Won't always start... Service engine light.
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 10
Won't always start... Service engine light.
Hey guys... I am new to this site and was hoping that you could help me out here. I bought a used 1990 Honda Civic SI hatchback and I am having some troubles.
Typically when I start my car the Service light comes on for about 3 seconds and goes out (normal). After a short trip when I try to start the car again and turn the key to accessory power the service engine soon light will stay on for up to 5 min and my car won't start. The starter runs when I turn the key but it won't start. I am able to push the car and pop the clutch to get it to start. If I wait for a while (while staring at the light with a very intense focus *jks*) I hear a small click the the light blinks, then it sounds like a full relay click from under the dash and the light goes out. Then I can start the car.
What is going on?
I spoke with the local honda dealer and they thought it was the remaining components of an aftermarket alarm and engine immobilizer but I replace the alarm with a new one and all new components and it is still a problem. I have it booked into honda to see if is is storing a code for thursday but it is going to cost me a mint so any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Typically when I start my car the Service light comes on for about 3 seconds and goes out (normal). After a short trip when I try to start the car again and turn the key to accessory power the service engine soon light will stay on for up to 5 min and my car won't start. The starter runs when I turn the key but it won't start. I am able to push the car and pop the clutch to get it to start. If I wait for a while (while staring at the light with a very intense focus *jks*) I hear a small click the the light blinks, then it sounds like a full relay click from under the dash and the light goes out. Then I can start the car.
What is going on?
I spoke with the local honda dealer and they thought it was the remaining components of an aftermarket alarm and engine immobilizer but I replace the alarm with a new one and all new components and it is still a problem. I have it booked into honda to see if is is storing a code for thursday but it is going to cost me a mint so any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Last edited by vincevs; Jul 7, 2009 at 06:58 AM.
August 2010 ROTM
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 716
From: West Palm Beach, FL
Not too sure if it works on EF's, but here you go:
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1901557
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=1901557
Recognized HCF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,453
From: Houston, Texas
Sounds like a bad main relay, which provides power to the fuel pump.
A 1990 Civic has an OBD0 ECU, so AutoZone can't pull the CEL codes with a scan tool. But don't worry, you can easily pull the codes yourself:
A 1990 Civic has an OBD0 ECU, so AutoZone can't pull the CEL codes with a scan tool. But don't worry, you can easily pull the codes yourself:
Thread Starter
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 10
Thanks for the info on the codes! I will take a look after work...
Here is a picture of the relay that is clicking... it is located on the drivers side under the dash just behind the door hinge. Is this the main relay?
IMG_0513.jpg?t=1246993606
Here is a picture of the relay that is clicking... it is located on the drivers side under the dash just behind the door hinge. Is this the main relay?
IMG_0513.jpg?t=1246993606
Last edited by vincevs; Jul 7, 2009 at 11:07 AM.
