injectionThe problem I am having is an intermittent one. When I start the car (cold) sometimes it cranks, and cranks, and cranks (not a battery or starter problem). Other times it starts right away. I have listened to hear if the fuel pump pumps up before starting and most of the time you can hear it, but sometimes you can't and it will still start. The car does not stall when driving.
Sometimes the car will start and then die in the first 15 seconds - but if it runs longer than 15 seconds, it won't stall. The problem happens five times more often in the summer than the winter. I have bought the repair manuals but they are in storage and I don't know which box! I am trying to figure out if it might be an electrical problem (relay) or a mechanical/electrical problem (fuel pump). I have changed the fuel filter.
I have had this problem for over two years and it seems to be getting worse/more frequent now Initially once a month and now every other day. The strange thing is that if it doesn't start you can try all day and it won't start, but if you turn the key all the way off for at least 30 seconds, it probably will start the next time - if it doesn't I wait another 30 seconds and try again - this leads me to think maybe the computer needs reset in order to start the car. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Confused,
TomA. Okay Tom, I assume since you are the original owner, you had the Ignition Ignitor Recall performed. if not, then go to your local Acura Dealer and have it done. That could be the cause of the problem.
The first thing I would want to do is to check fuel pressure and spark and see which one is missing when it won't start. Right now it's a 50/50 chance it's one or the other. Once we know what's missing, we can troubleshoot it further.
I think if you read my article Honda Main Relays, I think that will explain the most likely cause of the problem. You can also print it out and take it to your mechanic, I'm sure he'll find it useful.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
